Spark plug and oil change question

[dcoplan]

Not sure how old the plugs and cables are on my '60 Bugeye so thinking of just going ahead and replacing them. What are recommended plugs and cables? Want to get the best for my car but don't want to needlessly spend money just for a brand name.

Also, I've read that oil can be changed every 5,000 miles. Do you all agree or do you do it sooner?

Dan

 

[Gerard]

Not sure how old the plugs and cables are on my '60 Bugeye so thinking of just going ahead and replacing them. What are recommended plugs and cables? Want to get the best for my car but don't want to needlessly spend money just for a brand name.

Also, I've read that oil can be changed every 5,000 miles. Do you all agree or do you do it sooner?

Dan

Which engine do you have? Original 948, 1275...???

 

[dcoplan]

Original 948.

 

[Gerard]

Champion N5C or NGK B6ES

 

[dcoplan]

Thanks. Any recommendation for replacement cables or will anything do? Or should I just keep what I have? Car is running fine now, but if I can add better performing components that don't alter the car, I will.

 

[Gerard]

Thanks. Any recommendation for replacement cables or will anything do? Or should I just keep what I have? Car is running fine now, but if I can add better performing components that don't alter the car, I will.

Hard to say since I don't know the condition of what you have. If you mean new spark wires, there are a variety of choices. I usually go with what is available from one source. I would also look at the other ignition bits, i.e. points, cap, rotor, etc. Personally, I like the improvement electronic ignition makes. Bigger improvements and come from that and a rebuilt/recurved distributor. You have a bushing that wears in the shaft that will cause a wobble. Getting rid of that on a points distributor can make a big difference, but has little to no effect with EI. (another advantage of going EI)

If you want to message me off-list or to my direct email, I can put a package together for you.

 

[Pythias]

You can also check with Jeff at Advanced Distributor.... Both he and Gerard will give you the straight scoop... You'll want his "red" rotor and it's the only place I know to get brass caps.

 

[JPSmit]

And, if you don't know about zddp (zinc) and oil, google, read all 10000 articles.... (OK, read one - and make sure you get proper oil)

 

[AN5Sprite]

And...5,000 mile oil changes are way to far for a 50+ year old car. I say much, much sooner than that. Especially if: You don't drive much, take short trips, have a mechanical fuel pump, the list could go on...For oil I'd recommend Valvoline VR1 20/50.

 

[Boink]

Realistically, you might be changing your oil as a function of TIME not miles... but this depends on how much you drive. Many don't put on but a few thousand per year (at best) and in that case I'd be changing my oil once per year (and some would say more). I'd certainly not go more than 2500 miles.