Which spark plugs and wires to buy? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**IT Cowboy** · 02-03-2025, 02:46 PM

I want to change out the spark plugs and wires so which set to get? I am thinking of the wire set with the ceramic boots on them to help with heat unless there is a reason against them or they are poor quality.

Oh also, is it ok to use anti-seize on the plugs?

72c20customcamper · 02-03-2025, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IT Cowboy

I want to change out the spark plugs and wires so which set to get? I am thinking of the wire set with the ceramic boots on them to help with heat unless there is a reason against them or they are poor quality.

Oh also, is it ok to use anti-seize on the plugs?

No need for anti-seize in a steel head . I just use the AC delco plugs recommended for the engine . Does your truck have HEI ?

**1970cstblazer** · 02-03-2025, 03:00 PM

Don't bother with the latest AC Delco plugs. If you want lasting quality, pick up some NOS green stripe AC plugs from EBAY. Same with the other tune up related parts. Most of the stuff now is questionable quality.

chappys4life · 02-03-2025, 03:22 PM

I typically run autolite 24, msd streetfire wires (the cut to fit ones, msd 5553 is what I used on my 70 with hei), ac delco cap & rotor

Willshook · 02-03-2025, 04:25 PM

For ignition stuff, I don't use anything other than MSD. For a stocker, you don't need anything extreme.

It's fine to use anti-seize as long as none of it protrudes into the chamber, but it's not needed on steel-to-steel.

I still stick with Champion plugs and have no issues at all, even in high-performance engines.

GSP7 · 02-03-2025, 04:31 PM

Right now I gotz some standard style Taylor plug wires from summit and delco plugs.

Any one know the cross reference for NGK plugs and 1970 #186 heads with the old washer type plug

jumpsoffrock · 02-04-2025, 11:44 AM

If you want something easy and affordable and usable out of the box, that doesn't need to be assembled, you can't beat NGK plugs and wire sets.
The wires are bright blue with orange boots, and might put some folks off.

You can find them at Rockauto.com typically.

**MikeB** · 02-05-2025, 06:17 PM

I like Taylor Spiro-Pro cut-to-fit wires because I prefer their terminals over MSD.

If your engine has stock exhaust manifolds, pre-cut sets will sorta work. I've found there's always one or two wires that are bit too long or too short.

Make sure you get the correct terminals -- straight, right angle, HEI, non-HEI, etc.

As for plugs, you can't go wrong with NGK or Bosch. Their platinum plugs will outlast many of us!

I also like the suggestion above by member jumpsoffrock.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-05-2025, 06:35 PM

I installed Taylor Pro Series, pre-made for a BBC. They fit nicely, and there's no contact with anything short clips, cap and plugs. In my case, installed w/o wire heat shields. It's cooled with Cerakote finished exhaust manifolds & stove/pipe, FWW.

Shifty One · 02-05-2025, 06:44 PM

For wires, you can do the Taylor 10.5's....

I called their tech line (way back), and told them my wants for a premade set, and the tech asked what kind of badassery I was running to need 10.5? I told him it's almost stock, I just think that they look cool....

He laughed his buttocks off.

samert111 · 02-05-2025, 06:53 PM

Accel Super Stock black wire kit from mid 70's corvette routed down the back of heads and side of the block under the manifolds, thru the motor mounts for a clean look.

Champion copper core spark plugs.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 02-05-2025, 09:39 PM

Not sure what kind o' tech work you do, but if you already own a ratchet crimper you only need a set of jaws to crimp your own. I paid $16 IIRC

02-03-2025, 03:00 PM	#3
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 2,500	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? Don't bother with the latest AC Delco plugs. If you want lasting quality, pick up some NOS green stripe AC plugs from EBAY. Same with the other tune up related parts. Most of the stuff now is questionable quality. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze poly, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Frame off restored 1970 K20, To be a clone of my Grandfather's K20, Dark Blue poly, 350, 4 speed, 16.5" X 8.25" Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM radio. Latest project truck 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, Dark Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 51k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 71k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

02-03-2025, 03:22 PM	#4
chappys4life Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 160	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? I typically run autolite 24, msd streetfire wires (the cut to fit ones, msd 5553 is what I used on my 70 with hei), ac delco cap & rotor

02-03-2025, 04:25 PM	#5
Willshook Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Chehalis, WA Posts: 223	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? For ignition stuff, I don't use anything other than MSD. For a stocker, you don't need anything extreme. It's fine to use anti-seize as long as none of it protrudes into the chamber, but it's not needed on steel-to-steel. I still stick with Champion plugs and have no issues at all, even in high-performance engines.

02-03-2025, 04:31 PM	#6
GSP7 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,226	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? Right now I gotz some standard style Taylor plug wires from summit and delco plugs. Any one know the cross reference for NGK plugs and 1970 #186 heads with the old washer type plug __________________ '81 K20 Silverado , '99 Dodge Cummins 4x4, '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4, No Snivelers "No Lowballers, I know what I got"

02-04-2025, 11:44 AM	#7
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 1,126	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? If you want something easy and affordable and usable out of the box, that doesn't need to be assembled, you can't beat NGK plugs and wire sets. The wires are bright blue with orange boots, and might put some folks off. You can find them at Rockauto.com typically.

02-03-2025, 02:46 PM	#1
IT Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 618	Which spark plugs and wires to buy? I want to change out the spark plugs and wires so which set to get? I am thinking of the wire set with the ceramic boots on them to help with heat unless there is a reason against them or they are poor quality. Oh also, is it ok to use anti-seize on the plugs? __________________ 1972 C10 Custom Deluxe Highlander 402 Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

02-05-2025, 06:17 PM	#8
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,036	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? I like Taylor Spiro-Pro cut-to-fit wires because I prefer their terminals over MSD. If your engine has stock exhaust manifolds, pre-cut sets will sorta work. I've found there's always one or two wires that are bit too long or too short. Make sure you get the correct terminals -- straight, right angle, HEI, non-HEI, etc. As for plugs, you can't go wrong with NGK or Bosch. Their platinum plugs will outlast many of us! I also like the suggestion above by member jumpsoffrock. __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

02-05-2025, 06:35 PM	#9
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,691	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? I installed Taylor Pro Series, pre-made for a BBC. They fit nicely, and there's no contact with anything short clips, cap and plugs. In my case, installed w/o wire heat shields. It's cooled with Cerakote finished exhaust manifolds & stove/pipe, FWW. __________________ Tony 1971 C10 Custom Deluxe SWB 402/400TH A/C I developed an assembly information kit for restoring my truck from nuts and bolts. It's written in Assy. order, short & simple, packed with all OEM hardware ID; castings; part ID; 100s of part numbers; wiring simple - Resource, and trivial too. Much info. applies to all 67-72 GM, A/C vehicles, esp. trucks W/O saying. Full search ability, including to 700+ images of illus., parts, charts, Assy., points of interest, cab, bed, & front clip cart plans- Specials and cores were serviced out and R excluded e.g. front/rear glass, body/paint, engine core, rebuilt hinges, steering box, trans, etc. The project was in-line with long former professions developing process, policy, specs, demo, written for novices, admin., policy, engineers, development, systems & test - Public & govt 2, gross. Sell soft copy cheaply, PM if interested.Build thread:https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

02-05-2025, 06:44 PM	#10
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 970	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? For wires, you can do the Taylor 10.5's.... I called their tech line (way back), and told them my wants for a premade set, and the tech asked what kind of badassery I was running to need 10.5? I told him it's almost stock, I just think that they look cool.... He laughed his buttocks off. __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

02-05-2025, 06:53 PM	#11
samert111 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Rockford, Mi Posts: 84	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? Accel Super Stock black wire kit from mid 70's corvette routed down the back of heads and side of the block under the manifolds, thru the motor mounts for a clean look. Champion copper core spark plugs. Attached Images

02-05-2025, 09:39 PM	#12
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 1,070	Re: Which spark plugs and wires to buy? Not sure what kind o' tech work you do, but if you already own a ratchet crimper you only need a set of jaws to crimp your own. I paid $16 IIRC __________________ 1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350 “Carburetors are forgiving, timing is not” — Thunderhead289



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