Dart 225 spark plug pocket issue

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 29, 2006 | 08:30 PM

b727pic

Thread Starter

TECH Apprentice

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 338

Likes: 0

Dart 225 spark plug pocket issue

started installing spark plugs into my Dart 225's and ran into a little situ that I am not sure is common to everyone, or if I just got lucky....

I finger tightened all of the plugs, the first 5/8th socket I grabed would not fit at all. I had another one, which did fit. Looking at the two sockets the "cheapie" socket's opening was not centered on the tool. the Craftsman which did fit, was much better although not perfect. so I was able to torque the plugs, but did have difficulty getting the socket out of a couple of holes once the plugs were torqued.

next issue, when installing the wires I noted they were not snapping into place as they should. I removed the heat shield and did a trial fit on my old 241 casting sitting in the closet......the shields slid down the pockets without any problem. Trying the same test on the Darts was a failure. The pockets are obviously narrower and the heatshields will not work.

I am curious if anybody is running the heat shields on aftermarket heads?
those that are not, any issues with plug wire breakdown????

Thanks,

Dec 29, 2006 | 08:58 PM

vettenuts

TECH Senior Member

iTrader: (4)

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 8,092

Likes: 13

From: Little Rhody

No problems here. Not sure if you know it, the Darts use a gasketed plug, not a tapered plug like the stock heads.

Dec 29, 2006 | 11:19 PM

b727pic

Thread Starter

TECH Apprentice

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 338

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

No problems here. Not sure if you know it, the Darts use a gasketed plug, not a tapered plug like the stock heads.

That is the first I have heard that.....
I just installed a fresh set of NGK TR6's which are the tapered kind.

Just found this: https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...9&page=3&pp=20

According to Dart ( post 48 ) looks like an "either / or" situation.

Last edited by b727pic; Dec 29, 2006 at 11:40 PM.

Dec 30, 2006 | 01:12 AM

Sigforty

11 Second Club

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,537

Likes: 0

From: Was New Orleans, but swam to Baton Rouge

I am running TR55s in my Dart 205s. I also am not running the heat shields and have had no problems.

Dec 30, 2006 | 07:01 AM

vettenuts

TECH Senior Member

iTrader: (4)

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 8,092

Likes: 13

From: Little Rhody

Quote:

Originally Posted by b727pic

I wasn't sure you could find that post since the search function is so goofy. Guess the reason I mentioned it was I don't know if the head of the plug sits deeper if you use taperd rather than the gasketed. You could always go to Autozone and pick up one cheap gasketed plug and see if it fits better (only a buck or so) and if it does switch to the gasketed plugs. Something to consider anyhow.

Dec 30, 2006 | 09:38 AM

DAVESS02

TECH Enthusiast

iTrader: (30)

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 690

Likes: 2

From: Springfield, IL

Didnt have any problems with my Dart 225's. They were cast in late may of 06. You may have noticed that Dart dates their castings. I'm using TR55's after calling Dart to make shure gasketed plugs were ok. Dart told me they made the heads to be compatable with both gasketed and non gasketed plugs.

Dec 30, 2006 | 10:11 AM

b727pic

Thread Starter

TECH Apprentice

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 338

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Thanks.....given there are several on here running both types and Dart themselves agrees its "either / or" I am gonna run the TR6's at least for the break in period.....come tuning slant dyno day, I will readdress my decision.

Thanks again....appreciate it.