Hi All,

I thought this might be an interesting topic for those of you that enjoy NOS parts.

I've had the opportunity to collect some NOS GM parts over the past few years, (I got these plugs thanks to Joe (costpenn)) and i'd like to compare the NOS ACniter GM Spark plug and AC Delco's new R45S plugs.

First off, I think the NOS Boxes look way cooler, but maybe thats just me. Notice there was no part number on the old boxes, just R45S on the side. Also the NOS ignition point seems to be thicker, my dial-gauge is out of battery or i'd measure it and post the difference.



Second, i notice that the NOS Plugs have more fins at the top, also with prettier green stripes and a knurled base. it says (MADE IN FLINT MI)



Lastly, i noticed the cup where the igniter point sits has two different configurations. in the NOS setup. it's concave and flows along the tip. in the AC delco setup, it's flat.



Thanks, happy reading.

-Tony

 

Those are interesting pictures. I never thought much about the difference between OE spark plugs and newer R45S. I've always bought the R45S from a local auto parts store. They've never let me down. Then again, I haven't restored my Olds to factory original either.

 

The most recent AC Delco plugs I've bought don't have any ridges on the insulator at all, which bothers me. I thought the whole point of the ridges was to block flashover.

 

Its obvious to me which one is the better one is,made in flint Mi.

 

The NOS one certainly seems to be the more well made one.

 

Agreed, the NOS plugs are gapped at exactly 40 thou, the Delco plugs are gapped between 37 and 42 thou, i've gapped them all to a constant 40.

 

And you didnt have to press 1 for English on the Old School NOS box!

 

AC Delco stuff today is junk - cheaply made, and riding on the coattails of a once proud history.

The majority of their stuff is now made overseas, and severely cost reduced.

I avoid the new stuff like the plague.

 

Amen. I've posted previously how I formerly used AC Delco filters exclusively, until I notices that the quality was dropping and fabrication was done more cheaply. For example, the plate with the threads that screws onto the oil filter adapter used to be very thick. It's now thin sheet metal with formed threads and spot welds. NAPA gold for me.

I've also posted about how I got tired of the white box Made-in-Mexico heater control valves that kept failing on my 307, so I went to the dealer and paid dearly for an AC Delco valve - only to find Made-in-Mexico on the box... when it finally DID arrive.

 

Makes you wonder, when the stork brings the kid where is he/she made?

 

citcapp.... LMAO! .... and the kids will be speaking the language too!
I digress.....
Its getting to the point of borderline depression for me. Everywhere and I mean everywhere I go china china china. Im so sick of it I could, should and will puke right there in there store.

Take a walk through ANY big box (Sheet hole) chain stores....china china china...cant even find grade 8 or SS316 hardware anymore, what are we doing to ourselves The big bright sign on the front should just say WELCOME TO CHINA!

They work for 28 cents an hour, 20 hours a day, 7 days a week with near zero environmental & labor laws. We work for $28 an hour for 5, 8 hour days with more red tape that a container ship can hold...simple law of economics. It will bite us if something doesn't give soon.
I'm willing to and do pay more for "other than chineasuim" crap when I can find it.

I'm an Autolite plug fan been so for 30 years but I'm sure Ill need to examine the next box I get. Stay out of china freight too! We keep buyin the sheet they'll keep sending it..... I'm done digressing...