New spark plugs ?

[f-rice]

I need to install new plugs , last done 60k mi. ago w/ motorcraft . Is there any reason to change from motorcraft to a after market brand for performance or gas mileage , any suggestions ?

 

[Beans]

Autolite double plat.

 

[Big Jim]

Give us the basics

Give us the basics

Good question.

You didn't tell us the basics of year, model, engine (we can assume V6 because of where this is posted), transmission.

So should I answer this as a 95 or as a 96 and later? The factory original plugs were different.

 

[tigerpwr]

I've had good luck with autolite platinums in all my Fords...even my toyota pickup.

 

[f-rice]

Good question.

You didn't tell us the basics of year, model, engine (we can assume V6 because of where this is posted), transmission.

So should I answer this as a 95 or as a 96 and later? The factory original plugs were different.

98 SVT mtx 112k mi.

 

[BrApple]

Autolite double plat.

are for all intents and purposes the same as the motorcraft plugs.


if the motorcrafts work and you like them I see no reason to change. can't go wrong with OEM parts.

 

[Big Jim]

98 SVT mtx 112k mi.

What I currently have in my 98 SVT is Autolite XP104. They are nearly identical to the factory original plugs. It is a fine wire platinum/iridium.

Autolite is the vendor that supplies most of Ford's spark plugs. They have supplied Ford since somewhere around 1972 when Ford was forced to sell off the Autolite brand. Prior to that, Autolite was what Motorcraft is today.

Autolite APP764 (now APP104) is nearly identical the the facotry replacement for 95 Duratec (before they went to the finewire plug in 96). It is also an excellent choice.

I would not hesitate to use either of the Autolite plugs I mentioned as well as whatever the current part number Motorcraft replacement plug (Ford has changed their part numbering scheem for spark plugs since our cars were built).

Some will argue that NGK fine wires are a better plug. I don't think they are enough different to really perform or last any longer.

Some will also argue that the current Champion dual platinum is OK. They probably are, but in my professional career I had so many problems with Champions that I avoid them today.

The plugs to absolutely stay away from are Bosch (both the +4 and the platinum) and Split Fires. Bosch just don't seem to like our engines, especially the +4. Split Fires are nothing more than a snake oil joke.

Anyway, that's my $.02.

 

[Dyoel182]

Current Champions? Is he using Champions?

 

[Big Jim]

Current Champions? Is he using Champions?

What I meant is the Champions built today. That kind of current.

 

[Harrry]

Just replace your current set with autolite double platinums.

 

[mrutkaus]

First -- I know nothing, a contour novice.

But, I put NGK Iridiums in '95 V6, it runs sooo sweetly.

Mike

 

[Dyoel182]

As it should. Those are great plugs and work well in almost anything that uses a standard spark plug.

 

[tigerpwr]

Just pulled the original Motorcraft plugs w/121k from the CSVT I just purchased:

They were gapped around 0.075-0.080, but still working :crazy:

 

[Harrry]

Those look like they have beaten up bad lol.

You will def have a better idle and a little bit of a gas mileage increase.

 

[Dyoel182]

I've seen much worse with much less mileage on them.

 

[tigerpwr]

Yea, there's no more shudder accelerating from a stop.

 

[Dyoel182]

So tell us, how much fun was it getting back there to do them?

 

[tigerpwr]

Wasn't my first time working on a Duratec, but first time doing spark plugs. I didn't have to remove the rear coil pack and with the right tools (socket that holds the spark plug) it was only 45 min to do the whole job.

I think the hardest part was removing the plug wires because they've never been off before, that is until i got wise and used an adjustable wrench to grab the boot. :blackeye:

Kinda scary removing spark plugs for the first time on a 9 year old car, but I did it with the engine cool and put anti-seize on the new plugs. Next time should be a zip.