AC43 Original vs. AC43 reproduction

[68camaroz28]

Recently purchased a set of the AC43 reproduction spark plugs to compare to originals. I must say after installation one would have a difficult time knowing original or repro, as the differences are in the spring washer and script & knurl on the lower barrel of the spark plug. Script on the originals is "AC SPARK PLUG FLINT MICH MADE IN U.S.A."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49989514133_0c15efb72f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2japjWH)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49990281117_db531dd1f2_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jatfWz)

[BCreekDave]

The 3 in the 43 looks noticeably different to me.
They must be barred from using the "AC Spark Plug" name. Maybe that's why the didn't try on the knurl as that would have been easy to do.

[70 copo]

Awesome...the next judging addition to the checklist will be to pull the plugs to get points for original vs repop.:smile:

Or just look for the knurled strip towards the top on the originals.

[CamarosRus]

Assuming you all are "joking" around......At which judged show are they pulling a plug wire boot and inspecting for this.........???

I cant even get spare tires pulled to inspect jack accuracy and dates

[68camaroz28]

Assuming you all are "joking" around......At which judged show are they pulling a plug wire boot and inspecting for this.........???

I cant even get spare tires pulled to inspect jack accuracy and dates

Legends Judging at Camaro Nationals you are asked to pull spare so jack date can be checked but that is a 5000 point judging system. Bowtie and Concours type as you know are 1000 point and I've never noted or seen that detail checked as you mentioned.

[CamarosRus]

When I was judging 2nd Gen LEGENDS at the Camaro Nationals spare tires were not being pulled. I will be sending your statement to the 2nd Gen judges for comment and clarification...............

[Mr70]

SuperChevy GOLD class used to check spark plugs for factory correctness.

[68camaroz28]

When I was judging 2nd Gen LEGENDS at the Camaro Nationals spare tires were not being pulled. I will be sending your statement to the 2nd Gen judges for comment and clarification...............

Chuck, don’t know about 2nd gen but can assure you Larry Christensen and company do or were on First gens as mine was checked.

[70 copo]

Pulling the boot is one thing because you are looking for the correct heat range and green stripes=easy.

Pulling all the plugs physically out of the head to check them for reproductions is another deal all together

[firstgenaddict]

The ground strap on the repro is not near as beefy as the AC plug, PLUS it appears the electrodes are sticking out different lengths, something just looks wonky with the repro.

[Mr70]

Agree,the placement of the #43 looks higher & bolder,and the 4 green rings look beefier and almost the wrong shade.

[RobR]

....also The center electrode on the original plug has Serrations the repo plug does not.