$12 Plugs?

So, I take my '01 Blazer (4.3 L, automatic, air) to my local mechanic (who I do trust, incidentally) to get an estimate on some work... part of which would be changing out the 6 spark plugs. Now, I'm thinking that the parts for this particular job... 6 OEM AC's are gonna run me about $2 each. Imagine my surprize when I'm told that they will run more closer to $12 each!! Both my mechanic and the parts house he's getting them from recommend this plug for this application. Now, I've heard of Mercedes-Benz' that require a $12 plug... but a lowly Chevy

4.3 litre? What's you guys' opinion? Am I getting hosed?

Thanks!

Reply to
Phil McCracken
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They list for $16.90 each.

You're getting a deal.

Reply to
aarcuda69062

Why are they so expensive?

Reply to
Ashton Crusher

Define expensive.

Reply to
aarcuda69062

More then $3 a piece.

Reply to
Ashton Crusher

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

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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

Reply to
scrape

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?

Reply to
Ashton Crusher

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.

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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.

Reply to
Ashton Crusher

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.

Reply to
scrape

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;

2001 Chevrolet Blazer VIN W spark plug = 41-932 which supersedes to 41-993 1989 Chevrolet S-10/Blazer VIN Z spark plug = CR43TS

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?

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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.

Reply to
aarcuda69062

89 has a standard computer controlled HEI 01 has a DIS system

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.

01 factory plug = ACDELCO Part # 41993 PLATINUM PLUG GAP PRE-SET AT FACTORY, DO NOT RE-GAP replaces #41-932, #12607234, #25162556

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

Reply to
Steve W.

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

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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.

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Reply to
Steve W.

Horse shit. 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.

Reply to
scrape

Like I said, the 4.3 never came with DIS

Care to explain that little bit of subterfuge?

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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?

Reply to
aarcuda69062

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