EnyChevyUK

Hi, I'm searching for the usual parts to give my 98 5.7 Express Van a tune up. I'm in the UK and if I order from an American parts specialist here I end up with a miss match of various brands of parts and its quite expensive.
It normally works out cheaper if I buy direct from the States even with the shipping costs.
Can you tell me if there are any brands to stay clear of and what would you recommend with regards to plugs, wires, filters etc ?
I'm not interested in the most expensive 'performance' parts but would like a reliable well made part. I've seen an Accel tune up kit on a few sites and was wondering whether its value for money (plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor $134.00-$190.00) ? Its hard to choose as there are so many different selections for a GM SMALL BLOCK 350 ?
Some US brands are not well known in the UK so I don't know how some compare ?
Thanks.

Tooldesk

I can't really say on the parts, but I know one thing that helps on high mileage vehicles is sea foaming them. Check out this article http://tooldesk.com/blog/?cat=101. And as far as the parts, what brands are you looking at?

therewolf

Hi EnyChevyUK,

Welcome to the Chevy forums.

For inexpensive plugs, I've found the AC Delco(OEM) work best, but at only half their rated mileage. So if it says "Iridium 100K plugs/2=50K miles actual run time.

Standard is a decent inexpensive name brand, but I'm sure many others will give you a push in the right direction. You'll want 8MM wires, many name brands are good.

Be sure to re-grease the bottom of your ECM in the distributor with dielectric grease, to keep it firing properly.

MDTAHOE

Go with all AC Delco parts.

EnyChevyUK

When I've ordered parts before they tend to be mail order and therefore I get sent whatever is in stock unless I specify a specific brand. I normally get a mix of Fram and Pro-Gauge (?) filters and unknown leads/dist cap etc, so this time I want known branded parts for piece of mind. I normally use NGK plugs.
Was thinking of NGK plugs, K+N Filters and maybe the Accel or AC Delco wires, distributor cap and rotor.
Also, have any of you guys used Sea Foam ? I've never heard of it so went on YouTube to see it in action . If anybody has used it, did it cause any probs as stated in the above post ?

therewolf

NGK plugs are a bad choice for your Chevy Truck. They are notorious for running poorly, at best. Unless you're going with HALOs, I'd stick with AC Delco plugs.

Standard Blue Streak, Filko, and MSD all make quality ignition components, as well as a few others.

If you are having difficulty acquiring brand name components in the UK, I'd have to agree with MDTAHOE and 1Gary and say go all ACDelco.

EnyChevyUK

Thanks guys. I've ordered all ACDelco from Rock Auto. Priced everything up here in the UK and was quoted various OEM parts from different manufacturers and it was still more expensive than Rock Auto inc shipping.

EnyChevyUK

Looks like I timed the tune-up 'just in time'.
Just had confirmation (yesterday) that my parts have been shipped. Jumped in the van today and noticed a 'minor' misfire, the 'service engine soon' light flashed on-off a few times and now remains on even though the misfire doesn't seem severe or constant !

EnyChevyUK

Well I fitted the ACDelco parts over a couple of weeks, it took so long since the original post due to dark evenings, coming home from work late and no garage. Turned out that doing the service over time actually allowed me to find the missfire through a process of elimination. First off I removed the engine cover inside the van and replaced 4 plugs and 4 wires (the plug nearest the drivers seat had oil on it ?), then drove the van still with the missfire. Next job was the other 4 plugs (I found the easiest way was from the front wheel arches) and 4 wires, then drove and still the missfire. I then changed the distributor cap and rotor, the old cap and rotor were in need of replacement and upon driving this was confirmed as the missfire had gone and the dash warning light had gone off.
I then changed the oil/filter and air filter. The only thing I still have to change is the fuel filter, I think I'll wait until it gets a bit warmer as I find no enjoyment in working on a vehicle on a cold dark evening/night on the driveway !
Thanks.