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Spark Plug gap?

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Old 03-30-2006, 10:06 PM
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Default Spark Plug gap?

Ok fellas. I have a question about my spark plug gap. I was doing plugs on a 3800, and was told to set it at .045'' . I asked why. I told them I set it to the hood specs, which is .060''

They then told me GM sent a TSB, saying to lower it to .045'' later. So, should I put my .060'' plugs to .045''?????
Old 03-30-2006, 11:03 PM
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As long as you don't have a misfire or driveablility problem, the wider the gap, the better. It exposes more spark to the combustion chamber and can fire leaner mixtures. Closing the gap has a tiny effect on ignition timing also. The spark occurs when the electrical potential has risen far enough to jump the gap and that will occur ever so slightly sooner with a smaller gap. As long as it runs well, the factory .060" works just fine. Even with the factory Magnavox ignition, I only dropped the gap to .048-.050" when running 8+ psi of boost pressure.
Old 03-30-2006, 11:05 PM
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I'm running 0.045" on AC Delco Rapidfires without complaint. Though this is for the Magnavox coils...

I'd check the underhood specs, but that one time a tranny line blew, it sprayed all over the sticker (and rest of engine bay) and it peeled shortly thereafter
Old 03-31-2006, 01:40 AM
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yeah, someone is gonna kick me fore being a hypocrite but, CHANGE OUT THOSE MAGNAVOX COILS!!! You probably have some more money than i do!! Do it!! lol
Old 03-31-2006, 01:43 AM
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back on topic

using magnavox ignition coils, with a smaller gap, is probably impeding that whole more exposed spark thing...i would not go with a smaller gap unless you ridin without mag coils...also if gm issed a deal for a smaller gap, then why does the dealer install .60 plugs still?
Old 03-31-2006, 03:24 AM
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I ran my '89 on the "regular" delco plugs @ 0.060" with the Delco ignition. That worked flawlessly. Before was NGK plugs @ 0.060" with the Magnavox. Started like *** in the cold....
Old 04-01-2006, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by wjcollier07
yeah, someone is gonna kick me fore being a hypocrite but, CHANGE OUT THOSE MAGNAVOX COILS!!! You probably have some more money than i do!! Do it!! lol
Can't justify spending the $45 and still have two perfectly good (already have one spare) Magnavox coils lying around. When they die...
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