5 Best spark plugs for Vortec (Chevy Silverado) & Buyer's Guide (2023)

by · Automotive Expert
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Updated

A car goes nowhere when the spark plugs are removed or damaged, despite the fact your truck has all [Must Haves Mods](/blog/top-6-must-haves-if-you-get-stuck-with-your-truck/). You would be surprised by how many people do not understand this fact.There are many issues that can come from bad spark plugs: acceleration misfires, unsustainable max power, and lower than expected gas mileage efficiency

Spark plugs are made to take extremes in heat and pressureб but the usage period is limited, after driving many miles you need to replace them. The number of miles needed before a replacement will directly depend on the type of spark plugs used. The material iridium is considered the best material to manufacture spark plugs. These spark plugs last the longest. Many of them can achieve 80 000 miles of usage before they need to be replaced.

I've seen some cars with iridium plugs that had 200 000 miles with the original spark plugs and they still ran fine. But I change spark plugs \\*\\*every 100 000 miles regardless\\*\\* and recommend you to do the same

Spark plugs made of platinum are considered a mid-level option. They don’t last as long as iridium, but they are nearly as good in almost every other aspect. The shortest-lasting ones are copper spark plugs. Most copper plugs need to be changed at twenty thousand miles. Copper is the cheapest option so if need a replacement and your budget is tight, then there a few good ones you can choose.

For this article, I suppose you are not desperate for cash, and that you want to invest in giving your car the best performance possible. The criteria we considered in this list are material type, horsepower improvement, and changes to expected fuel efficiency. This is specially tailored to the Vortec.

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Why you can trust me?I accept nothing from product manufacturers. Never. Here — only unbiased reviews and my opinion. I only earn commission from Amazon

I recommend:

our pick

NGK 5464 BKR5EIX-11

Our Pick. The best spark plug

  • One of the most reliable products
  • Easy to install
  • Long service life
runner up

Denso 3473

For people who like most durable material

  • One of the most reliable products
  • Easy to install
  • Long service life
budget

ACDelco 41-993

Budget Option

  • Easily start in cold weather
  • Suppressor seal stops radio disruption
  • Protects the electronics in your car
  • Iridium

What to look for when buying a spark plug?

Most people hardly consider spark plugs when they buy a vehicle or decide to upgrade. Consider that big performance differences can be achieved with the proper spark plugs. I am going to list a few substantial concerns. The vast majority of spark plugs are mechanically similar. An interesting exception to this rule is the spark plugs manufactured by German firm Bosch. As detailed below, they don't have a traditional electrode design. Instead, they have a four-point electrode construction. The rest of the list all have similar engineering.

The metals sourced for the manufacture of a spark plug are important. The highest quality spark plugs are constructed with either iridium or platinum. In the case of cheaper spark plugs, copper is the main material that is used. I cannot recommend this as they just don't last as long. They typically don't last beyond twenty thousand miles of driving. Iridium is generally considered the best for plugs, with platinum being considered a good mid-level option. Remember that there can be bad iridium plugs and decent copper plugs. After reading this article, do your own research on spark plugs and the manufacturers that make them.

Table of Best spark plugs for Vortec

NameOur ratingImportant characteristics Made fromPriceShops
NGK 5464 BKR5EIX-11
extreme ignitability, improved throttled response and superior anti-foulingIridium$$
Denso 3473
made from the most durable and long-lasting material iridiumIridium$$$
Bosch FGR7DQP
delivers the longest, most powerful spark for ultimate engine performancePlatinum$$$
ACDelco 41-993
Increased durabilityIridium$
Autolite APP5245
Significantly more power at high RPM Double platinum $$

swipe left to see more

How I decided

box-icon
21
models considered
clock-icon
17
hours spend
interview-icon
2
experts interviewed

Best spark plugs for Vortec

NGK 5464 BKR5EIX 11 Iridium

our-pick
Our rating:
5.0

Our top pick for your Vortec engine is the NGK 5464. The NGK is engineered especially for peak performance from their vehicle. They have high ignitability and very good throttling. They yield unsurpassed in anti-fouling. They really give a car a pep when the vehicle feels weak.

Shawn Jacobsfrom MA, who drives Chevrolet Silverado 2014 says:

My vehicle had been doing pretty badly and it was high time to get a new spark plug for it. I was thinking thoroughly on which one to choose and finally decided to give a try for iridium plugs. After I installed an iridium one (my previous were made of platinum and had about 50k miles of run), believe it or not, my engine was as if it I’d just bought a new car. The performance was perfect and smooth. And there was a dramatic increase in fuel economy. Thus, I can highly recommend iridium spark plugs; the material is much harder and thus lasts much longer than any other!

They typically cost under a 100 dollars and really provide an immediate improvement to the drive performance. They are usable in a variety of models. Drivers of vehicles ranging from the Subaru Bajas to the Toyota Corollas have reported installing this model spark plugs with noticeably improved performance. The versatility and workmanship of these spark plugs are the primary reason we recommend them.

The benefits do not end with the above. It has a long insulator nose that is designed especially to present fouling. There are also other features including corrugated ribs that are engineered to stop flashover. Gas leakage is removed with a three gasket seal. The high temperatures a plug can face is handled by the iridium material with ease. This leads to a long-lasting project that handles extreme temperatures with ease. Anti-corrosion and anti-seizing are also features.

David Liamauto mechanic from Alabama Auto Service Center Inc., AL, says:

Don’t know which spark plug to choose, ask me. I will stand up for the NGK (5464) BKR5EIX-11 one. Having 20 year experience, has taught me that the best spark plug should be made of iridium That’s the thing that can stand really high melting temperatures and that is the main point coz it will offer you high endurance and great performance. The other benefit is durable and safe spark. Longer insulator nose restrains fouling, the crumpled ribs on insulator stops flashover, and a triple gasket seal gets rid of combustion gas leakage. So, as you see there are many reason to pick this option for your truck

Ordering the NGK is a good decision as the manufacturer packaging is exceptional for protection. The spark plugs in the set are separate. Using additional packaging materials is beneficial to the issues that can come with shipping. You are less likely to receive a damaged spark plug.

These are excellent items. Your Vortec (either 4.3 or 7.0 liters, does not matter) will be noticeably faster and smoother.

Key features:

  • Iridium construction
  • Designed for High Performance
  • 0.6 mm electrode

Specification:

  • Brand: NGK
  • Model: 5464 BKR5EIX 11
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
Pros
  • One of the most reliable products
  • Easy to install
  • Long service life
Cons
  • Not the cheapest plugs

Denso 3473 Spark Plug

runner-up
Our rating:
5.0

Denso is not a brand many of your friends can readily recall. However, they are a very good company with a reputation for quality. The company was founded in 1949 with a quarter of the ownership owned by Toyota Motor. They are currently the world’s second largest auto parts supplier. They are known for attention to detail and engineering skill.

Mattew MCrayfrom NY, who drives Chevrolet Silverado SS says:

Installed these last week on my Chevrolet Silverado SS. I had some doubts as for if they really fit my vehicle but I made a right choice and they do a really great job! Just bear in mind that the installation can take longer than you expected, especially it concerns the passenger side spark plug installation. Anyway, everything works perfect, smooth and just as I expected. You can be sure the price is really good for the quality it provides. I am really satisfied with my purchase!

This manufacturer gets consistently high remarks from users online. The Denso 3473 are popular because of the durability. These spark plugs use iridium and have long-lasting properties with a proven reliability history. Iridium is considered a gold standard with spark plugs; this feature attracts many buyers.

Will Dergofrom YourMechanic, CA, wrote to me:

Denso 3473 spark plug is a great option firstly due to the long service material which it is made of – iridium. It shrinks the center electrode to only 0,7 mm in diameter and it make a significant effect on ignitability and longevity of a spark plug. Moreover, it fits a wide range of vehicles, including GM, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi. Denso’s uniqueness is an innovative 360° laser-welding process. It really diminishes erosion of your truck. What’s more, Denso spark plugs perform up to 100,000 miles. These are all due to the fact that the company spent over 50 years to reach it’s nowadays perfection. And you will hardly ever come across any defected parts produced by Denso.

The second top-used material is platinum. It is used mostly for mid-level products. The bottom level and cheapest spark plugs are copper ones. Iridium protects the electrode from wear and tear. However, the price is higher than most of the competition. This may be a consideration in your decision in your purchasing decision.

Pros
  • One of the most reliable products
  • Easy to install
  • Long service life
Cons
  • Not the cheapest plugs

Bosch FGR7DQP Platinum

Our rating:
5.0

The advantages of the Bosch are that many types of engines that can use them. This means there are many reviews about this company’s plugs. So you can get a really good idea of their quality if you research them. The plugs contain high-quality materials with excellent of German engineering. The Bosch FGR7DQP Platinum is uniquely engineered with four yttrium-ground electrodes. They feature surface air gap firing technology. Their powerful sparking is an achievement of this design.

Pete DansonChevrolet Silverado 2012 owner writes:

Have just replaced these spark plugs. I believe that they run with Vortec engine much better than with any others. My car runs now much better and smoother, I can tell you, you will be surprised ot feelyour truck 5 years younger! These spark plugs can be adjusted pretty easily, don’t need to worry about that. But always check the gap before you start installation. I believe they are really good up to 50k but after that they become slow and slack but still your engine will work perfect!. I would really recommend these ones.

The air and fuel mix created by them allow for efficient combustion. Gap wear and oxidation are prevented by the yttrium alloy ground electrodes. Most drivers will be fine using the base settings. The only drawback is that they are made with platinum instead of iridium. Nonetheless, I recommend these as they have a great price point, innovative technology, and German engineering.

Will Dergofrom YourMechanic, CA, wrote to me:

The things is, nevertheless, they are platinum spark plugs, and we by the way know that the best plugs are made of iridium, they offer really high quality and performance. They are highly recommended ones. So what they give you is more gentle acceleration, great economy of gas and perfect engine performance. Also it offers you a surface air gap, which means a durable and more powerful spark. And the best things is that they come pregapped, which means supper easy installation! Have no doubt, this spark plug will serve you years and will never let you down!

Key features:

  • Platinum center electrode tip
  • Surface air gap technology
  • The Platinum+4 delivers a powerful spark for efficient combustion

Specification:

  • Brand: Bosch
  • Model: FGR7DQP
  • Weight: 12.8 ounces
Pros
  • Cater to a wide range of engines
  • German-engineered performance and efficiency
  • Plug has 4 yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes
Cons
  • Platinum

ACDelco 41-993

budget
Our rating:
4.0

The ACDelco 41-993 is the budget conscious choice. The price of these spark plugs is usually cheaper than of many competitors. If you shop via Amazon.com, there are many avenues for finding discounts. When shopping for these plugs contact the seller as sometimes rebate by mail is available. If available it will be included in the original manufacturer’s box. Obtaining this additional discount via a rebate would provide another cost reduction against other spark plug choices. They are strong and sturdy for even intensive driving needs. Also, consider that brand is manufactured by General Motors. If you are driving GM, then this brand is guaranteed to provide optimized performance.

This spark park plug is specially designed for starting a car in cold weather. It is especially suited to protect car electronics. Seal stops help with radio interference. This one has increased durability by improving resistance to low-speed carbon fouling with ribbed insulator seal. This unique combination extends the product’s resistance and prevents spark flashover and misfire. The black oxide coating prevents corrosion on exposed metal the nickel. It’s constructed of the metal iridium. The material has amazing strength and can resist extreme temperatures. This model is the cheapest on the list.

Key feature:

  • The cheapest
  • The latest in spark plug technology

Specification:

  • Brand: ACDelco
  • Model: 41-993
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
Pros
  • Easily start in cold weather
  • Suppressor seal stops radio disruption
  • Protects the electronics in your car
  • Iridium
Cons
  • Made for places with a very cold climate

Autolite APP5245

Our rating:
4.0

Autolite is a brand born from the industrial giant Honeywell. They sell in Canada, Mexico, USA, and Australia. Outside of these countries, online retailers will give you access to them. We listed them as they are great for driving long distances. If you drive a lot then these can stop the worrying about changing your sparks too soon, then this is the best plugs you can use. The brand gets high marks, and people are happy with purchasing them. This is a reasonable option especially if you are in North America.

This model provides higher RPMs with a higher power. They have an extensive amount of platinum used in this item. There is very little gap erosion with this brand of spark plug. The reason is its platinum tips. This works to create a longer vehicle lifespan. Better fuel efficiency can be achieved. Optimization of the engine can be achieved at a more reliable rate. The platinum plugs, platinum coated core, and platinum electrodes are key features of this project. Maybe the most important feature is the platinum conductor arch. The conductor arch has a much faster spark with less voltage. This leads to faster start-ups, better mpg, and quicker acceleration. An average of forty thousand to eighty thousand miles is the typical life expectancy. This brand has a longer lifespan with good fuel efficiency. This items really works well to entirely optimize your vehicle fully.

Key feature:

  • Full-platinum tips
  • Nickel alloy side electrode

Specification:

  • Brand: Autolite
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
Pros
  • Significantly more power at high RPM
  • Efficient burn of the air fuel mixture
  • Double platinum
Cons
  • Price

Best spark plugs for Vortec Buying Guide & FAQ

Once you decided to purchase new spark plugs, a few things you should be advised to make an informed decision. Maybe the most important question is what is the brand of vehicle you drive and if it supports a Vortec engine. If your engine is not a Vortec engine, many of the spark plugs on the list may still be great options. But you may need to study the specifications carefully. Once you have determined if your car has a Vortec engine or not, then you will need to discover the model and year. The data can help determine the best for your particular situation. Then check to see if the car has a manual or an automatic transmission. Sometimes a manual transmission is called a “stick” because you need to move a lever to change gears as you drive. Your best spark plug can be influenced by all the above mentioned.

Other considerations when purchasing.

When do you need to purchase new ones?

Here are warning signs that you need a replacement of spark plugs. A noticeable change is buying gas more frequently. Having bad spark plugs will drop fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency can decline upwards of thirty percent. Vehicle jerks are an indication of faulty spark plugs installed in your vehicle. This means your engine is surging and this can be a very dangerous situation for everyone on the road. Going on, if you press on the pedal for acceleration, then this slowness could be a sign for new spark plugs. Yet another issue is a rough sounding engine. If the sound is not constant then that could be a big sign that something is wrong with your spark plugs. And finally, a vehicle that has difficulty in starting then, this is a big sign to check the spark plugs. When spark plugs are bad, they really deplete the battery of the vehicle. And the battery can be recharged inside the vehicle if the spark plugs are not sparking thus powering the ignition.

Best spark plugs for Vortec FAQ

Q: Vortec? What is that?

A Vortec engine is an engine made by General Motors. The Vortec engine is mostly GMC and Chevrolet models. The name Vortec is a trademark of General Motors. These engines were first marketed in the mid-1980’s. The engine is known for its efficiency in combustion. This engine has redesigned intake ports which creates a better filling of the cylinder. The result is higher air flow velocities to create more power.

When should I replace spark plugs?

If you purchase a new car, the manufacturer will have a suggest mileage for the replacement of spark plugs. Used cars may need to be checked to see the quality of the spark plugs

Is bad fuel efficiency a sign of a bad spark plug?

Lowered fuel efficiency can be the result of bad spark plugs. Some vehicles suffer up to thirty percent decline in fuel efficiency due to bad spark plugs.

Is it safe to drive with bad spark plugs?

No. It is not safe. A car with bad spark plugs can jerk unexpectedly or die. If this happens in traffic, it could be deadly.

How long does it take to replace spark plugs?

It will take a skilled person about an hour to replace spark plugs.

Can weather effect spark plugs?

Yes and no. Extreme temperatures can effect the overall performance of your car. The temperature you car run stars constant. However car batteries, engines, and other components can influence the overall drive.

What makes it special?

Vortec engines have a unique feature. They can create a vortex is generated in the engine. The combustion chamber is optimized to create a better mix of fuel and air. Improvements will provide much better in rpm in low and mid-level operations.

What is the highest torque a Vortec can provide?

A Vortec can deliver a torque of 4000 pm. This based on the 6.0 liter Vortec V8.

What is the maximum horsepower a Vortec can deliver?

The current peak is 367 horsepower.

When was the Vortec 6.0 release?

Most of the Vortec 6.0 engines were first released between the years 2000 and 2006.

What brands use Vortec engines?

You will find them on General Motors and Chevrolet vehicles.

Conclusion

Vortec engines are great. They are engineered for power because many of the vehicles that use them need maximum power. All the profile spark plugs will do great inside of a Vortec engine. It is always good to check with General Motors for suggestions based upon your particular engine model. Various engines may perform better with a certain type of spark plugs. This is because each revision of the engine will include newer technologies that may make older functionality obsolete.

That all being said, I think that you should definitely consider using iridium as your choice material. It has the durability and functionality needed for Vortec engines. The Denso 3473 are an overall great buy for most people needs. I recommend these because they have great durability. The fuel system needs to be monitored and checked. The distance between the side and the center electrode will need to be examined. All of these spark plugs can be found on Amazon for comparison and ordering. Some of the manufacturers may have rebates so check with both the seller and manufacturers if such promotions are available.

Let me know what you think of this list. Do you have any suggestions of any other items that should be included on the list? I am open to hearing your own experiences. I may even add your experiences to future articles. I can be reached by the email listed below or through our social media channels. Happy Driving.

Resources:

  1. Magneto & Spark Plugs, Alaska Native Knowledge Network 2. Spark plugs in details, The Clemson Vehicular Electronics Laboratory (CVEL)