----- 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
