Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance For those who swapped spark plugs and wires...?

How simple (or not) was the install? I got some Bosch +4's and Ford Racing 9mm wires. Do I need anything besides the basic 5/8" deep socket and extention to do the swap? Upon visual inspection, most of the plugs look easy enough to reach, but what about cylinder 3 (driver's side rear)? Please don't tell me I need to pull off the intake manifold. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

You will need a 10mm and a 7mm socket. It's easiest to remove the coil to replace the back 3 plugs. There is a howto in the howto section.

--Matt

Thanks for the info, Matt! Tough call for me, either spend $50 to make my shop do it, or spend a little more; and get a torque wrench, some compressed air and solvent. Not to mention a decent rubberized socket that won't get stuck in the cylinder head, the one I have now has a much tighter grip on the plug than the drive.

I noticed you have the same wires and plugs. How many miles were on your car when you switched, and did you notice anything different (or better)?

Use a little "lube" on the inside of the plug socket. You could put some vaseline on the ceramic insulator before you slide it in the socket.
Also, I think it is always better to spend the money on tools!!!! You will have them next time you need them, aaannnnddd you can NEVER have too many tools!

Well...I put Bosch +4s w/ Taylor wires on my car at about 8k miles. Those were great! At about 12k miles my engine was replaced. The dealership wouldn't install the Bosch +4s and the taylor wires. When I saw Ford come out with some for the Cougar, I decided to make the switch. I installed them at 14k miles. Yes, I noticed better throttle response.

--Matt

10" socket extension.

I find that a swivel-head ratchet is nice for the back 3 plugs, but not necessary. What is nice is changing plugs on a hot engine and burning yourself on the manifold

Lay a towel on it if you do it hot.
I wish there were some phenolic spacers available for our cars.......that upper intake gets WAYYYY too hot IMO

You should not chancge the plugs on a hot motor any ways you could damage the threads.

good call......the motor needs to be cool or cold when you change the plugs because of our aluminum parts

Getting the rear plugs out is easier than putting the new ones in. I find it much easier if you use a length of rubber tubing. The tubing will allow you to guide the plug into the hole and begin the tightning. If you're a couple of threads off you don't have to worry about stripping anything because the tube will just start slipping around the end of the sparkplug. When it's going in right and the tube is slipping, finish the job up with the ratchet. I but my tube/hose at an AutoZone for under a buck. And don't forget the anti-sieze compound.