So it's been 10 years and I don't drive the Wildcat all too much, so it was finally time I figured to change the spark plugs... I had some NOS 44S plugs that I used... Kinda feel guilty about it, but what the hell, why not? Would there be any advantage to putting in some modern plugs (copper or otherwise)? I tend to always think the old stuff was built better, but maybe that's not true? I know we can't find this exact heat-range anymore and guys are always debating 45 or 43's. Still running points, etc.
Pete, You can still find some old stock on places like eBay. Also, there plenty of R43s plugs out there, probably an active part number. I believe the "R" is for resistor,to minimize radio interference. Pretty sure they are the same, other than that.
Oh yes, I've even had a set of R44S sitting around before too. I got my 44S ones from eBay for concours type stuff but I realized I'm never gonna go that far. Haha. I was more wondering about the manufacturing process and if a modern day NGK 5858 might offer me anything special... but I think on points I wouldn't notice any difference even if it did, right? Iridium and Platinum be damned, by the time I add 50-100,000 miles to this car I'll be dead or onto the next thing seeing how I average 1000 miles a year on her
The times I'd change the plugs, I just bought the cheaper name brands at rockauto.. Never capped og anything.. I've run both points and magnetic pickup with hitter coil, no difference..
Same for any modern electronics like cruise control. I run Autolite 85's...change plugs and points every 30,000 miles in my 322
I always had good luck with the NGK FR5 plug, stock # 7373. I used them in my T/A Stage 1 aluminum heads.