Any need to regap ACDelco Rapidfires?

[TedC]

I just ordered and received the tune-up kit (wires, plugs, cap, and rotor) from Eckler's for my stock 1989 L98. This kit includes #5 rapidfires (performance platinum) spark plugs. Stock plug is listed as the ACDelco FR5LS with a gap specification of .035", yet the rapidfires all came perfectly gapped at .045". After searching this forum, I'll go with the general recommendation and install them as shipped at .045" using anti-seize compound. Just checking because the spark plug box says "set gap per vehicle specification" and "reduced sparking voltage". Would suggest to me that rapidfires have less internal resistance than stock plugs.

 

[Black Bart]

If your engine is STOCK leave them at 45 this will be better for making a better spark.
If you are Supercharged or running Nitrous you will need to gap them at 35 to fire through the higher cylinder pressure.

 

[TedC]

Black Bart, My 1989 is stock. I just found this older thread which would indicate that I should regap to .035", just like the package suggests. http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14797&highlight=rapidfire+gap It looks like ACDelco did indeed listen to someone on this forum because the box now clearly states "platinium", and "set gap per vehicle specification". The #5 stamped on the box is now in black, not red or blue. Also, the ACDelco website explaines why the rapidfire design produces a better flame with less voltage than the stock plugs.

 

[Black Bart]

I have not seen the new one but it sounds like AC has lost me as a customer.
I can not use the thin ground plugs they will glow and cause pre-Ignition.
I was using rapid fire plugs but could never get more than 1000 miles or less on them before they began miss-firing.
I tried a set of U grove Accel plugs and they are still working fine after 4000 miles.

 

[TedC]

Black Bart, Is your 89 stock? How long ago did you install rapidfire plugs? Do you remember what you gapped them at?

 

[rascal_rascal_99]

Black Bart, Is your 89 stock? How long ago did you install rapidfire plugs? Do you remember what you gapped them at?

I think the only thing left stock on Black Barts 89 is the gas cap, and I think he's holding out on us there...I'm betting even it's been ported and polished! :L

 

[onedef92]

If it's a stock engine, I would still set the spark gap per the tune-up instructions on the underhood label.

Spark plugs get bumped around, dropped, etc... during shipping, even with the cardboard proctector wrapped around the puck and electrodes.

 

[Black Bart]

Black Bart, Is your 89 stock? How long ago did you install rapidfire plugs? Do you remember what you gapped them at?

NO it is not stock. The platinum tip plugs with the thin ground electrode will glow and cause pre-Ignition but they work well in a stock engine and last longer or at least that is the selling point for asking the high price.

I was really disappointed in the rapid fires I went through several sets from 2000 to 2004.
My experience would be much different than what anyone who is naturally aspirated would be.
I run all my plugs at 35 regardless of brand. Any wider and I will get mis-fire at 20lbs of boost.
I have posted this list before but some of my mods are below.


89 Corvette coupe 6spd\ FX-3 suspension \ Chrome GS Wheels 315\35\17 G-ForceKD's \ SB-406cid\ Procharger D1-R \ Custom built 8 Rib pulleys\ Custom built Spearco intercooler \ Spal Fans \ NOS wet nitrous system controlled by jacobs mastermind controller \ Spearco water/alcohol injection system \ TPIS Mini Ram II \ 58mmTB \ AFR heads \ AFR rev kit \ Manley4340 push rods \
Comp cams custom grind roller \ Comp cam lifters \ Comp cams roller rockers 1.6 ratio \ Ross custom pistons 4340 pins \Speed pro rings \ 6 inch eagle 4340 3d rods \ eagle 4340 crank \ fluid balancer\ Engine electronically balanced \ Cloyes true roller timing chain \ Melling high output oil pump \ 10 qt. multi trap door pan \ large oil cooler \ MSD-Digital-7 ignition\With MSD pro-power coil \ MSD boost retard \ Msd super conductor wires \ Accel DFI Gen.7 W/wide band \ 83lbs injectors \ Centerforce clutch & flywheel \ TPIS jet hot coated headers
\ 3” dual exhaust with electric cut outs \ 13 inch rotors C5 calipers w hawk pads \ Air dam with air ducts to brakes \ Triple pillar pod with Autometer gauges \ Air-Fuel \Boost \Fuel Pressure \ lowering kit \Escort radar detector \RM radar jammer.
The difference between men and boy’s is the speed of their toy’s.
IF IT’S NOT BLOWN THEN IT SUCKS

 

[TedC]

I had a feeling your car was far from stock after reading Rascal's comments. How do you get all that power to the road? I'll gap the plugs at .035" and based on my long list of enhancements (NONE) they should last me five years.

 

[Black Bart]

I had a feeling your car was far from stock after reading Rascal's comments. How do you get all that power to the road? I'll gap the plugs at .035" and based on my long list of enhancements (NONE) they should last me five years.

Yea but Rascal exaggeratted my gas cap is only polished NO porting