Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance spark plugs

You're on, I should have one ready for you tommorrow

With all of this talk about spark plugs, I decided to check with our local Ford parts dealer. Here in Canada, it lists an AWSF32FS for 96 and newer Duratecs and an AWSF32PP for 95 Duratecs. The only listing they showed for a AWSF22FS was for 4.6l Crown Victorias et al. The other funny part is the 32FS plugs are about 1/4 the cost of the 32PP plugs. Aside from the issue of heat range, is this another decontenting of Ford's parts by using the cheaper plugs in newer vehicles or is it just the wrong listing in the Ford parts system here in Canada?

Needless to say, we purchased the Motorcraft double plats for testing in the SVT. Last note, the previous Bosch +4 plugs, which were in for some 35000kms, showed no signs of unusual wear or collapsing. In fact the gap, compared to a brand new set we have to compare, is still about the same on all of the plugs and between all of the electrodes. We pulled the +4's out of curiousity due to some owners noting that their +4 plugs had collapsed ground electrodes. I'm happy to say again, we did not experience this problem.

The latest Motorcraft catalog lists the AWSF22FS plug for the 2000 SVT. (Mine had AWSF32P's in it stock!)

You'll also notice most catalogs list the same plug for the SVT or non-SVT engines. Yet the SVT has higher CR & more agressive timing.
Think about that once folks.

Anyone with raised redline & a chip!, or even lots of air flow mods would behoove themselves to try the step colder 00 SVT plugs.
Also anyone with the above conditions should stay away from Bosch IMO. I personally think the Bosch's are too hot of a heat range for the SVT engines. (chipped especially :rolleyes: ) Mine didn't even last 6k before failure.

Folks here's the verdict on my line of plugs...

YOU want factory, 1 step colder, 2 step colder I can get it. Denso Iridium has a huge line of heat ranges, NGK is not as flexible and I've crossed matched AWSF22FS and came out with the same Autolite Double Platinum. So if anyone needs plugs and either can't find it at there local parts store or just don't want to deal with the hassle you can shoot me an email at MACH2Motorsports@msn.com I'll have it shipped straight to your doorstep in 3-5 days

Any luck finding a double plat one step colder than Motorcraft AWSF22?

AWSF22FS is the colder plug apparently. As Demon Quoted the AWSF32P is the hotter plug! I haven't checked on anything colder than AWSF22FS for Autolite, but why choose Platinum, unless money is an issue, over Iridium. Denso has a colder plug than the cross match in Iridium of AWSF22FS, Denso's PN# IT20. Desno IT16 is the same heat range as the AWSF22FS. Denso is the leader in Iridium Technology, nobody comes close. NGK doesn't fully support there Iridium program and so a small selection in heat ranges plus there electrode is .7mm compare to Denso's .4mm, those 3mm reduction by Denso is such a huge advancement, not even NGK's technology allows them to go smaller than .7mm. Understand the smaller the Electrode the Bigger the spark , I won't get into details but these are many of the things I've been learning about spark plugs. Since I have a set of Denso Iridium Plugs coming in, I will be the first to vouch for them!!!

As a side note, NGK outsells Denso 100 to 1 on the regular spark plugs. Denso's obvious efforts are focused towards Iridium, VERY SMART!!! Denso also sells a RACE Plug that'll tickle the Pocket at about $130 per plug....WOW!!!

Chris your comment is Intriguing and don't take it the wrong way when I say this but it's somewhat Uneducated!

How many Denso's have you personally dealt with? My supplier has dealt with 10's of 1000's of Denso Iridum Plugs and the only issue they found with them is people breaking the electrode by using the improper gapping tool or over torqueing the plug. When you got racer's, I'm talking at the track, Drag Racing, Road Racing ect. flocking in for these Iridiums and vouching for there success with them, might I add many of these tried NGK's line of Iridium when it came out since it was much cheaper, only to come back and say the Denso's are much better and went back to using the Denso Iridium. As far as Spark and size of electrode, the Platinums spark won't even match that of the Iridium in density and consistency and let me inform you and evryone reading this spread, 'The smaller the electrode the better!'....Believe it or not....

Remember guy's this is the 21st century, the century we thought we would never see a FWD run a 8second pass, a computer go beyond 2ghz, Rally in the USA and a Turbo for the Contour, but guess what these things are all reality and so is Iridium. Never doubt Technology, it's the driving force of Society!!! Aloha, Micah

I understand that 22 is colder for Motorcraft than 32. I have the 22's in the motor right now for that reason. Well, that and they are double plats.

Until I see a case of someone running a street car that has the same "backwards wasted spark" ignition system (if I understand how it works correctly) reporting back good experience with a non-double platinum plug over a significant number of miles, I'm sticking with double plat for now. I'm a guinea pig on enough things with this motor that I just don't want to throw one more unknown into the engine. I did try the NGK TR6 plugs to see if going colder would help my timing issues (and might throw them back in for a week or two soon to check again now that I find myself pinging a little), but I don't plan on running 30,000 miles on them (as they aren't double plats).

I'm more interested in the experience of people who drive their car every day to every place they go than what racers think, to be honest. Racers have a different priority set than I do. I bet if I changed plugs every 500 - 1000 miles (or after 10 1/4 mile passes) those endorsements of Iridiums would be fine.

Not bagging on you - just stating my point of view. Heck, I like the fact that you try new things. (This coming from a guy that went from a bone stock motor and never coming on these boards to putting his order in for a 3L block over the course of 5 days last summer.) I just have to pick and choose my battles so I don't get buried in tracking variables so I can determine what works for me and what doesn't.

More power to ya! Aloha.

Thanks for your Viewpoints and Compliments!!

I agree that it's pretty tough to go out of the ordinary and I guess that's where I come in, or at least folks like me. As my Company expands I can guarantee there will be more solid unquestionable backings on my products. As I enter the performance industry I will include the Contour/Cougar in my performance program and as long as I'm racing my own SVT and people continue to support me, Through Purchasing, I will bring out an onslaught of performance products for our cars especially since it will be used on my car!!!

The list includes, but doesnt end, Cams, ability to port and polish heads, bigger valves, Exhaust Systems (much better than what the industry currently offers for our cars, Mines will be the Prototype) intake systems with a Airbox built in, Throttle Body, ect., ect.

Aloha, Micah

This is especially for SilverBullit. My car has NGK TR55IX Iridiums, put in when my SC was installed. Is this the right heat range? I also have a set of Autolite copper 764's. Are these the right plugs for a SC set-up?