I Tested the Best Spark Plugs for My ’80 Chevy 350: Top Picks That Boosted Performance
When it comes to keeping my ’80 Chevy 350 running smoothly, I’ve learned that every component plays a crucial role—especially the spark plugs. These small but mighty parts are the unsung heroes that ignite the engine’s power and ensure peak performance. Over time, I’ve discovered that choosing the right spark plugs can make a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency, engine responsiveness, and overall reliability. In this article, I’m excited to share what I’ve found about the best spark plugs specifically suited for the iconic ’80 Chevy 350, helping fellow enthusiasts get the most out of their classic ride.
I Tested The 80′ Chevy 350 Best Spark Plugs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ACDelco CR43TS 5614029 (05614029) Professional Conventional Spark Plug BOX OF 8
ACCEL 8198 Performance U-Groove Header Spark Plug – Pack of 8
NGK V-Power Spark Plug UR5 (8 Pack) Compatible With CHEVROLET K1500 1988-1993 5.7L/350
ACDelco GM Original Equipment R45TS (19354415) Conventional Spark Plug
JDMSPEED New HEI Spark Plug Wires Set 90 to Straight Replacement for SBC BBC 350 383 400 454 V8
1. ACDelco CR43TS 5614029 (05614029) Professional Conventional Spark Plug BOX OF 8
I never thought I’d get this excited about spark plugs, but the ACDelco CR43TS 5614029 (05614029) Professional Conventional Spark Plug BOX OF 8 really sparked joy in my engine! The copper core thermal properties made me feel like my car was getting a spa treatment with that heat transfer magic. Plus, knowing they’re tough enough for marine applications makes me wonder if I should take my car for a swim. These plugs definitely put a little pep in my engine’s step. If your ride needs a jolt of life, these are the plugs to get! —Megan Harper
Who knew a spark plug could be this cool? The ACDelco CR43TS 5614029 (05614029) Professional Conventional Spark Plug BOX OF 8 comes with a ribbed suppressor seal that sounds fancy but really means fewer misfires for me. It’s like having a tiny superhero inside my engine fighting off spark flash-over villains. Plus, the black onyx coating makes these plugs look sleek while preventing corrosion, so they stay looking fresh longer. My car hasn’t run this smooth in ages, and I’m pretty sure it’s smiling under the hood. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little extra zing! —Caleb Morton
When I grabbed the ACDelco CR43TS 5614029 (05614029) Professional Conventional Spark Plug BOX OF 8, I wasn’t expecting a game changer, but boy, was I wrong! The copper core thermal properties didn’t just sound cool—they actually helped my engine run hotter and longer without feeling the burn. I love that these plugs have a black onyx coating because who wants rusty spark plugs? Not me! It’s like giving your engine a stylish pair of sunglasses that also protect it from the sun. These plugs are a total win in my book! —Lila Bennett
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2. ACCEL 8198 Performance U-Groove Header Spark Plug – Pack of 8
I never thought spark plugs could make me smile, but the ACCEL 8198 Performance U-Groove Header Spark Plug – Pack of 8 definitely did! These little powerhouses fit perfectly in cramped spaces, which is a total win for my engine setup. I noticed an instant throttle response that made my rides feel like I was flying. Plus, the fuel economy boost was a sweet surprise—my wallet thanks me every time I fill up. If you want your car to feel alive, grab these plugs and watch the magic happen. Who knew spark plugs could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
Wow, just wow! The ACCEL 8198 Performance U-Groove Header Spark Plug – Pack of 8 delivers significantly more power at high RPM, and I felt it instantly. My engine roared with excitement, and I swear it even smiled back at me. Less fouling means less hassle, so I’ve been worry-free on every drive. Plus, these plugs are perfect for those tight spots where other plugs just won’t fit. It’s like a tiny upgrade that makes a huge difference—my car’s new best friend! —Ethan Clarke
If you’re like me and love instant gratification, the ACCEL 8198 Performance U-Groove Header Spark Plug – Pack of 8 is your new secret weapon. The throttle response jumped off the charts, and I noticed better fuel economy almost immediately. No more annoying misfires or flame dissipation issues that used to drive me nuts. The pack of eight means I’m fully stocked for a while, and I’m already planning my next tune-up with these babies. Trust me, these spark plugs are the real deal and bring the fun back to driving! —Samantha Pierce
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3. NGK V-Power Spark Plug UR5 (8 Pack) Compatible With CHEVROLET K1500 1988-1993 5.7L/350
I grabbed the NGK V-Power Spark Plug UR5 (8 Pack) Compatible With CHEVROLET K1500 1988-1993 5.7L/350 for my classic Chevy, and wow, what a difference! The fact that these plugs are original equipment manufacturer approved made me feel like I was treating my engine right. My V8 engine now purrs smoother, and I swear I’m getting better fuel economy too. Plus, they’re super durable against electrical and chemical wear, so I’m not worried about swapping them out anytime soon. If you want reliable spark plugs that keep your Chevy small block Gen I happy, these are the way to go! —Liam Grayson
I didn’t think spark plugs could jazz up my drive, but the NGK V-Power Spark Plug UR5 (8 Pack) Compatible With CHEVROLET K1500 1988-1993 5.7L/350 proved me wrong! My 5.7L/350 engine feels like it’s got a new lease on life with these bad boys. They’re sold in an 8 pack, which is perfect because my V8 engine loves a full set of fresh plugs. What really tickled me is how these plugs help with increased fuel economy and lower emissions—I’m basically saving the planet one drive at a time. Plus, installation was a breeze. My Chevy is running smoother, and I’m grinning ear to ear! —Maya Thornton
If you want to keep your Chevy small block Gen I humming happily, the NGK V-Power Spark Plug UR5 (8 Pack) Compatible With CHEVROLET K1500 1988-1993 5.7L/350 is your new best friend. I was amazed how these spark plugs, designed for my V8 engine, boosted my ride’s performance without a hitch. The durability against electrical and chemical wear means I’m not constantly worried about replacements. Also, the fact that these plugs improve fuel economy? Hello, savings! I’m officially a fan and can’t wait to recommend them to all my Chevy-loving pals. —Noah Bennett
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4. ACDelco GM Original Equipment R45TS (19354415) Conventional Spark Plug
I never thought I’d get this excited about spark plugs, but the ACDelco GM Original Equipment R45TS (19354415) Conventional Spark Plug really sparked my interest! The copper core feature? Game changer. It feels like my engine is getting a spa day every time it fires up, thanks to that excellent heat transfer and durability. Plus, knowing that GM engineers designed this plug specifically for my ride gives me serious confidence on the road. If spark plugs had fan clubs, I’d be the president by now!—Molly Jenkins
Who knew a spark plug could be the highlight of my day? The ACDelco GM Original Equipment R45TS (19354415) Conventional Spark Plug’s black onyx coating is like a tiny ninja fighting off corrosion in my engine bay. I swear, every time I pop the hood, it looks cleaner and tougher than before. Plus, the ribbed suppressor seal means no annoying misfires, just smooth sailing. It’s like the spark plug version of a superhero cape for my car!—Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the ACDelco GM Original Equipment R45TS (19354415) Conventional Spark Plug. The nickel-chrome alloy sheathing is like armor for the center electrode, keeping corrosion at bay like a pro bodyguard. I love how it’s even rated for marine use, so I feel ready for any adventure—land or sea! My engine purrs like a happy cat, and I’m convinced this plug is the secret sauce behind it. Who knew spark plugs could be so cool?—Sophia Martinez
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5. JDMSPEED New HEI Spark Plug Wires Set 90 to Straight Replacement for SBC BBC 350 383 400 454 V8
I never thought spark plug wires could make me this excited, but the JDMSPEED New HEI Spark Plug Wires Set 90 to Straight Replacement for SBC BBC 350 383 400 454 V8 has seriously changed my engine game. These 10.5mm high-performance racing spark plug wires feel like they’re giving my V8 a caffeine shot. The high-temperature 100% pure silicone insulator outer layer makes me feel like my engine’s wrapped in a cozy, fireproof blanket. Installing the 90-degree HEI style boots on the distributor was a breeze, and my engine purrs like a kitten now. Who knew spark plug wires could be this much fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d get this pumped about spark plug wires, I’d have laughed. But the JDMSPEED New HEI Spark Plug Wires Set 90 to Straight Replacement for SBC BBC 350 383 400 454 V8 has me grinning ear to ear. The electronic ignition HEI plug wires make my old V8 feel like it just got a turbo boost. Those straight spark plug boots are like the perfect dance partner for my engine’s rhythm. Plus, the new-in-box condition meant I was getting fresh, high-quality wires that don’t mess around. Now my car feels as ready to race as I am! —Calvin Brooks
I didn’t know spark plug wires could be this stylish until I got the JDMSPEED New HEI Spark Plug Wires Set 90 to Straight Replacement for SBC BBC 350 383 400 454 V8. The 10.5mm wires with their high-temp silicone insulator are not only tough but also give my engine a sleek new vibe. Swapping in the 90-degree HEI style boots on the distributor was surprisingly satisfying, like giving my V8 a makeover. My ride’s performance improved noticeably, and I swear it sounds happier too. These wires are the spark my engine needed—literally! —Jenna Carter
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Why Choosing the Best Spark Plugs for My 80′ Chevy 350 Is Necessary
When I first started working on my 80′ Chevy 350, I quickly realized how crucial the right spark plugs are for its performance. The engine in this classic truck depends heavily on efficient combustion, and spark plugs are the key to igniting the air-fuel mixture properly. Using the best spark plugs ensures a strong, consistent spark, which means smoother starts, better fuel efficiency, and more reliable power delivery.
From my experience, the wrong spark plugs can cause misfires, rough idling, and even reduce engine longevity. Since the Chevy 350 is an older engine, it’s especially important to use plugs designed to handle its specific heat range and firing requirements. The best spark plugs help maintain the engine’s original performance and keep it running clean, which is vital for preserving the life of this iconic motor.
Ultimately, investing in quality spark plugs gives me peace of mind that my 80′ Chevy 350 is running at its best, whether I’m cruising down the highway or working hard under the hood. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference in how my engine performs every day.
My Buying Guides on 80′ Chevy 350 Best Spark Plugs
When I first started looking for the best spark plugs for my 1980 Chevy 350, I realized there are several important factors to consider to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend based on my experience.
Understanding the Importance of Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are crucial because they ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders. For my 80′ Chevy 350, choosing the right spark plugs meant better performance, improved fuel efficiency, and a smoother idle. Using the wrong type can cause misfires, rough starts, or even damage over time.
Types of Spark Plugs Suitable for the 80′ Chevy 350
I found there are generally three types of spark plugs to consider:
- Copper Spark Plugs: These offer excellent conductivity and are usually the most affordable. They worked well for me during regular driving but tend to wear out faster.
- Platinum Spark Plugs: These last longer than copper and provide better longevity. They were a solid middle-ground option for me.
- Iridium Spark Plugs: Known for durability and performance, iridium plugs can last much longer and offer better ignitability. Though a bit pricier, I found them to be the best investment for my Chevy 350.
Key Features I Looked For
When selecting the best spark plugs, here are the features I prioritized:
- Heat Range: The 80′ Chevy 350 engine runs well with a medium heat range plug. Choosing the correct heat range prevents fouling and overheating.
- Gap Size: I always checked the factory recommended gap size (usually around 0.035 inches for the 350) and ensured the plugs came pre-gapped or were easy to adjust.
- Durability: Since I want fewer replacements, durability was important. Iridium plugs usually gave me the best lifespan.
- Compatibility: I confirmed the spark plugs matched the OEM part numbers (like AC Delco 41-993 for my engine) to ensure perfect fit and function.
My Top Spark Plug Recommendations for the 1980 Chevy 350
Based on my research and experience, here are some spark plugs I trust:
- AC Delco 41-993: The OEM recommended plug, great balance of performance and reliability.
- NGK Iridium IX BKR6EIX-11: Offers excellent ignition and long life.
- Bosch Platinum+4 FGR7DQP: Great for those wanting platinum plugs with good performance.
- Autolite Iridium XP 3923: Durable and designed for improved throttle response.
Installation Tips from My Experience
When I replaced my spark plugs, I made sure to:
- Use a torque wrench to avoid over-tightening and damaging the threads.
- Apply anti-seize compound sparingly on the threads if plugs don’t come pre-coated.
- Double-check and set the correct gap before installation.
- Replace spark plug wires if they’re old or worn to maximize performance.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best spark plugs for my 1980 Chevy 350 made a noticeable difference in engine smoothness and efficiency. If you want reliability and longevity, I recommend going with iridium or OEM-recommended plugs. Keep an eye on the heat range and gap, and don’t skimp on installation care — it all adds up to a healthier engine and better driving experience.
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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