W8CC Spark Plug, Long Reach Ea

Reliable Ignition Performance with the Bosch W8CC Long Reach Spark Plug

When it comes to maintaining the heart of your air-cooled Volkswagen, there is no brand more trusted than Bosch. The Bosch W8CC Spark Plug is the long-reach equivalent of the legendary W8AC, designed specifically for engines that require a 3/4-inch thread depth. This isn''t just any replacement part; it is a critical component for owners of Type 4 engines and high-performance aftermarket cylinder heads. Bosch utilizes a sophisticated nickel-chromium ground electrode and a copper-core center electrode to ensure maximum heat dissipation and conductivity. For the VW enthusiast, this means more reliable cold starts, a smoother idle, and the peace of mind that comes from using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality components that were engineered alongside the very engines they power.

Choosing the correct reach for your spark plug is vital to the longevity of your engine. The W8CC provides the necessary extension to place the spark deep within the combustion chamber of Type 2 Bus 1700cc, 1800cc, and 2000cc engines, as well as Porsche 914 and VW 411/412 models. By positioning the spark exactly where the engineers intended, you ensure a more complete burn of the air-fuel mixture, which translates to better fuel economy and reduced carbon buildup. Whether you are cruising the coastline in a vintage Westfalia or pushing the limits in a Baja Bug equipped with 044-style performance heads, the W8CC offers the thermal range and durability required to withstand the high operating temperatures inherent in air-cooled configurations. Don''t settle for "universal" plugs that compromise your engine''s efficiency; stick with the Bosch standard that has defined VW performance for decades.

Detailed Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

The Bosch W8CC is specifically designed for "Long Reach" (19mm or 3/4 inch) applications. Please verify your cylinder head requirements before installation.

• VW Type 2 Bus: 1972-1979 (1700cc, 1800cc, and 2000cc Type 4 Engines).
• VW Type 4: 411 and 412 models (All years).
• Porsche 914: 1.7L, 1.8L, and 2.0L 4-cylinder models.
• Aftermarket Performance: Fits many CB Performance, EMPI, and AA Performance heads that specify a 14mm x 3/4" reach plug.
• Custom Builds: Ideal for sand rails and dune buggies utilizing Type 4 engine conversions.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Bosch.
• Part Number: W8CC (also known as 7502).
• Thread Diameter: 14mm.
• Thread Reach: 19mm (3/4 inch).
• Hex/Socket Size: 21mm (13/16 inch).
• Heat Range: 8 (Bosch scale, ideal for stock to mild performance).
• Center Electrode Material: Copper Core for superior thermal conductivity.
• Ground Electrode: Nickel-Chromium.
• Seat Type: Gasket Seat (includes crush washer).
• Gap Setting: Generally pre-set at .024" to .028" (Always verify for your specific ignition system).

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. Always Verify Reach Before Installation

The most common mistake in air-cooled VW maintenance is confusing "Short Reach" (W8AC) with "Long Reach" (W8CC). If you install a long-reach W8CC into a head designed for short-reach plugs, the threads will protrude into the combustion chamber. This can lead to catastrophic engine failure if the piston strikes the plug, or at the very least, the exposed threads will accumulate carbon, making it impossible to remove the plug later without destroying the threads in your aluminum head. Always check your head specs or measure the spark plug hole depth with a gauge before threading these in.

2. The Importance of Anti-Seize and Torque

Since air-cooled VW heads are made of aluminum, they are highly susceptible to galling and thread damage. We strongly recommend applying a very small amount of high-temperature silver or copper anti-seize to the spark plug threads. However, be careful: anti-seize acts as a lubricant, which means you can easily over-torque the plug. Tighten the W8CC to approximately 18-22 ft-lb. If you don''t have a torque wrench, tighten it finger-trim then give it an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn to properly crush the sealing washer without stripping the soft aluminum head threads.

3. Gap for Your Specific Ignition System

While Bosch W8CC plugs come with a factory gap, you should never assume they are "plug and play" for every distributor setup. If you are running a stock vacuum-advance distributor with points and a standard coil, a gap of .025" is usually ideal. However, if you have upgraded to a high-output electronic ignition (like a Pertronix Ignitor II or III) and a high-voltage Flamethrower coil, you can often "open up" the gap to .030" or .032" to take advantage of the stronger spark. A larger gap can provide a more robust flame front, but only if your ignition system has the voltage to jump it consistently.