ferrous,
The stock plug for a BBC is a AC R43TS or R44TS, I believe. As far as the getting them in and out easily, the plugs are pretty much all the same size so you need to find a tool that will make the job easier for you.
Have you tried a swivel socket?
Snap On also makes a double swivel spark plug socket
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/43700/43646.JPG