----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 9:16
PM
Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Spark plugs
& Resistor wire.
The spark plugs recommended for a 1971 Chevelle
is AC R45T with a gap of .035. The plug for a 1975 is R44T with a gap of .060.
The plug for a 1976 is R45T with a gap of .045. The plug for a 1977 is R45T
with a gap of .045.
My question is- being that I am using a HEI dist.
what should I set the gap at, .060 or .045 The second question is should
I go to a R44T plug.
My third question is should I look at a better
coil. I now have a stock HEI coil. Can you buy a High Perf. coil which will
fit inside the top to the stock HEI dist. cap??
Keith
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 10:40
AM
Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Spark
plugs & Resistor wire.
You bring up a very good point. I have been
purchasing spark plugs are a 71 Chevelle, when I should be buying plugs for
a 1975 something. You have the book, but I thought that HEI where put in
1972 cars. Thanks for the information. I really overlooked the spark plugs
application.
Keith
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 10:38
AM
Subject: [Chevelle-List] Spark plugs
& Resistor wire.
Let me try and clear up some
confusion. First, I'm not an expert on this but I do have some knowledge
on the subject.
The HEI was was installed across
the GM car line in 1975 through 1980. After that computer controlled HEI's
came in. The main difference being the external vacume advance housing.
Conventional point dist. can only handle 2.5 amps before burning up. The
HEI can handle 4 amps. More amps, better coil saturation. Since the HEI
needs a full 12 volts to run efficiently (unlike points, 8 volts) you MUST
lose the resistance wire. The HEI can produce 35000 + volts but it needs
the full 12 volts to do this. (coil saturation) The resistor wire causes a
voltage drop after starting. During starting it is by-passed. This wire is
what kept the points from burning up. Keith is right about the PINK wire.
But don't make it too long. The longer the path, the less voltage. As for
spark plugs and the HEI, you should be sure to use the right
application. Plugs designed for conventional ignitions should not be
used because when you open the gap you are really bending the electrode at
an angle. To fire efficiently the ground electrode should be flat over the
center electrode. HEI plugs have a shorter center electrode. And this
allows for the larger gap. Larger gap, longer spark. And don't over look
the plug wires. You need at least 8mm wire. Use a good silicone and wipe
the inside of the plug and dist. boot. It not only keeps moisture out but
helps keep voltage loss down. Not to mention easier boot removal. A very
good book I bought several years ago was "IGNITION / ELECTRICITY BOOK by
Dr. Christopher Jacobs. It may still be available. I think it cost around
15 bucks. Hope this small bit of info helps
everyone.
Rich
