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Spark plug gap

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colonelsandersman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote colonelsandersman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Spark plug gap
    Posted: 22-April-2013 at 5:46AM
I have a 1973 Gran Torino with a 351w. I pulled the engine to change gaskets and upon inspection noticed the casting is dated 1974, the chiton manual says for 1973 plug gap at .34 but for 1974 .44. I figured the plug gap was simply increased for emissions so I reinstalled the plugs with .34 gap, I figure the hotter burn is worth the 2hp lost form 73 to 74. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to doing this. What does this actually do for my engine?
Jake
1973 Gran Torino
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Robbdtme View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robbdtme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-April-2013 at 6:56AM
I think that was the difference between points and electronic ignition systems. Thinking the electronic version has a higher voltage  thus using a wider plug gap for a larger spark. Nothing to do with emissions.


Edited by Robbdtme - 22-April-2013 at 6:57AM
Johnny cash Special 74-75-76 freak. 77 XR7. 78 LTD II sport looks pretty but poop 302 in it.
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robot9000 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote robot9000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-April-2013 at 7:45AM
Bigger gap = larger spark, but is hard to pull off with points and condenser. If you run electronic ignition, I think you can run a bigger gap.

I just changed my plugs on my 351w with Autolite's and I gaped them to .36 (from memory here at work, might be .36...).  Def not in the .40's.  I got plain old Points.  
1973 Gran Torino Sport
2010 Mazda 6
2007 Jeep Wrangler
2011 Damon Daybreak 35BD
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