shorty spark plugs?

[61ragtop]

Any one know the dimensions of short spark plugs? I have block huggers with straight plug AFR's and cant get the plug wires on. I am running BKR6E by NGK right now.

[GregWeld]

Oops.....

Angle plug heads would cure that.

Shorty block huggers aren't much of a header anyway... Not beating on you but they really aren't.

To answer your question -- Accel makes a shorty plug and it's BARELY shorter than a standard plug - a 1/4" MAX... and maybe not even that.

[61ragtop]

Oops is right and the part that has me hot headed is I noticed AFR was sending me the straight plug heads when I sent them angle on the warranty. They claimed the straight were a better choice due to not being able to gaurantee the plug holes were in the exact same location! Angle would have worked perfect but I have put them on and also had them milled down at AFR so returning I am guessing is out.

I guess either short plugs with possibly an extra 1/4 or 1/2 inch header flange on there as a spacer and or possibly accels new ceramic plug boots may be an option.

Maybe new or custom built headers instead but $$$$ is tight and time too.

It never ends......

[GregWeld]

A line out of "Pretty Woman".... It's okay... it happens all the time.


I was rebuilding the 427 SB (Dart Little M block) in the Nomad... and changing it to the 8 stack efi manifold at the same time. I had a set of Canfield 220cc raised runner heads (angle plug) on the original build.... went ahead and ported them - new springs - guides - etc.... THEN last to go on.... the intake manifold. Well the 8 stack used a Weber manifold (old skool to the max)... and guess what... no way was it going to cover those big old ports. Misc options - spacers - weld and mill the manifold etc... but then that messes up all manor of other things.... so we go to the shelf - no problem - grab a set of AFR 195's with angle plugs and bada bing bada boom.... engine done.... then another oops... those heads wouldn't work with my headers (angle vs straight) so new headers...

I chock this up to HOT RODDING.... sometimes you just have to laugh.... even when it kills ya. :cheers:

[61ragtop]

So very true Greg!!!! Well if all else fails I guess It will be new headers, Now to look at my options as I believe There are not too many for my X frame chev. If I have to do it i want to do it right this time as I said $$$$ is not flowing freely. So I guess I will have to size up what I will need to let the exhaust flow on a 500-530 HP SBC.

I agree the block huggers where not much of a header but they fit at the time. I understand longer tubes increase TQ so I will see what there is out there for that but i believe there is not a lot with larger primary tubes.

[GregWeld]

The other thing you may want to look at -- is just modifying your existing header. It's pretty easy to "extend" the offending tube a half inch or so (whatever you choose)... then just have them recoated.

[MarkM66]

What angle boot are you using?

Sometimes a different angle boot can make a difference.

[61ragtop]

The other thing you may want to look at -- is just modifying your existing header. It's pretty easy to "extend" the offending tube a half inch or so (whatever you choose)... then just have them recoated.

I thought of that but at $200 for coating plus the hassle and time it is not worth it. I am going to look at some other block huggers from Patriot, Doug's and FLowtech later today or in the morning to see what ones to use. As far as I can see and by the word of tech lines for them the centre primaries go to the outside of the collector on them where as the ones I have now go to the inside making them to tight on those centre plugs. They are about $300 a set except for the Doug's that are $460 all come coated and with 1 5/8 primaries and a 2 1/2 collector. Patriot and Doug's are a 16 gauge primaries and the Flowtech are 18. Doug's flanges are 3/8 and the others 5/16.

I am considering the Patriot Due to price as I think I will build a set of custom ones my self when I have more time and cash. I considered the application specific ones from Hooker or Hedman but they hang REAL low and are only a 1 5/8 primary as well.

What angle boot are you using?

Sometimes a different angle boot can make a difference.

I have a 90* boot now but a change would not help as the tip the boot goes on is about a 1/16 of an inch from the primary tube now. I wold need a lot more room and even a dimple will not help when it is that close.

I am hoping this will solve my issue and get me rolling till I can fab up some sweet custom ones for my application:D

[61ragtop]

Well I went out and bought some other block huggers till I have time, space and $$$$$ to build a set of custom long tubes.

They clear the plugs with ample room now!!!!:thumbsup:

BUT............The collector flanges are clocked different and on a different angle:willy: :willy: :willy:

I guess I will have some fitting and welding to do, just wish I had the welder at my house.....:rolleyes:

[GregWeld]

Bust out the cut off saw and the welder.... :D

[61ragtop]

Just called the stores dept at my work and am picking up a welder to make it right this weekend. If all goes well I should just have to make a cut and swivel it then cut the flange of to re clock it, fingers crossed for 2 welds on each side.