Cut back spark plugs and ZR1 exhaust on '86... questions!!

[craig0ry]

First of all, I just picked up a red '86 4+3. The owner says it has "chopped plugs" or some other term, I don't remember, but the plugs are cut back somehow. When I was driving the engine light came on for the knock sensor. I'm thinking this is due to the plugs? I was in 3rd O.D. at very low rpms and I punched it when the light came on. If anyone can fill me in on the pros/cons of this mod before I go buy some stock plugs?

Second of all, the car came with some brand new ZR1 mufflers. They are a bigger diameter tubing than my stock piping, and I was wondering if on a basically stock car it would be worth my time to find an adapter and put these on. Would I be hurting myself here? I am just thinking they might sound cool. Not sure if I would pick up any ponies.

Thanks guys!
-Craig

 

[Agent 86]

I doubt that cut back plugs triggered a knock sensor code unless the plug is fowled or a lean mixture is causing your plugs to burn up. I can think of any real cons but there pros to having a better spark. An exhaust shop can put those mufflers on in a blink with minimal work so i would say throw them on.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Spark plugs with cut-back side electrodes are not going to cause a knock sensor fault.

If the ECM has a KS code set in memory, you need the diagnostic info in the factory service manual for that code.

 

[Agent 86]

Here some help for youhttp://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Electronic%20Spark%20Control.pdf

 

[Moonunit 451]

Gotta LUV that manual on CD MAX

Craig thre ZR1 muffs are killer on the 86