$12 Plugs?

They list for $16.90 each.

You're getting a deal.

Why are they so expensive?

Define expensive.

More then $3 a piece.

To answer your original question; because they're not one size fits all might maybe sort of work replacement parts.

Yes. $1.79 and up at AutoZone. $1.46 and up at Rock Auto.

So what's different about that 4.3 that requires it to use these $13 plugs when my 1989 4.3 gets by with the $3 ones?

Different ignition system Different fuel system Different cylinder heads Different camshaft Different emissions system Different emissions requirements Different emissions monitoring

Don't take my word for it, go ahead and try installing the distributor cap from your 89 on a 2001.

Why even spend that much, a 14mm bolt is 78 cents at Fastenal.

That explains nothing. It may be painted a different color too. Obviously you have no idea why they need to use $13 plugs (or what's different about them) instead of $3 ones or even if it actually needs to use the $13 plugs rather then the $3 ones.

Which brand of $14 plug do you have a vested interest in?

Original poster: as long as the physical dimensions and heat range of the plug are the same, there's no practical difference between them other than making sure you're getting a resistor plug. The cheapest resistor plug from AC Delco or Champion will work perfectly.

And a 20¢ 14mm bolt would work just as well as his 78¢ one.

Apparently, it explains too much, or at least more than you can understand.

Paint color has never been a deciding factor for spark plug specification.

Obviously you think that just because both engines are 4.3 liters in displacement, they should take the same spark plug.

Here's another clue, it has nothing to do with being a $13 spark plug, it has everything to do with the correct spark plug happens to cost (the OP) $13

According to the factory service manual;

For bonus points, if the parts man hands *you* spark plugs labeled R43TS, do you know how to tell whether they are the correct spark plug (CR43TS) just by looking at them?

Which catalytic converter manufacturer do -you- have a vested interest in?

Original poster: this is bad advice. Stick to what was installed as original equipment. There is a reason that choice was made to begin with.

Yes it would, and they'd both work as well as your recommendations.

The DIS uses platinum plugs to prevent rapid plug wear due to the way the plugs fire. Without the platinum the electrodes get burnt VERY fast. If you look at the recommended tune up interval you will discover that on your 89 they call for a conventional "tune up" of cap, rotor, plugs and wires.

89 factory plug = ACDELCO Part # CR43TS STANDARD PLUG Replaces #05614029, #19157996, #5614029 SPARK PLUG .035 GAP

A 2001 S chassis Blazer with a 4.3 V-6 does not use DIS ignition.

EARLY 01 didn't Late 01 did. Have one out front. Same set-up that the 02's have.

Pics of an 01 that has DIS.

Horse s*it. Don't take my word for it. Ask around more places than this. 5W30 dino oil was what was installed originally too. There's a reason that choice was made as well. It has nothing to do with being the "right" oil either.

Scratch one from the list of folks I'll accept advice from.

Like I said, the 4.3 never came with DIS

Care to explain that little bit of subterfuge?

That's redundant.

Like where, the dry cleaners?

Actually, thats exactly why it was chosen.

Feel free to avail us with any conspiracy theories you might harbor.

How's the weather there in Dogpatch?