Although it is not my intent to show my 59 Fuelie, as I maintain and improve the car I do want to make it as correct as reasonably possible. I recently saw some NOS spark plugs on ebay that are supposed to be correct for my car (AC 44 that are ribbed without green stripes and all that). Are there any compromises or tradeoffs in performance/reliability with some of these older technologies and products that should be considered in these decisions? Thanks. - Kevin
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Re: spark plugs for C1
Kevin, In my opinion I would use an AC 46 which I believe is the plug specified for a C1 fuel car. The AC plugs without the green rings are the later type, made in Mexico, and I would say their quality is poor. If you use AC plugs insist on the earlier style w/ the green rings, which I think are the best. -
Re: spark plugs for C1
The 44's are too cold for ordinary driving. A 46 would probably be the best, but they are no longer produced. They are available at swap meets and from some of the Vette vendors at an elevated price. I use R45's in my 62 fuelie, and they seem to perform pretty well. Several people have recommended a Champion 14 range, but I haven't had an opportunity to try them yet.Comment
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Re: spark plugs for C1
Sounds like the concensus is the AC 46 are the preferred choice. Thanks.Comment
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Re: spark plugs for C1
Kevin -
AC 46's were used in C1 production (after mid-'57), in spite of what the Owner's Manual and Shop Manuals say, in response to owner complaints of plug fouling with 44's. However, the AC 46 plugs were discontinued almost three years ago. I've had good service from the current AC R45S and the heat range-equivalent Champion RJ14YC.Comment
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Re: spark plugs for C1
John, I'll keep them in mind too. Thanks.Comment
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Re: spark plugs for C1
Kevin
According to Nolan Adams Restoration Guide, page 314, AC 46's were used on the asembly line for '58 and '59 all engines. '60 and '61 FI cars used a 44FF. As soon as the single heat range plugs, also called "Fire Ring" plugs, were used in 1956, and the multiple heat range plugs (43-5, 44-5, etc.), were discontinued from asseembly line use, the ribs on the poercelain had 4 thin green stripes. This lasted until about 1974 (I have some even striped plugs in boxes dated '73). After that, the ribs were 3 thin stripes and 1 thick stripe. I have some plugs dated '75 this way. The plain porcelain was about mid to late '80's.
Hope this helps.
JeffComment
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Re: spark plugs for C1
Correction-
In the above posting I said that in 1956 the single heat range plugs used on the assembly line had 4 thin green rings. This is incorrect. the very first ones (56 and 57) had no rings but had raised ribs. I believe that in 58 the greens rings were used. Sorry for the blunder.
JeffComment
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