spark plug gapping

[magnum3456]

so im hearing that you should switch to AC Delco platinums...they say they gap for them should be set to .060 for a 96 T-10 blazer im hearing thats too big of a gap. it will work...but over time tears up the coil pack??? so go down to a .450 gap...anyone know about this?

[old_master]

The white VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) decal under the hood, will tell what the spark plug gap should be. Decreasing the gap will certainly reduce strain on the coil. However, it will also decrease the size of the spark. As a result of a smaller spark, the time taken to fully ignite the air/fuel mixture will increase. The complete expansion of the gasses, which is what produces the power, would occur after the piston reaches top dead center, (ATDC). As a result, there would be a loss of power, a loss of fuel mileage, and quite possibly a hesitation on acceleration. Bottom line, the performance of the engine would be similar to using a lower grade of fuel. Delco platinum, or double platinum plugs set to the factory recommended gap will help provide the best performance in the 4.3 liter engine.