[DeTomaso] spark plug question

Garth Rodericks garth_rodericks at yahoo.com
Mon Sep 19 15:01:31 EDT 2011


Almost any plug for a 351C will do - EXCEPT Platinum plugs. Do not use platinum plugs. Lots of reports of poor running Clevelands because someone tried platinum plugs. Search the list for more details.

Also, no need to waste money on gimmicky multiple electrode plugs. These plugs are an attempt to increase the service life of the spark plug. Tiny particles of metal are removed from the ground electrode each time the plug fires, hence they gradually wear away. There is a misconception that a multi ground plug will produce multiple sparks - this is not true, only the nearest electrode to the center (i.e. currently the longest) will spark, as that becomes worn, another electrode will become the longest and replace it as the sparking electrode. And some would argue that the additional electrodes disturb the flow of gases around the spark plug tip and performance may even be reduced. Furthermore, for high performance engines, the additional metal within the combustion chamber will retain more heat and may be more prone to detonation/pre ignition.


Get a good set of inexpensive Autolite or Champion spark plugs and gap them properly. If you're running an MDS HEI, open the gap to something between .040 and .050 - experimentation will tell you what works best for your particular engine.

Cheers!
Garth
#4033



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