Rob Siegel on the differences in spark plugs for vintage and modern cars.

[elagache]

Dear mid-60s Buick owners who need to keep their classic and modern parts separate,

Rob Siegel has another piece on the Hagerty's blog this time on spark plugs:

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/06/25/the-difference-between-plugs-for-classic-and-modern-cars

In summary, Rob concludes that modern platinum plugs rarely work well on a classic car.  However, there might be one exception.  If you car has been upgraded with an electronic fuel injection system that also includes an ECU controlled coil - could you take advantage of the modern platinum plugs?  Even if you could, would your classic be better off? 

Perhaps that question will get answered someday!

Cheers, Edouard 

[cwmcobra]

When I had Carmen Faso upgrade my distributor to Pertronix mag pickup, he recommended using platinum plugs.  I did and the car ran fine.  Hopefully it will run even better after a rebuild and with those same platinum plugs.

Seems you can find different opinions on almost anything these days.....

 

Chuck

Edit:  after reading Rob's piece I should add that the Pertronix upgrade came with a high output coil as well.  So, it appears that classic cars can be made capable of using platinum plugs, but I understand the theory on why they don't work well in original ignition systems.

[elagache]

Dear Chuck and mid-60s Buick owners who want the best for their cars,

When I had Carmen Faso upgrade my distributor to Pertronix mag pickup, he recommended using platinum plugs.  I did and the car ran fine.  Hopefully it will run even better after a rebuild and with those same platinum plugs.

As you point out, the modern Pertronix ignition will certainly provide enough "juice" for the platinum plugs, so they do work as you observed.  Those plugs will definitely last longer and that's reason enough.  I'm curious though, did Carmen offer any additional reasons why platinum plugs are desirable on our mid-60s Buicks?

Rob's article suggests that platinum plugs perform best within a very tight range of operating parameters.  Otherwise they risk to become fouled.  Did you see any evidence of fouling?  Perhaps the Pertronix is able to keep up a consistent ignition such that indeed you can stick to platinum plugs and avoid having to change the plugs every year.  Since there are many aftermarket electronic ignition systems, even some that are very stock appearing, anyone who isn't stubborn about sticking to the factory points and coils might be able to upgrade and reduce their annual maintenance.  Now that I think about it, I'm just about certain my trusty wagon is also thus equipped.  I certainly won't complain about that!

Cheers, Edouard 

[cwmcobra]

Hi Edouard,

I didn't put a lot of miles on the engine after switching to the Pertronix distributor and platinum plugs.  When I disassembled the engine, the plugs were very clean, so much so that I've installed them into the rebuilt engine.  No sign of fouling from my experience.

Best regards

Chuck