Guest nwzeeman Posted September 24, 2005 Share Posted September 24, 2005 Fairly new to chevy v8's and I've got the stock SBC heads (casting number 462624) onr my 350. I'm ready to buy headers but I've got to ask this stupid question...how do I know if the heads are for angled or straight plugs? The headers I've been looking at say they are either set up for angled or straight plugs, and I've never really figured out what the difference is or how to distinguish between the two. Thanks for any clarification. -Rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
getZ Posted September 24, 2005 Share Posted September 24, 2005 They are exactly what they are called. Straight plugs are perpedicular to the head. Angled plugs are about 20 degrees left or right of being perpedicular to the head. I'm not sure why there is such a thing as angled head plugs. I think they are for exhaust clearance on certain cars where the engine bay is really tight, like corvettes. If you see a picture of the two styles it becomes obvious. You can try looking at different head manufacturers and they may have a picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead2me Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 When the first angle plug heads were introduced by Chevrolet, there was no real difference. Then, engineers moved the location of the plug towards the exhaust valve, which improved flame propagation. By moving the position of the spark plug in “straight†heads, similar gains were realized. It was easier to move the spark plug closer to the exhaust valve via an angled plug, than by a straight plug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest traub83 Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 so in that affect an angle plug is better than the strait? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyro Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 I never had an angle plugged head but I hear they have a lot more problems when it comes to header fitment. Most headers for sbc's are designed for straight plugs. I would get a straight plug head just for that reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead2me Posted October 1, 2005 Share Posted October 1, 2005 Yes, angle plugs can make more power, as long as they are moving the plug's firing tip closer to the exhaust valve, and yes, they can cause fitment issues with some styles of headers Like anything else, it can be give and take. On most of my engines, the angled plugs make it easier to get to the plugs for changes etc.... with block-hugger headers, you normally have to ensure that they will fit properly ahead of time, depending on the design of the tubes for the end cylinders 1,7,2 and 8. for the center cylinders, it make it easier because the plug is angled away from the primary tubes..... all a matter of preference really... If a straight-plug head has the plugs moved closer to the exhaust valve, then it will realize the same performance benefit as an angled plug, but then you are getting the plugs closer to the center tubes which can make plug changes more interesting as well as increasing the likelihood that you may barbecue a wire boot.... Also keep in mind that if you are wanting to run larger tube headers, especially block-hugger style, the angle plug design will do a better job of keeping the plugs on the center cylinders clear of the header tubes, but may increase the likelihood that you will have interference on the end cylinders..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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