Champion Spark Plugs on a L-79 Corvette?

[72-SS-L48]

Hi Guys,

Can someone tell me... Will Champion RJ - 1848 Resistor spark plugs work on a 67 L79 Corvette? If so what should I gap them to?

Thanks,
Dave

[markjohnson]

I would think a standard .035 gap and you will be fine. Large plug gaps are hard on plug wires. My father used to maintain a friend's '66 L-79 Corvette and once put Champion plugs in it and it ran terrible. Now this was probably over 20 years ago so details are forgotten. I think you oughta stick with AC's probably or even NGK's that have become very popular with members here.

[PxTx]

I had a similar experience with some Champion plugs not running well on a 'Vette. This was a 197X disco-machine so not the same as the ignition parts in the 67.

Mark, not to nit-pic but what are your thoughts on the larger gap being hard on wires? I realize more voltage is used to jump the gap vs being there to add to the start of combustion. Are you saying the increase in gap = increase in resistance and the wires will break down sooner?

[SSRSBOB]

J12YC is the perfect plug for that car.

My buddy runs them in his L79. Perfect heat range for today's gas. Also work in the Z28 too. 11 to one comp.

Bob

[markjohnson]

Yes Paul, you pretty much figured it out with the increased resistance making the wires break down sooner. I also wanna say that if the gap is too large with poor quality, stock type skinny plug wires that a spark can be induced from one cylinder wire to another OR just ground out to a valve cover or something, especially the consecutive-firing cylinders of #5 and #7. A friend had this problem with large plug gaps and poor plug wires on a 440-6 Pack Charger. It looked like a Fourth of July Fireworks display when the hood was open at night!

[Belair62]

I only use Champions in my lawnmower.It's a Toro.I never had much luck with them in any of my cars..

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Belair62</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I only use Champions in my lawnmower.It's a Toro.I never had much luck with them in any of my cars.. </div></div>

What he said. I have NEVER had a gm car that ran well with Champions.

Although, here is a bit of trivia. Anyone know what the letters AC stand for (without looking it up on the internet)?

Albert Champion...



Wayne

[danachevroletfor1967]

The only mechanic who could get my 1969 Z/28 to run right said that he wouldn't use Champion plugs in his lawnmower. He replaced the Champions with AC R43's. I used Champions in my 1965 Dodge Coronet though all the time, and they seemed to work fine in it. Maybe Champions just work better in Mopars than in GM's.

[Lynn]

Back when I had the shop I only used AC's in GM, used Autolite (when available - if not then Motorcraft) in Fords, and Champions in Mopars (when I had to work on one - I hate Mopars).

[69 Post Sedan]

I have had great luck with Autolite or Motorcraft plugs in my GM motors! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69 Post Sedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had great luck with Autolite or Motorcraft plugs in my GM motors! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif </div></div>

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif In my neck of the woods way back when (in and around 1970....geez counting the years gives me a headache, but I digress... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif) that was a hot tip for your rat motor musclecar. For me at least that all changed when NGK came to town.

Wayne

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69 Post Sedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had great luck with Autolite or Motorcraft plugs in my GM motors! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif </div></div>

I agree Autolites work well in GM cars, probably lots of others as well.

In fact, just put a set of $1.90 Autolites in a Ferrari V12 and it runs way better than it did with the high dollar Champion platinums.

[Salvatore]

Autolites never failed me.

[markjohnson]

I've had really good experience with Autolite's in my Nitrous Street Racing days many, many moons ago. I'd burn the electrodes off from AC brand plugs but those cheap, regular Wal-Mart Autolites ALWAYS held up for me! I like their numbering system also......#24, #25, #26's for their heat ranges in my application. I'd use #25's for no bottle usage and the #24's for the NOS.