Kestrel Posted January 17, 2019 Share Posted January 17, 2019 I was unable to get an answer in another AACA forum so I'm trying here. Anyone know if resistor plugs (AC R46) together with carbon core plug wires would deliver sufficient spark on a stock 6v ignition system ? The car is a '51 Buick, 263 cu in, 6volt system that called for AC 46 plugs originally. I can not find any of those but did find a set of NOS AC R46. Just wondering if sufficient voltage will get through to fire the plugs properly. I got around 5k Ohms testing the resistor plugs. I don't know these cars had solid core wires originally but mine have been replaced with modern carbon core wires. Also, if running the resistor plugs, could it increase or decrease the recommended gap ? Thanks guys ! Edit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plymouthcranbrook Posted January 17, 2019 Share Posted January 17, 2019 I had resister plugs on my 52 Plymouth with carbon core wires for a while and didn't seem to have any problems with them. That was a few years ago and currently am using solid core and non resistor(radio broke) Both seem to be similar in performance. I ran the same gap with either(.035) factory spec.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cahartley Posted January 17, 2019 Share Posted January 17, 2019 They are called resistor plugs for a reason so the spark had better be in top shape especially if you open the gap from specs for better running on the gas of today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kestrel Posted January 17, 2019 Author Share Posted January 17, 2019 Thanks ! When the car is drivable, I'll give them good road test and see what gives. Cahartley, is that a '32 chevy confederate in your avatar ? I have a 4 door, restored to stock and very drivable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave39MD Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 AC superseded 46 by R46/R45 so I would not be worried about the plug. Why aren't you running solid wire? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kestrel Posted January 20, 2019 Author Share Posted January 20, 2019 Carbon core were in there when I bought the car last fall. Included was a receipt showing a local shop replaced the wires, points, etc. The prior owner was not a car guy so I imagine they put it what was readily available. Do you know if these cars had copper wire wires originally ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyler Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 i have been told that silicon core are better than solid core, but i currently run solid core with r46 plugs. car runs fine...…. dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vila Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 (edited) Here is a link to where you can buy AC - 46 spark plugs: https://www.gsparkplug.com/1x-ac-spark-plug-46.html The Green Spark Plug Company LTD is in the UK, but shipping was reasonable and fast when I bought a few things from them 2 years ago. For USA customers you would not pay the VAT so they come out the 2.71 pounds each which at the current exchange rate of $1.30 per Pound come out to $3.53 each Edited January 22, 2019 by Vila spelling error, missed an i (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 The use or resistor plugs, plug wires and distributor rotors with resistors were used to reduce ignition noise in the car radio. I would not use all three resistance units. I run resistor plugs with copper strand wires and a non-resistor rotor in my 53 Buick Special with the 263 straight eight and have done so for over 8 years with good performance with no trouble. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLYER15015 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Kestrel, I run AC 46's in my '40 Buick LTD (320cid) when we do a lot of driving on the highway. Found several sets on "evilbay". If you cannot find these, you could run AC 48's or 49's which are still in production for "generators" and they will run fine around town. With AC the higher the number the hotter the plug, and 48's will not hurt your engine. Mike in Colorado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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