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lrsses · 07-08-2017, 03:35 PM

Just completed a tune up on our 2004 Sea Breeze with the 8.1 Vortec. After 88000 miles by the first two owners it was long over due. It had the factory wire and plugs (photo) of plugs. We don't have mountains in north west Louisiana but we do have a few on ramps. It runs so much better also changed out the air filter(very dirty) and
Changed the MAF and fuel filter. Use the Ultra wires and the 41-101 plugs capped at .45 as suggested by Ultra. All
Was about 400.00 I did the work hardest part was getting up under the fenders.

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Unplanned Tourist · 07-11-2017, 10:33 PM

Is 0.045 the factory gap, or is it less than factory? Too bad you changed everything at the same time, it would be interesting to know what made the most improvement.
Happy Glamping.

MoCoTom · 07-12-2017, 10:30 AM

0.45 is now the recommend setting

lrsses · 07-12-2017, 04:24 PM

Not sure what would have made the most improvement
Couldn't get the plug wire off with the heat shield in place so pulled them off with out the inner contacts. It was a job but one that needed done. Made world of difference like lip stick on a pig.

LETMGROW · 07-12-2017, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoCoTom

0.45 is now the recommend setting

0.45 would be almost 1/2". Recommended by who???
The recommended spark plug gap from the manufacturer (Chevrolet) is .060". The coils are built to deliver spark at this setting. The larger gap actually holds the spark back and when the plug fires it is with great force. Also the larger gap allows more space between the electrodes to ignite and start the burn processes resulting in a more efficient and complete combustion.
The engine will run with more or less spark plug gap but the manufacturer is the best at deciding what the specifications are.
Remember your engine ran fine with the original spark plugs and wires for several thousand miles.
Lynn

MoCoTom · 07-12-2017, 06:20 PM

Recommend by Brazel's Rv (Ultrapower) and verified on their dyno, but hey what do they know. You run your plugs at whatever suits you

lrsses · 07-12-2017, 07:13 PM

If you have your plug set at .60 you my find them burned to the point that the gap is well over .60 I really think the performance is at the top of an 8.1 limits with the cost of the ECM And TCM tune. I have trip of about 475 miles in a couple of weeks. Four adults towing my Tundra SR5. Old mpg was at 6.7 towing.

lrsses · 07-12-2017, 07:15 PM

That is with out the cost.

Full-Timers · 07-12-2017, 08:14 PM

Your plugs actually look better than mine did with 50,000 miles on them. And I only use Chevron gas.

lrsses · 07-13-2017, 05:03 AM

I have been using shell and a couple of cans of Sea form in every tank helps keep the fuel system clean

speed racer · 07-15-2017, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

0.45 would be almost 1/2". Recommended by who???
The recommended spark plug gap from the manufacturer (Chevrolet) is .060". The coils are built to deliver spark at this setting. The larger gap actually holds the spark back and when the plug fires it is with great force. Also the larger gap allows more space between the electrodes to ignite and start the burn processes resulting in a more efficient and complete combustion.
The engine will run with more or less spark plug gap but the manufacturer is the best at deciding what the specifications are.
Remember your engine ran fine with the original spark plugs and wires for several thousand miles.
Lynn

To be numaricaly correct the numbers are .045 & .060 . The wider gap puts more load on the plug wires and as they get older the spark goes to the point of less resistance. JMHO

boatman10 · 07-18-2017, 05:39 AM

obviously, its now supposed to be .045" not .45".

From the plastic accumulators in the transmission to the bushed-instead-of-bearinged bell crank that is good for only 10k miles unless lubed everday.....to the ridiculous factory alignment specs proven to be inferior by Jon's at Brazel's specs.......the factory does NOT always know best.

Then there's the Ford welded together 6" long spark plugs guaranteed to break off on anything longer than a 30K mile change interval.

Now you've got me started.......

boatman10 · 07-18-2017, 08:51 AM

are speced to be gapped at .045"...I have them in my 4.8L GM pick up truck.

lrsses · 08-07-2017, 05:56 PM

Returned Sunday after a long wet trip to Gulf Shores State Park Alabama has mileage was up. Before the plug,wire,MAF, and Wix Air Filter pulling our Tundra SR5 gas mileage was At a low 6.7 now it's running between 7.9 And 8.1 at 65 took a couple of dash photos just can figure out how? even with rain it was a good week away.