IML: More on Plugs for '56

[JCantor791@xxxxxxx]

Chris,

Good points.  In thinking back, it has probably been at least 8 year since 
I've put plugs of any brand in an older Mopar and since I no longer own that car 
nor have the service records, I can't be sure that I used Champion.  The car 
in question, a '67 Dodge Monaco had the Magnum version of the 383 with 10:1 
heads so pinging was often an issue with today's fuels (as was overheating until 
I replaced the original radiator).  I do believe, however, that Champion was 
the plug favored by the factory for many years at Chrysler.

After seeing your response along with others, I did some research online at 
the various manufacturer's sites (couldn't find any good independent ones) and 
was reminded of the importance of getting plugs of the correct "temperature", 
regardless of brand.  I've learned from watching my neighbor deal with 
problems in an old F*&d van that as an engine ages, the originally specified plug 
temperature rating doesn't always work.

One question came out of all of my research - would there be any advantage to 
gold or platinum plugs in early Hemi's over conventional copper plugs?  Both 
Champion and Autolite claim to offer a platinum plug for the 354.

Likewise, if available, would any of the splitfire type of plugs help?  (The 
answer to this question I suspect is 'no' based on some developmental 
information shared with me by a local parts store manager that indicated such multi 
electrode plugs are most beneficial for fast spinning 4s and 6s but can actually 
be detrimental to V-8s.)

Jeff
'56 Sedan (that doesn't need plugs at the moment)
Trenton, NJ





Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2004 20:48:47 -0700
Subject: Re: IML: Spark Plugs for '56
From: Christopher Hoffman <imperial67@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Methinks dear Mister Benjamin is being mild-mannered about this, but have
you really compared Autolites to Champions in your Mopars? With Champions in
any of my vintage Mopars (63-78) I get pinging and fouling. With Autolites I
get neither... and the cars run cooler and smoother. The plugs last for
years (I don't drive my cars that much) but after 15 years with my Imperial,
I haven't even had to replace the Autolites since the 90s.

I don't own any interest in Autolite, so my only bias is as a satisfied
customer, but perhaps you should give them another shot! (By the way, my
dear departed honest old-timer mechanic, who worked on all kinds of cars but
owned a '67 Imperial as well, wouldn't use anything but Autolites in his
customers' or his own Mopars. He's the one who got me hooked, and a
surprisingly large number of friends have concurred since!)

Up to you, but I thought I'd cast another vote in agreement with Dick B
(then again, I usually agree with his wisdom)...

Chris in LA
78 NYB Salon
67 Imperial


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