Spark Plug Specifications for a 350 Small Block
by Teri Olcott
The 350 small block engine first appeared as a high-performance V-8 option for the 1967 Chevy Camaro. In 1968, it could be ordered with the Chevy Nova. In 1969, any Chevy vehicle could be ordered with a 350 engine. Spark plugs for the 350 engine are on the sides of the engine, outside the cylinder heads. Depending on the year of the engine, the spark plugs may stick straight out or set at a 35-degree angle. Eight spark plugs are required to keep the engine running smoothly.
Spark Plug Gap
Spark plugs for the Chevy 350 engine are readily available from any auto parts store. Spark plugs come pre-gapped, but you should always verify the gap with a spark plug gap tool. The gap for a 350 small block should be 0.035 inches.
Spark Plug Torque
Torque is a crucial aspect of installing spark plugs. Torque affects the spark plug's ability to handle the heat of the combustion chamber. The correct torque setting for a 350 small block engine spark plug is 20 ft.-lbs.
Spark Plug Size
From 1967 to 1970, the 350 small block engine used 14 mm spark plugs and a compression washer for a tight seal. Starting in 1971, a tapered seat did away with the need for a compression washer.
Firing Order
The routing of the spark plug wires from the distributor cap on the engine to the individual spark plugs in each cylinder determines the sequence in which the spark plugs fire. Each of the eight cylinders on the 350 engine requires a spark at the correct time. The firing order on the 350 small block engine is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
References
Writer Bio
Residing in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, Teri Olcott began her writing career in 1992 as a small-town newspaper reporter. In 1998, Olcott entered the technical writing field. Her articles have appeared in “Radiant Press” magazine and “Epoch” magazine. Olcott holds an Associate of Science in radiologic technology from SUNY Binghamton.
