I was wondering how much gap I should run on my spark plug electrodes. I've been running 0.035 thousandths...my firing system hasan Accel Billetproof Distributor, 45,000 volt low ohm SuperStock coil, 8mm Accel wires, and Autolite Platinum plugs (I don't know if this information is relavent, so I put it here just in case).

 

That's within the stock gap range , so you should be just fine at that setting. Withan electronic ignition, you could open up the plugs to around 0.040 or so to get a tad hotter spark, but you will burn up the electrodes faster. Do you have an electronic ignition system or points? If you still have points, stick with the 35.

 

It's a breakerless electronic system, the points were removed several years ago.

 

OK, then try some experimenting. You know how the engine runs and feels with the 35 setting. So, pull the plugs and open them to 0.045 and put them back in. Run the car down the road for several miles in several speed situations. Going around curves and hitting the accelerator in the middle of the curve is a good indicator of the efficiency of the engine. If it feels better than the 35 gap, then you may have found your perfect gap setting. Experiment with several settings if you are bored and need some wrist exercise taking out and putting back in spark plugs.But again. The wider the gap, the quicker the electrode wiill burn out causing you to have to replace the plugs sooner than with the stock setting. Your call.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm setting them at .040 right now and going for a road test. I think that a little hotter spark will help out this engine.

 

My MSD 6AL specifies starting with 0.050"-0.060" for up to 10.5:1 compression, testing and adjusting from there if needed. I don't know which ignition you're running but check their website.