Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Looking for accurate info for the correct plugs when swapping Vortec heads on gen 1 engine. There seems to be a lot of confusing information out there. My issue, posted in another thread regarding fouled plugs, may be caused by using the wrong plugs. In currently using Accel shorty header plugs.

I'm not sure how I chose these but I'm convinced they aren't correct. It appears the "reach" is way too short. They are advertised as .408 and I'm reading Vortecs take extended reach that are more like .7xx reach.

Before I drop $80 on a set of AC Delco plugs I want to make sure they are the right ones.

Is it safe to assume, I can spec plugs for a 96-00 truck with a 5.7 engine?

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

FWIW, I'm running AC Delco #14 spark plugs. Single platinum. As you stated, fitment is 96-00 5.7. I'm running ram's horn manifolds.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Thanks B W.

Is this what your using? Is the 14 refer to the heat range? I'm not familiar with the numbering system. From the pic, the porcelain side doesn't look much longer than the Accel shorties I have.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

The GM crate engine I just got came with Deleon AC R44TLS plugs

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

L31 Vortec heads?

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Autolite 606 plugs that are about 99 cents each. Nothing with dual electrodes as they are gimmicks. I think platnums are over priced when you consider just swapping 2 or 3 sets of regular plugs in that time frame.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Yes.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

No need for platinum in this application, regular old copper & nickle plugs are what they were designed for, and factory have a 100k service life. They're cheap, as stated the R44LTS6 plugs are what's called for with a.060 gap, locally my jobber price is $2.14 each. I had those plugs with vortec heads on my 95 camaro we SBC swapped and had no issues clearing headers.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

I went through this last fall when I got new plugs for my Suburban. The original part number has been discontinued. There is a replacement number, but the material is different. I heard some people say that is fine, others that noticed issues. I believe in keeping spark plugs the same material as what they were from the factory. I went with the AC Delco 14. This is a platinum plug.

Now if you are running Vortec heads with an HEI, I would go with copper plugs.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

R44LTS.
Yes, vortecs have longer threads then standard small block heads.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Why is that?

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

The vortecs that left the factory had platinum plugs. Iridium was used as a replacement. The factory plug is a 41-932.

A copper/nickel plug will not last 100,000 miles. They should be changed at 30,000, maybe 50,000 at the most.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

I run the 605 Auto lite copper plug, as i was not impressed with AC 41-993 iridium price or performance
No issues with the autolite plugs

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Or crap I missed that post. And your totally right, the R44LTS I said is a standard plug. Oem is platinum. I prefer standards and changing them more often but that's a personal preference. Anyone who tries to go 100k on them is going have a bad time mmmm k?

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

605 is a slightly colder plug. Good for a higher compression setup. 606 are the correct plug and slightly warmer. They both work pretty well.

Re: Plugs for Vortec heads
 

Man I messed up posts on like 3 different topics that day, had way too much going on and looking in 10 different places for info.