Are you looking for the ultimate spark plugs for your 6.0 Vortec engine?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProperMechanic.com guide, you will learn:
- The best spark plugs for 6.0 Vortec engines
- How to inspect and remove spark plugs
- How to gap a spark plug
And much more!
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Our Top Pick
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Our Top Pick
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ACDelco
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View on Amazon |
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Best Budget
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Best Budget
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Bosch
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View on Amazon |
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Best High End
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Best High End
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NGK
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View on Amazon |
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Autolite
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View on Amazon | |
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Denso
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View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
(updated 6/17/2020)
Top Overall Pick:
ACDelco is a reliable choice that is conveniently sold in packs of eight on Amazon.
We think you should use the OEM plugs for your 6.0 Vortec engine, and purchasing a set of eight ACDelco plugs on sites like Amazon is practically a steal of a purchase.
Sure, go out there and buy the set of spark plugs that is available, or maybe a set that you fancy the most; just remember that purchasing online is almost always the way to save money in the long run.
Looking to tune up a 6.0 Vortec engine? Replacing the spark plugs is a great place to start.
This beastly gas-powered V8 engine is inside vehicles like the GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon XL, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Colorado, Silverado 1500.
Want to know the top 5 best spark plugs for 6.0 Vortec?
Stay tuned to 300+ horsepower by reading more!
Top 5 Best Spark Plug Kits For A 6.0 Vortec
How To Change Spark Plugs For 6.0 Vortec Engines?
Changing the spark plugs on a 6.0 Vortec is relatively simple, but it does take basic automotive knowledge.
There's no shame in taking your expensive vehicle to the service shop if you don't feel comfortable servicing the spark plugs yourself.
However, there's no reason why you can't pop the hood and swap those plugs out yourself. Here are some tools you will need for the job:
- spark plug socket/basic socket set
- ratchet/extension
- universal/swivel joint
- flashlight
- spark plug gap tool/feeler gauges
- torque wrench
Pop the hood on your Chevrolet or whichever vehicle you are working on. Remove the plastic engine cover to give you a better view of the engine.
Unplug and remove each ignition coil with your socket wrench. Set them aside.
Note: Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle is a really good way to free up those electrical connectors.
Carefully remove each spark plug with the spark plug socket. Inspect each spark plug for unusual fouling. If you see qualities like excess carbon buildup, a wet spark plug tip, or blistering on the ground electrode then investigate the problem.
If the engine isn't misfiring and all the spark plugs appear about the same, then you are now ready to install the new spark plugs.
Check the spark plug gap between electrodes on the new spark plugs. Gap each spark plug to the engine specification.
Hold a new spark plug up next to an old one to see if the threads are the same length. You want to make sure you have the right spark plugs to avoid installing the wrong ones and damaging the engine.
Blow out each spark plug hole with compressed air if available.
Remove the spark plug socket and extension from the ratchet and use it to assist you when installing the spark plugs.
Carefully install each spark plug into the cylinder heads, and turn them tight with your fingers on the socket extension.
Using anti-seize is optional.
Some spark plugs are designed with an anti-corrosion solution applied to the threads, and the manufacturer may even tell you not to use anti-seize.
However, if you torque down the spark plugs afterward you will be okay no matter what you decide.
Torque each spark plug to spec. (12-14 ft/lbs)
Note: Over torquing the spark plugs is bad! You can crack the ceramic insulator on the spark plug and cause a misfire or even worse damage the engine head. Be careful.
You can put dielectric grease on the end of the ignition coil when re-installing to help make the most ideal electrical connection.
Reinstall the ignition coils and plug them back in. It shouldn't be too hard to mix up the wiring, but be sure you plugged the connections into the same place as they were before.
Replace the engine cover.
Start the engine. If you don't see a check engine light, then you have most likely installed the spark plugs correctly. You can perform a diagnostic fault check with an OBD2 device to ensure you performed the repair correctly.
Read More >> What's The Best Way To Clean A Spark Plug?
Are There Different Types of Spark Plugs For 6.0 Vortec Engines?
Although the concept of the spark plug is relatively simple, there are modern modifications that manufacturers have made so that the spark plug will last longer and perform better.
For example, modern manufacturers typically use a technique called precious metal layering to add a quality metal on the electrodes of the spark plugs that withstand heat better and last longer.
The conventional copper spark plug with a nickel ground electrode is the cheapest option that performs like normal but doesn't last quite as long.
Platinum and iridium spark plugs have small amounts of platinum and iridium on the electrode tips to withstand heat, burn more efficiently, and last longer as stated above.
Bosch makes a spark plug that has four ground electrodes designed for better performance, and E3 performance plugs even make one that has a ground electrode shaped like a diamond that is said to improve performance.
As far as performance goes, standard copper core spark plugs perform just as well as platinum and iridium plugs, but they don't last as long.
That's why manufacturers use the precious-metal layering technique with more durable metals like platinum and iridium as a solution for a longer-lasting spark plug.
Read More >> How Do You Identify A Bad Spark Plug?
How To Choose The Spark Plug Wires For 6.0 Vortec?
The best way to find a set of spark plug wires is to match them with the year, make, and model (VIN) in the search engine of where you are buying from online.
Part verification is the most important part when ordering online. You want to make 100% sure that the part you are ordering matches the vehicle.
And in the case of the 6.0 Vortec, it doesn't have traditional replacement spark plug wires because it's a fuel-injected engine. This means that each ignition coil connector is connected directly to the main wiring harness of the vehicle.
You can, however, buy replacement connector pieces most likely from the dealer, but this requires a bit more electrical knowledge(and tools) for installation than traditional spark plug wires.
How Long Should My Spark Plugs Last In My 6.0 Vortec?
Service life depends on which plugs you buy. Standard copper-core spark plugs will last for 10-20 thousand miles.
Iridium and platinum spark plugs will last anywhere from 60-100 thousand miles under the right conditions, and a good rule of thumb is to change them out every 60 thousand miles.
Engine and ignition system problems can eat through a set of spark plugs fast, so be sure that all other outstanding repairs are taken care of before replacing your plugs. Take your 6.0 Vortec either to the dealer or a professional shop if you want a list of potential repairs on your vehicle.
Read More >> How Do You Remove A Broken Spark Plug?
My Reviews Of The Best 6.0 Vortec Spark Plugs
Pick #1: ACDelco
ACDelco spark plugs are made in the USA and are a solid OEM option for tuning up your Vortec engine.
These conventional plugs that come in packs of eight are a steal of a buy.
Just make sure you gap them to the manufacturer's specifications(or check the gap) before installing to eliminate the possibility of a misfire.
Pros
Cons
Pick #2: Bosch
Bosch has been making high-quality spark plugs since about the time spark plugs were first invented.
These double-iridium spark plugs that are sold in packs of four are said to have up to four times longer life than other spark plugs.
So if you want a higher-end option, you can't go wrong with purchasing Bosch. Just keep in mind that you'll be spending more.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: NGK
NGK is one of the world's top producers of spark plugs, and a great option if you are looking for a great deal and a quality solution to your tune-up.
The OEM conventional NGK spark plugs that are sold in packs of eight are also treated to resist corrosion which makes installation and removal that much easier.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: Autolite
Autolite spark plugs are a good option if you are looking to spend a little more money on a quality set of spark plugs for your Chevrolet.
Autolite is an American company and the official spark plug of NASCAR which indicates the racing quality of its products.
These Autolite iridium plugs are designed for better overall durability with a .6 mm finewire electrode tip design that makes for easy engine starts and smooth idling.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: Denso
For example, their Platinum TT model uses platinum on the center electrode and titanium-enhanced alloy on the ground electrode.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: ACDelco
Plus, it's an excellent value for the money! Check the low price now on Amazon.
Final Thoughts On Spark Plugs For 6.0 Vortec Engines
Now you should have a better idea of which spark plugs to use in vehicles like the Chevy Silverado! Take your time, and enjoy the benefits of driving a powerful and tuned American gas-powered V8.
Is using anti-seize on spark plug threads necessary when installing new spark plugs?
Some manufacturers like NGK say that anti-seize isn't necessary when installing their spark plugs because they are treated with anti-corrosion that makes removal easy.
The reason why others may tell you not to use anti-seize is that you can torque the spark plug too tight and damage the cylinder head, or you might have to deal with the spark plug being broken inside the cylinder by using an extractor set.
The bottom line with spark plug installation is that if you torque the spark down to the manufacturer's specification then it will sit perfectly inside the cylinder head.
Want Enhanced Performance?
Are you looking to get extra high performance out of your 6.0 Vortec engine? Here are some modifications that will push your head back in the seat when accelerating:
Installing a cold air intake is an easy way to gain horsepower
- Performance chip
You can install a chip in your 6.0 Vortec that will drastically increase horsepower; just keep in mind that your engine probably won't last as long if you do.
- Basic maintenance
Performing basic maintenance on time does more for engine performance than you would think.
Along with replacing the spark plugs, make sure you change engine air filter out, change the oil, and run fuel cleaner through the gas tank to keep those injectors clean for the best performance and fuel efficiency.
Good luck!
