AC Spark Plugs shrink in size

[Guest Straight eight]

I just bought a set of C-49 Spark Plugs and they are only 2 and 3/8 inches long. The C-49 Plugs in my 47 Buick are 3 inches in length. Anybody know what gives?

[Guest Straight eight]

Here is AC's response:"Thank you for writing ACDelco.

Thank-you for your e-mail.

According to our records there is no indication that these parts changed in

length. If you suspect a part is fake, return it to the place of purchase.

Most dealers will do whatever is necessary to make good on the purchase.

Spotting a counterfeit part isn't always easy that's because counterfeit

parts makers make every effort to fool consumers. But there are some things

you can do to protect yourself:

If someone else is installing the part, ask to see both the part and its

package.

Inspect the packaging. If it's flimsy or lacks a name brand or logo, it

might be counterfeit. Pay close attention to the packaging graphics.

Counterfeits often have graphics or a name similar to but not quite the

same as those you're used to seeing. Counterfeiters often use colors, art

work and fonts on their packaging that are similar to the original.

Extremely large price differences between products should cause you to be

suspicious.

The best way to protect yourself? Buy genuine GM parts from authorized GM

dealers.

Reporting a Fake

Please report information about suspected counterfeit parts to the GM

Global Brand Protection Team.

By phone:

810-835-8014 or 313-665-6668

By fax:

810-835-8022

By mail:

GM Great Lakes Tech Center

Attn: Global Brand Protection

4100 S. Saginaw St.

Bld. B Room 115-50

Mail Code: 485-303-140

Flint, MI 48557

If you prefer to remain anonymous, please call:

1-800-244-3460

If we can assist you further, please contact s at www.acdelco.com

[Mrbuick714]

Your Buick probably came with AC 48 plugs. The 46X was the plug to replace it with.When you drive a straight eight on the Interstate(if you drive like I do),Use 46X,and you wont be apt to blow a piston.

[Guest Straight eight]

Thank you for your answer. I was told the C49 plug was to replace the 48 plug. Any highway driving is never over 50-55 mph. That red line at 55 on the speedo tells me that higher sustained speeds were not reccomended, and certainly the old cast iron and steel don't need the stress of high speed.

[Guest Straight eight]

Will try to attach a photo

[Guest Straight eight]

Here is the answer from GM global investigationa

Sorry for the little delay, in conversation back and forth between the

Product Program people and the Engineers on the above interesting and

unusual question the final determination is as follows. I am certain that

you will get various other opinions as well; however, since the C49 plug

has obviously gone thru various design changes, and based on Delphi

(original supplier) Engineering data--there opinion is that GM/ACDelco do

not have a suitable application currently available that is absolutely

accurate. Therefore, the best advise on Engineering recommendation is that

you should utilize a Champion Plug #RJ18YC or an alternative would be also

an Autolight plug # 86.

According to the data available in the ACDelco cross reference catalog they

also show currently an "M8" plug from AC Delco.

However, the overall agreement is you will be best served by the

Engineering recommendation and utilize the Champion plug which actually

from history was the former AC design.

Please advise if you can assist further. Hope this helps. In that

General Motors is scheduled for our two week shutdown and will not be open

for business until July 17, 2004, please contact me on my mobile # if you

have further questions. 313-218-8217. Office # is 313-665-6670. Good

Luck with your project.