Plugs for Vortec heads - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SunSoaked · 02-09-2020, 07:09 AM

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?

B. W. · 02-09-2020, 11:14 AM

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.

SunSoaked · 02-09-2020, 11:45 AM

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.

**tdangle** · 02-09-2020, 11:52 AM

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

SunSoaked · 02-09-2020, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdangle

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

L31 Vortec heads?

burnin oil · 02-09-2020, 09:19 PM

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.

**tdangle** · 02-10-2020, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

L31 Vortec heads?

Yes.

**biketopia** · 02-12-2020, 01:52 PM

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.

rpmerf · 02-12-2020, 03:21 PM

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.

Tom · 02-12-2020, 03:35 PM

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

wpavlis · 02-12-2020, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpmerf

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

Why is that?

95 S_Trucker · 02-13-2020, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biketopia

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.

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.

**bigmac73** · 02-13-2020, 12:02 PM

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

Tom · 02-13-2020, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

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.

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?

burnin oil · 02-13-2020, 09:33 PM

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.

**biketopia** · 02-18-2020, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

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.

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.

02-09-2020, 11:14 AM	#2
B. W. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Bigfork, Montana Posts: 1,137	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.

02-09-2020, 11:45 AM	#3
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,524	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. Attached Images

02-09-2020, 11:52 AM	#4
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,209	Re: Plugs for Vortec heads The GM crate engine I just got came with Deleon AC R44TLS plugs __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

02-09-2020, 09:19 PM	#6
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,919	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.

02-12-2020, 01:52 PM	#8
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,008	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. __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

02-09-2020, 07:09 AM	#1
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,524	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?

02-12-2020, 03:21 PM	#9
rpmerf Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Parkville, MD Posts: 1,024	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. __________________ 1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z

02-12-2020, 03:35 PM	#10
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,690	Re: Plugs for Vortec heads R44LTS. Yes, vortecs have longer threads then standard small block heads. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

02-13-2020, 12:02 PM	#13
bigmac73 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Chesapeake, Va Posts: 1,275	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 __________________ Mike 72 C-10 Cheyenne off frame resto and Upgraded to 4 wheel disk, Tilt, Dakota Digital Dash / Rear slider. 421 SBC / TH350 3000RPM Stall Progression Ignition /Holley 750 DP/3:73 gear Eaton Limited Slip unit / 2 1/2 exhaust glasspacks

02-13-2020, 09:33 PM	#15
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,919	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.



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