Spark plug dilemma

[swingline]

I am running Autolite 24's gapped at .040. I have stock heads and know that the 25's are the correct heat range for my app but was told that the 24's were OK. Also, I have the Performance Distributors FirePower Ignition Kit which claims I can gap the plugs to .060 but I have never heard of gapping plugs that wide. Here is my question: Should I gap the 24's to .060 or switch to 25's? What should I gap the 25's at? I am battling a slight pinging problem under WOT and I am 95% that my plugs and/or gapping is to blame. Thanks.

Mike

 

[urban96]

i think the suggested gapping is 54-56 for stock, and for you pinging if that dosent help try cleaning out your MAF

 

[swingline]

Not the MAF, I checked. I am almost positive it is the plugs or their gapping.

 

[Rootus]

If you're battling pinging, raising the heat range on the plugs will only make it worse. I'd verify that your timing is correct (balancer may have spun also, so it may *look* correct but still be off). And I'd gap the plugs as big as you can get away with.

Dave

 

[swingline]

So you would you stick with the 24's? If so, I'll put them back to .054 and see what they do.

 

[Rootus]

So you would you stick with the 24's? If so, I'll put them back to .054 and see what they do.

Yep. I ran 24's before my head swap, and after the swap I run 3924's, which are the same thing for the aluminum heads.

Have you tried just pulling a degree or two of timing to see if it helps?

Dave

 

[swingline]

I have futzed around with my timing and finally set it at 12* since it runs the best there. I could always put it back to 10* I guess. I'll bump the gap too up to .054 and see what happens. I am getting ready to put in a Pro-M meter and I know that solved the missing problem for some people? It really isn't that big of a problem so when I get my gears installed in about a month I'll have the mechanic take a look at it and see what he thinks.