This '88 GT has 40k miles on it, with many years in outside storage. In some ways it's in bad shape, but coming around. I changed the TPS, rotor, and cap - next will be plugs and wires. HOWEVER, I noticed a lot of divergent opinion on what's best.

Whoever it was who suggested pulling one bolt from the dogbone and then tilting the engine back with a ratchet tiedown --- GENIUS!!! Easy access to the firewall-side plugs. I sprayed them a few days ago, then again this morning, and this afternoon all six popped right out. I think they're original, from 1988...

The original 26 year old wires will be replaced with a set of ordinary Autolite 7mm.

For replacement plugs, the trend seems to support the ACDELCO R42TS at .045. That surprised me as I've had great luck with iridium over the years. I want to put new ones in tomorrow, so welcome input.

from research, and experience I've found the copper core works best for this application.

it has something to do with the material of the spark plug having a different resistance based on the material used.
I was fouling out platinum plugs after about a 30 minute run. and after I shut the motor off, and let it cool. it would not restart until I cleaned the plugs. and I'd have to repeat the cleaning after every shutdown.

EDIT TO ADD: since platinum plugs are at a different resistance than copper, the spark behaves differently as well at the same gap.

[This message has been edited by AL87 (edited 01-05-2014).]

I agree that you are best to stick with the Declo plugs. The 2.8 setup runs best with the plugs the motor and computer were designed for.

quote Originally posted by NetCam: I agree that you are best to stick with the Declo plugs. The 2.8 setup runs best with the plugs the motor and computer were designed for.

From experience, stick with the Delcos. I have tried several different sets/brands on my GT early on. Went to the "cheap" Delcos, and I have had nothing but good experiences since. It is like they were created for the 2.8. Just no comparison.

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Fieroking Customs

Thanks!
That was easy.
I'm off to NAPA to buy cheap, copper, OEM, Delco R42TS plugs.

One of the most important benefits of forums like this one is that by sharing experience we help each other avoid errors. In this case, I would have automatically bought costly NGK Iridium...

I'm wondering if the current AC spark plugs are equivalent to the OEM plugs from 30 years ago. You would think changes and improvements were made along the way.

I use NGK Iridiums and they work great for me

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1984 Indy Fiero

[This message has been edited by ag9123 (edited 01-09-2014).]

the cheapest AC delco are best ,you can use the a.c.rapid fire on the 87/88 duke
the spark plugs with the thin electrode will generate a bit more performance ,
race mechanic use to cut the center electrode down for better performance ,
now with the iridium electrode they last longer
PLUS you can OFTEN WAIT TO buy them on sale or with a rebate!! "plan"
some of the newer special plugs E3 pulsestar, ect will sometime generate a bit
more performance but $8 to $10 is just to steep,,better to purchase an MSD coil
& top quality wires
CHECK COIL TO DISTRIBUTOR WIRE FOR CORROSSION

UPGRADING COMPONENTS LIKE COIL & SPARK PLUG WIRES PAYS OFF