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Andrew A. Illes (Andyilles)
Junior Member
Username: Andyilles

Post Number: 148
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 1:08 am:   

Rich... guys...

You don't need indexing washers. Like I said, just mark the plugs and try them in different cylinders. There is enough variance in the threading of the plugs and heads that you'll find matches.

Best regards,
Andy
rich (Dino2400)
Member
Username: Dino2400

Post Number: 302
Registered: 10-2001
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 9:32 pm:   

You can get indexing washers at your better "speed shops" where the hot rod guys shop (not the "tuner" crowd, the old-school guys). Summit Racing sells them too. Just put "index" into their keyword search and you'll see several sets.
Andy Falsetta (Tuttebenne)
Junior Member
Username: Tuttebenne

Post Number: 209
Registered: 3-2003
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 9:25 pm:   

Andrew,

Thanks for the "tip" on indexing. I'll try that next time I change plugs.

the "other" Andy
Andrew A. Illes (Andyilles)
Junior Member
Username: Andyilles

Post Number: 140
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 7:23 pm:   

Henry.. you are correct, crush does affect the "aim", but just take that into account. It's usually a 1/4 turn. Again, just mark the plugs, then try them in different cylinders.

Best regards,
Andy
Henry D. Chin (Hanknum)
Junior Member
Username: Hanknum

Post Number: 177
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 12:55 am:   

Andrew,

I have heard about "aiming" the plug, but you should be aware that spark plugs have crush rings on them and should only be torqued once (I don't necessarily follow this all the time). I believe someone actually makes multi-sized washers for this exact purpose.
david handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 1078
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 9:54 pm:   

Andy,
In general, it appears the platinum plugs require more firing voltage than the stock points ignition in a 308 can muster. Best to stick with the standard NGK plugs. I had upgraded to Crane XR700s and new Bosch blue coils and ran NGK EVX plugs with no problem. I have heard of other folks having fouling problems with platinum plugs in points type ignitions...
Andrew A. Illes (Andyilles)
Junior Member
Username: Andyilles

Post Number: 135
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 8:56 pm:   

Probably because of his name, I have to go with Andy Falsetta. Plain 'ol Champ N7Ys, which Ferrari initially specified anyway, work just fine.

One tip for everyone. Years ago, NASCAR wrenches came up with "indexing" plugs, and it is particularly effective in the 2-valve engines. That simply means aiming the "open" part of the plug toward the intake valve. Not all plugs are threaded alike, nor are the heads, so they seat with the electrodes pointed different ways. It's not a problem, per se, but just a way to massage a little extra hp.

It's not difficult, just put "magic marker" marks on the plugs and try them in different holes until you find ones that point at the intakes when torqued in.
Andy Falsetta (Tuttebenne)
Junior Member
Username: Tuttebenne

Post Number: 205
Registered: 3-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 8:39 pm:   

Champion N7Y for me. My 77 GTB HATES platinum plugs - anybody with the same experience?

Andy
Chris Scott (Jcscott)
New member
Username: Jcscott

Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 8:01 pm:   

ngk5's are the way to go. Will rarely foul.
John Millard (Jmillard308)
New member
Username: Jmillard308

Post Number: 22
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 4:26 am:   

Dave
Steve's note probably explains it best - not that it matters much to me any more - they are lying in the bottom of a cupboard and will probably soon be in the trash. Seems every time I go away from Champion, I get grief!
Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Intermediate Member
Username: 91tr

Post Number: 1911
Registered: 1-2001
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 1:07 pm:   

In this case, the extra "C" is a construction indicator for a 5/8" hex drive. But otherwise, it seems completely equivalent to the BPR6ES plug so IMO that doesn't explain the performance difference.
NGK
david handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 1044
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 12:50 pm:   

But NGK claims all their "standard" plugs are copper core....
David Feinberg (Fastradio2)
Junior Member
Username: Fastradio2

Post Number: 223
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 12:40 pm:   

"C"=Copper
Copper core versus steel core...
david handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 1043
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 11:34 am:   

John,
What does the "c" stand for in BCPR6ES? You may have the wrong plug from NGK.

I have only heard of use of the BP6ES or BPR6ES (standard and resistor).

John Millard (Jmillard308)
New member
Username: Jmillard308

Post Number: 17
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 9:21 am:   

I'm currently using Champion RC9YC -latest spec copper with great success - '76 carb car - OZ spec.
Just checked some NGK we tried BCPR6ES - hopeless!
Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member
Username: Pupz308

Post Number: 409
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 12:12 am:   

I've settled on NGK BP5ES plugs, gapped at 0.030".

78 308 / Carbed / US Spec.

I've very pleased.



Jay Morris (Jm3)
New member
Username: Jm3

Post Number: 28
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 5:56 pm:   

A data point. My 75 308 GT4 carb will foul a BP6ES plug (sorta) when I am tinkering with it in the garage. On the open road, no problem. But I keep BP5ES in it because I am always tinkering with it. I have noticed no pinging with timing at 10BTDC on a very hot day. Jay
Jonathan Bird (Birdman)
New member
Username: Birdman

Post Number: 14
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 4:52 pm:   

Hi Steve,
Yes, I read the archives but it made me more confused so I thought I would ask about people's experiences particularly with the carbed car.

Thank you all for the thoughts. Richard, thank you for making it idiot proof! Your plug cross-reference table is perfect. Several people in the archives running carb cars seem to like the NGK 5's, I guess I'll start out with a set of NGK BP5ES plugs and take it from there!

Best,
Jonathan
Ken (Allyn)
Intermediate Member
Username: Allyn

Post Number: 1013
Registered: 10-2001
Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 2:48 pm:   

Champion N7Y's would always foul in my Europa (my TC engine is very similar to half of yours) and it's what Lotus recommends (go figure). I'm now using the Bosch W5DC's with no complaints but "found" a box of NGK's which I want to try when I get around to it. I'm told they're the best.
Richard Ham (Hampappy)
New member
Username: Hampappy

Post Number: 20
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 11:20 am:   

When I wanted to change the plugs in my 77 308 and fix a bit of a misfire at low speed, this is what I could find out :

--- Champion - NGK --- Bosch
1 - N7Y ------ BP7ES - W5DC
2 - N8Y ------ BP6ES - W6DC
3 - N11Y ----- BP5ES - W8DC

where :
1 � manual recommendation for �high power�
2 � manual recommendation for �normal driving�
3 � plugs to get rid of misfire ?


I ended up using Bosch W8DC. No complaints yet (John!) and they're easier to find over here in Europe.

good luck
Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Intermediate Member
Username: 91tr

Post Number: 1904
Registered: 1-2001
Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 8:50 am:   

Jonathan -- Have you done a search/read of "308 spark plugs" (AND mode)?
John Millard (Jmillard308)
New member
Username: Jmillard308

Post Number: 11
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 3:27 am:   

Jonathan
Use what the manual says - my brand preference is Champion - through lomg experince of a variety of road and track cars.
IMO - do not use B***h!
Steve (Steve)
Member
Username: Steve

Post Number: 424
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 9:31 pm:   

I was using NGK BP6ES plugs but I just put in a set of NGK BP5ES which are a little hotter. My 77 runs rich and the hotter plug should help for low speed driving. I'll give them a try if they are to hot then I have a new set of BP6ES to put in.
Jonathan Bird (Birdman)
New member
Username: Birdman

Post Number: 13
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 9:11 pm:   

Hi Everyone,
Another question from the newbie here...

Can anyone tell me what the best spark plugs for a 1977 GTB are? Gotta get me some new ones ASAP.

Thanks.

Jonathan

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