Spark plug gap on a 440

[MxRacer855]

Just double checking the gap clearance on the new plugs for my '68 440 before I throw them in. I bought 8 new "Autolite 85" plugs and plan on gapping them to .035. Does that sound right to you guys?

Jeff

[b5blue]

Good to go! 

[MxRacer855]

Thanks B5Blue! 

[cudaken]

I tried Autolite Plugs once, did not like them. Personally I prefer Champions. .035 is correct gap.

[MxRacer855]

Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about them?

Jeff

[cudaken]

Besides the fact they are used by Ford in the day! 

Mine fouled out pretty quickly and the motor was not a oil burner. But that was all so 30 years ago  , God I am old. 

More than likely you will have no problem's Jeff. I am still a Champion guy, mainly because I am 99% sure that is what Maw Mopar used when Dad bought my by 68 Road Runner new.

Old habits die hard Ken
   

[ws23rt]

I too tend to be brand loyal.  When something works fine the new guy on the block has to pitch the latest and greatest pretty hard.

Also the differences in spark plug performances is something that is found in the laboratory.  We the users in the street car world seldom know the diff.

[MxRacer855]

  I agree guys. I just so happen to match the plugs I pulled and that's what I got. I pretty much assumed a plug was a plug (minus special iridium plugs). Like you said, if it works it works. Don't fix what's NOT broke. Keep on keeping on! 

Jeff

[MxRacer855]

I will make mention of this note though... my 440 wouldn't be described as an "oil burner" either... and the plugs I pulled were surprisingly black and rich. Hmmmm....

[Bossman963]

I have had problems running autolite on my 440 and use Champion and gap is .35

[WHITE AND RED 69]

What ignition setup are you running? Stock is .035 but if you are running an msd box or any other kind of ignition box the gap will be anywhere between .035-.045.

[fy469rtse]

NGK 's for me, you running vacuum advance Jeff, don't let her idle too much ,

[Pete in NH]

Back when our cars were new they left the factory with Champion plugs branded as Mopar. I've always stayed with Champions for that reason. If you go way back into the 50's and earlier Chrysler used Autolights in their flat head 6's and 8's.

[mopar0166]

.35 is correcet, .50 if u have msd

[maxwellwedge]

I used to run Autolites a lot in the late 70's early 80's on my street/strip (mostly strip) car. They were 10 times the quality of the Champions at the time.....Champions were crap for the longest time.

[MxRacer855]

NGK 's for me, you running vacuum advance Jeff, don't let her idle too much ,

It's definitely a vacuum advanced setup. Hopefully MSD in the future.

[A383Wing]

Champion & Autolite plugs are made by the same people...just a different wrapping on the package

[MxRacer855]

If that's 100% legitimate... that takes care of that! 

[A383Wing]

I used to run Autolites a lot in the late 70's early 80's on my street/strip (mostly strip) car. They were 10 times the quality of the Champions at the time.....Champions were crap for the longest time.

same here....I could chew up a set of Champions in my 383 in under 5,000 miles....Autolites lasted 20,000 at times....

[ws23rt]

I started using NGK plugs in the early 70s because of this.  It ---I mean they---always gives me the spark I need.

[MxRacer855]

 

[cudaken]

I started using NGK plugs in the early 70s because of this.  It ---I mean they---always gives me the spark I need.

I prefer bigger electrodes my self.    

[A383Wing]

I started using NGK plugs in the early 70s because of this.  It ---I mean they---always gives me the spark I need.

I prefer bigger electrodes my self.   

"That's what she said at ya"