Re: Spark plug Upgrade on a '86 4.3... Is it worth it ?
I tried the nicer plugs in my boat (350 alphaI) it calles for the same plug as yours. The plugs were quite a bit more expensive and I saw NO better anything out of them. Use what you will but the AC units that are called for is what the engine was designed to run on, not saying the NGK's or Champs arent fine but I like the AC's. I use NGK's in my sleds and dirtbikes but like yours thats what they call for.
I understand what you are saying, but technology has advanced. In 86 perhaps the AC plugs were the best technology, but the plugs have advanced, and maybe my old engine could benefit from the newer technology that is available now. If my boat was brand new, I wouldn't question what the manual called for, Ya know what I am sayn'?
I'm going to semi hijack the thread and ask something the OP may also like to know. For the plug wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter is there any real difference between the cheaper (sierra seems to be cheaper) and the OEM or other aftermarket parts? If so, any recommendations?
Me, the OP is gonna comment on this even. I believe Sierra [and other aftermarket brands]...Mallory, puke GLH or whatever double puke... IMHO ... is trying to copy oem parts, and some are probably acceptable, as good , maybe sometimes better. But I would think overall, they are not going to be quite as good. I do use some of thier part in non-critical functions, and have had pretty good success. I think some parts are easier to determine if they are ...not as good, equal to, or better then OEM, just by looking at them and comparing the posted tech statistics. For instance, plug wires with a larger core with a larger voltage carrier ability, or a coil that puts out a higher voltage, along with a cap and rotor with larger and/ or better contacts would be a more obvious upgrade IMHO! As long as the construction is quality etc. Of course I may just be buying into the hype [ ie... SUCKER! ] Spark plugs are a bit harder to tell, to me anyhow. To a degree I believe you get what you pay for. If you buy spendy, high performance parts from a Hi Perf Speed Shop. I would hope it would be better then SOME , OEM parts, or for sure better then discount chinese parts from Little Stinkys Discount Marine Supply and Pet Shop { my apologies to Stinky }
