What is the best spark plug to run in an R1?
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OK, still another "BEST"? Someone said that about another question String about "Best" OIL !
This one will also have quite a few "Opinions", I am one of those who will say: "Anything BUT Champion".
It calls for a J12Y, J12YC or UJ12Y Champion, the later is a Resister Plug, so use a "Good" cross reference Brand: Autolite 85, XS85, Motorcraft A42, NGK BP5S, Bosch 0241229593 Bosch 0241229593 or Bosch 0242229525 OR?Last edited by StudeRich; 10-03-2021, 01:41 PM.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967 -
It also depends on the type of driving you do. Mostly slow, short trips, use a hot plug. Mostly highway and performance driving, use a colder plug.Comment
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According to a quick, simple search in the internet...yielded this as a replacement for the factory H10 recommendation -
(I have not researched each plug for its viability)- AC Delco 43LS
- Accel 0168
- Accel 166
- Autolite 216
- Autolite 4316
- Autolite MP4316DP2
- Champion H10C
- Champion H10CT04
- Denso 3035
- Denso W16LS
- Eyquem 500A
- Motorcraft AL5
- Motorcraft AL7CF4
- NGK 3212
- NGK B-6L
- NGK B6L
- NGK stk 3212
- Torch H6C
It's just a part that helps creates a spark, it's not magic.
The internet is a good thing to use !
And NO...as long as your engine is running well (not burning a lot of oil)...DO NOT...run a "hotter" spark plug that what was recommended by the Stude engineers. They came up with this heat range taking "all" of the various driving modes that most will do. Hot climates, cold climates, short trips, long trips. All were taken into consideration.
Just use the recommended heat range by the Studebaker engineers (see above).
IF, you are racing, or spend most of your miles on "open" (above 65mph) freeways, then a step colder plug may...be warranted.
Mike
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Go on Ebay and purchase a NOS set of Champ J-12Y plugs.Originally posted by paul shuffleburg View PostComment
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Have no idea where you get H-10 for an Avanti???...............factory spec'd was for Champion J-12YOriginally posted by Mike Van Veghten View PostComment
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Studebaker originally specified Champion J12Y plugs for the R series engines which have a slightly shorter reach than the Champion H series plugs that are used in the non R engines. Autolite 85 plugs have worked well in my Avanti engine along with Bosch WR9FP platinum plugs that I'm using now. I don't know that the engine runs better with the platinum plugs, but I made a good deal on them so I'm using them. I also believe that if you use the spark plugs for a specific engine that are recommended by the spark plug manufacturer, that there will be any significant difference in engine performance. BudLast edited by Bud; 10-05-2021, 03:51 AM.Comment
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Thanks everyone, I was looking for the voice of experience and not what the manufactures had to say.Comment
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Well...using the "voice of experience," might be a bit problematic?Originally posted by paul shuffleburg View Post
Take this forum for example. Every poster has some kind of experience. However, each participant has an equal right to post as long as he agrees and complies with the terms of service when signing up with the forum. There are some folks on here with great credibility (not me), earned by the quality of credible posts accumulated over time.
Then, there's the changing manufacturer's specifications and product nomenclature through the years. Recalling from my (suspect) memory, I believe the original factory spec for a 170ci flathead Studebaker 6cyl was a Champion J7 spark plug. Over sixty years later...is the Champion J7 still the same plug? The last time I saw one with that designation it was only a single blister pack spark plug hanging in the section for lawn mower parts. A few years ago, I went to my parts store to order a set of Champions for my '55 six cyl (185ci) truck engine. The parts store had no Champion plugs but cross-referenced them to a set of AC plugs. I set them to the specified gap, installed them, and they worked.
However, while preparing to take the truck to a meet for the first time in a couple of years, I found that the AC plugs had rusted and just looked crappy. So, when I went back to the parts store, they told me that the book now specs J8 Champion plugs for my engine. The problem now was that J8 spark plugs have been replaced with J8R plugs! So, I asked for six of those. Not in stock, but they could have them the next day.
What my experience indicates is that the Champions have a bright finish. They too will rust, but it takes longer. So, I ordered them and went back the next day and picked up the set. 
More experience...shopping for anything these days seems to not be as simple as driving to the store, finding what you want, paying for it, and going home with the merchandise in just one happy trip.
At least, the Champion plugs are now made in Mexico and not China.
I just wish we would quit chasing our manufacturing base out of the country.
John Clary
Greer, SC
SDC member since 1975Comment
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Which is why its best to purchase NOS!Comment
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The Champion J7 plug was replaced by the J8 and now J8C if I remember correctly sometime back in the 60's. The Champion H14Y which was the original plug for the V8 engines has been replaced by the RH18Y plug. The updated recommendations for plugs will work every bit as well as the plugs originally specified for our engines. Plug numbers specified for Studebaker V8 engines like the AC 43LS have not been manufactured in decades and are really hard to find along with the old Autolite AL52 plugs that were manufactured before Motorcraft took them over. I have the old AC 43LS and 45LS, Autolite AL52 and AL82 plugs on the shelf and they do not do anything better than the plugs currently manufactured by Champion, Autolite etc. Use what the spark plug manufacturers recommend and most likely your engine will run well and the plugs will give good service. BudComment
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Amen to #11 above.
paulkComment
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