Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Spark Plugs

I was just quoted $18 a piece for NGK Laser plugs, $18 each canadian that is. But still, wow! Is there any other options?

Did you look into getting Motorcraft or Autolite? Heck of a lot cheaper, and would probably last longer.

Do the search thing, as the general opinion is to use only Ford Plugs and you will have less problems....
Sometimes saving money doesn't....

Autolite=same thing as motorcraft but cheaper.

I got Motorcraft's in my engine, more dependable than those POS's Champion Platinums i had in there

I just replaced my plugs and wires in my late 98 Zetec. A 95 to early 98 may differ...

I used Autolite Platinum Pro APP5364. The Platinum Pro are double platinums. They were about $3.50 (US) each.

I think a lot of people used to use Autolite APP5344 in the Zetec. But, I think Autolite is discontinuing the APP5344 and replacing it with the APP5364.

Two of the cylinders on a Zetec require double platinum. The other two cylinders can use single platinum plugs. The Zetec engine comes from Ford with 2 double platimum and 2 single platinum. Instead of using double platinums in all cylinders, Ford only used them in the two cylinders that needed them. I think this was Ford's way of saving a couple bucks per vehicle.

If you use double platinum plugs in all cylinders you will be ok. I used the double platinum in all 4 cylinders.

For wires I used Borg Warner at $25 per set. The Ford dealer wanted something like $65.

My car runs fine with the new plugs and wires.


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Reference
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APP5364 - Autolite Platinum Pro. - Double Platinum - Platinum on electrode and firing tip.

AP5364 - Autolite Platinum - Single Platinum - Platinum on firing tip only.

Plug Torque - 132 in-lbs (11 ft-lbs)
Gap - .050 inch
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98 Contour SE
ATX, Zetec
91,500 Miles

I can understand the price point being high but I also had to bite it on this one. I just recently put in some NGK plugs and they were worth every penny. As soon as I put them in you could feel how well they seated in, a perfect snug fit. Besides sometimes you need to treat your car and it will probly give you a thrill back.



1998 Contour SVT
1992 SHO

Hey, what a coincidence! I was just about to go pick up a set of NGK's I ordered at Advance. They were less than $10 apiece(but not much) and everyone I've asked says they are fantastic. However, my uncle told me for plugs on a budget, Motorcraft makes some of the best on the market. I've been running some Autolite double plats, and they seem to be doing ok. Nothing like the crazy power loss I suffered from using bosch equipment. Don't buy Bosch plugs and wires. Very poor performing equipment compared to stock.

autolite = motorcraft For cars that aren't FI'd or heavily modded, there is no reason to spend a lotta money on plugs. Autolite or motorcraft double plats will work fine.