Just wondering...
What's the difference between AC Delco plugs compared to the AC Delco "rapid fire" brand??
I was told NOT to use bosch platium spark plugs in a V6 fiero engine.
Any help???

fierogt28

[This message has been edited by fierogt28 (edited 02-14-2005).]

This is best decided for yourself by doing a search for "spark plugs" like this thread https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20010924-2-008971.html You'll get MANY different opinions. I used to think there must be better plugs out there than just plain ol' AC Delco....but I know better now. Just my 2cents!

I have the Rapid Fires in my 2.8L, I like them. I also run a Crane Hi6S to help with some pinging. So far so good. I had them lying around, so it didn't cost me anything. I'd recommend them thought. I used to used them in mid 90 Grand Am's to help with pinging and chuggle problems.

quote Originally posted by fierogt28: Just wondering... What's the difference between AC Delco plugs compared to the AC Delco "rapid fire" brand?? I was told NOT to use bosch platium spark plugs in a V6 fiero engine. Any help??? fierogt28

??????? I use nothing but bosch platnum???? why shouldn't you use them?????

quote Originally posted by P.O.L. Mafia: ??????? I use nothing but bosch platnum???? why shouldn't you use them?????

I have a friend who's a mechanic,he says he throws any brand of Platinum plugs away all the time.Why?Because the electrode is as this as a pin,much,much smaller than a standard plugs electrode.So I asked him what goes bad in the plug?He says because the electrode is so small they foul very easily,it only takes one spark to ignight the fuel regardles if it's a $1.49 or a $$8.99 plug.I use the Bosch Super, with a standard electrode.There was a post months ago and most people didn't like any of the Champium plugs.Just my 2 cents..........

[This message has been edited by James Bond 007 (edited 02-14-2005).]

quote Originally posted by P.O.L. Mafia: ??????? I use nothing but bosch platnum???? why shouldn't you use them?????

Generally speaking, platinum plugs seem to be ok in most engines which use a distributor, but to fail quickly in waste spark/DIS systems. It's believed that the "reverse polarity" spark present on half of the plugs in a DIS system prematurely burns out the platinum plug's center electrode.

I've had platinum plugs in my 2.8 for a few years now, and haven't had a problem with them. Are they worth it? Not really IMO. I needed new plugs, and bought the platinums as an experiment. Runs & idles just like it did with normal plugs, says my ass-o-meter. I'll be going back to good ol' fashioned AC Delco plugs when the platinums need replacing methinks. YMMV.

(and it's about time you signed up in here Jason! )

I was an Engine Performance Tech (engine doctor) for 7 years on all makes & models in the late 80's and early 90's. The worst time in automotive history for such a position due to the transition in how engine performace was managed. I changed and examined 1000's of spark plugs, before and after use, in all possible conditions in all types of engines.

The Fiero 2.8 V6 has a crude 80's fuel injection system in it. (MPFI) Injectors fire even when spark plugs don't. Buick at that time had a very modern system with distributorless ignition and injectors that only fire when the plug fires. (SFI)

From my professional experence, what's the bottom line?

Don't run a fancy plug in your Fiero 2.8. Run a simple quality spark plug. Some of which would be...

Standard AC Delco
Standard NGK
Standard Bosch

Working 60 hours a week for 7 years doing that job, what was my personal favorite?

The Bosch Super - Copper Electrode...

Strong, simple, effective, and as reliable as a refrigerator.

My least favorite?

Champion...

The Champion had the highest failure rate in all conditions... it's resistance to fouling, strength of porcelain tower, electrode wear, efficency, and on and on and on. Absolutely horrible in comparison.

That's my .02 on spark plugs.

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Profile? In 20 years... Auto Detailing, Auto Body, Classic & Antique Restorations, Mechanic, Engine Performance Specialist, Porsche-Jaguar Tech, Wholesaler, Sales, Independent Full Service Repair Shop, Vehicle Vinyl Graphic Design and hard-core auto / aviation enthusiast... now searching for a new career. What a ride!

[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 02-14-2005).]

I've always ran simple AC Delco plugs in my boosted cars. I'm going to try some NGK TR6s in the turbo 3.4 to see how they do. There is an old term I heard when I was a kid... Keep it simple stupid.... And no where does that ring truer than in spark plugs. I've never seen a back to back dyno done in the real world that makes any significant difference between two new installed sets of plugs. There are some things that make sense, but do they make a plug worth 5x the price? Hardly. Just my opinion formed over the years...

quote Originally posted by Skybax: Don't run a fancy plug in your Fiero 2.8. Run a simple quality spark plug. Some of which would be... Standard AC Delco Standard NGK Standard Bosch

There have been tons of threads on this very questions and lots of people had opinions... Overall everyone agreed w/ SKYBAX for the TOP 3 plugs of choice. I personally went with the NGK b/c someone posted dyno tests that showed the NGK produced a couple of more HP over the rest...but that was a while ago. I also noted that virtually everyone who paid the extra $$$ for a fancy rapid fire, 4 pronged, or whatever new craze sparkplug that was out on the market was unhappy w/ the performance they got and eventually went back to the standard AC Delco or NGK.

In my opinion this one gets filed under KISS (Keep It Simple Silly).

Frank

NGK UR5

I've experienced 2 times that a Champion plug's inner porcelain part completely blew out of the head. Avoid those.

Thanks guys... I appriciate your input.

fierogt28

how about standard AC delco's work more than great in fiero's and GM cars overall

my g-parents have a 89 lesabre 3800 and 10k miles ago i swapped in some standars bosh platinum's shortly after he had hard starting, never thought much of it, but just last week it wouldnt start, couldnt figure it out, until i pulled a plug and it was Soaked in gas and completley nasty....BAD,, all 6 of them were fouled

i swapped in standard delco's and the car runs MUCH better, fires up instantly!!
and all arround runs a ton better,
in my fiero i have always run NGK-UR5 gapped at .045 with great results, but i think next change i might try the rapid fire's
our BMW has the 6 individual coil packs one ontop od each plug, (no plug wires)
kinda like the LS-1 and we have run the same set of +4's for about 4 years , and 50 K with no problems
but there due to be changed so im thinking of trying somthing else aswell

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Rich AIM: ONE FAST 2M8:
86se V6
Gold 86se 355 SBC,
92 BMW 325i

I have always had the most luck with whatever cheapo resistor plugs. Typically I try to run Delco's, but I also use autolite and NGK.

The main problem with my fiero V6, is that after changing from bosch platium plugs to AC Delco, the vehicle was better on start-up (cold mornings).
All I want to know, (I glad with everyone comments) out of these two, is Rapid fire plugs a sorta better quality plug than normal AC Delco plugs???

Thanks for the help, again !!

fierogt28