Hotter spark plugs for 1954

[Ted K.]

The chart calls for ACDelco 43 spark plugs. They seem to get fouled out fairly quickly. The fuel mixture might be a little on the rich side. I am thinking a hotter plug might prolong the life of the plug by burning more of the fuel. The car doesn't get driven much over 50 miles a year and I seem to replace the plugs every other season. Any suggestion for a hotter plug or is there any value in buying a much more expensive plug with a low compression engine?
Thanks,

[Duke W.]

Re: Hotter spark plugs for 1954

It's incomprehensible to me why Chevrolet installed AC heat range "3". Maybe they thought these cars would be racing all the time. For ALL production engines (other than L-88 and ZL-1) the best heat range for normal road driving including extended freeway driving at 80 MPH is AC heat range "5" or equivalent in another brand.

In an old AC spark plug catalogue I have that goes back to '62 they actually list the 46 or R45 for the 235 CID six in full size cars. If you insist on AC you'll have to install R45 since the non-resistor 45 is no longer available, but there are a couple of non-resistor equivalents in other brands - NGK B4 and Denso W14-U.

Duke

[Troy P.]

Re: Hotter spark plugs for 1954

Agree. 45 is the answer. Only use the original plugs and repo wires for shows.