Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Spark plug upgrade.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 08:42 PM
  #1  
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED's Avatar
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 25
Spark plug upgrade.

Eventually going to tune up the ole 92 f150 302 with some ford racing plug wires and install a hotter coil.
What would be a good plug to run with this combination?

Currently has crappy omni spark wires and motorcraft plugs with stock coil.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 09:01 PM
  #2  
Ron94150's Avatar
Ron94150
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 32
From: Maryville, TN
The motorcraft plugs are not crappy. And the stock coil is very sufficient. If you do the "six liter" tune up, you may see some benefits, but probably not enough to feel a difference from the factory coil. It will keep up with more rpm than the stock motor will turn.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 09:16 PM
  #3  
wtroger's Avatar
wtroger
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
I just did my 89 with motorcraft platinum plugs and motor craft wires. Runs really smooth.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 09:31 PM
  #4  
RadioControlGuy85's Avatar
RadioControlGuy85
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
in my 85 f150 4.9 we put in msd wires and coil with e3 plugs, runs so much better.

plan on doing the same with the 5.0l
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 09:33 PM
  #5  
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED's Avatar
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 25
Originally Posted by Ron94150
The motorcraft plugs are not crappy. And the stock coil is very sufficient. If you do the "six liter" tune up, you may see some benefits, but probably not enough to feel a difference from the factory coil. It will keep up with more rpm than the stock motor will turn.

I'm not knocking the motorcraft plugs just the omni spark wires.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 09:34 PM
  #6  
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED's Avatar
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 25
Originally Posted by RadioControlGuy85
in my 85 f150 4.9 we put in msd wires and coil with e3 plugs, runs so much better.

plan on doing the same with the 5.0l
Do the E3 help with mpg?

That's my aim, looking to boost my mpg.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2016 | 09:36 PM
  #7  
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED's Avatar
PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 25
Originally Posted by wtroger
I just did my 89 with motorcraft platinum plugs and motor craft wires. Runs really smooth.
Mine runs fine except it has a slight stumble at idle and the mpg will vary it will go from 10 to 14 hwy, I guess just depends on the gas I use.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 12:04 AM
  #8  
TexasGuy001's Avatar
TexasGuy001
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
The best plugs are the Motorcraft coppers. E3 is a gimmick plug.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 05:29 AM
  #9  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by TexasGuy001
The best plugs are the Motorcraft coppers. E3 is a gimmick plug.
Somewhat agree with this.

E3's are snake oil.
Why not get a fuel magnet and one of those hot air intakes with a turbinator? Lol!

I have switched to NGK V-power plugs after recent QC issues with Autolite/Motorcraft plugs.

NAPA Belden premium plug wires (NOT Max or Edge) are very good quality, fit well and don't break the bank.

The best thing anyone can do for fuel mileage is to keep their truck stock, tuned and not drive agressively.

It's a truck, not an econobox.
May as well accept that fact..
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 10:37 AM
  #10  
choate's Avatar
choate
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: St Charles Missouri
I opted to just put regular Motorcraft copper plugs in mine. I don't think you'll see much of an improvement over anything else unless you are building a race truck.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 12:27 PM
  #11  
Shadow944795's Avatar
Shadow944795
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
I run autolites in all mine, good set of wires and just make sure the cap and rotor are in good working order and it will run good. If the coil has been on the vehicle since it came off the factory line getting a new one will sometimes help the engine out a little from my own experience.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 02:11 PM
  #12  
khadma's Avatar
khadma
Carpenter Local 745
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by TexasGuy001
The best plugs are the Motorcraft coppers. E3 is a gimmick plug.
MC Coppers.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 03:18 PM
  #13  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

So you haven't had any problems with Autolites?
The last two times I bought them at least one out of the eight wouldn't fire.
All the bad ones had loose insulators and were impossible to gap.

I don't have time for that.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 03:34 PM
  #14  
Shadow944795's Avatar
Shadow944795
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
So you haven't had any problems with Autolites?
The last two times I bought them at least one out of the eight wouldn't fire.
All the bad ones had loose insulators and were impossible to gap.

I don't have time for that.
If you are refering to me I personally have not had any of the issues you have mentioned with any plugs to date. Now it has been a few months since I have bought any but a few months ago when I got some for my 351W build i noticed no issues and gaped all with no trouble.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2016 | 03:38 PM
  #15  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Yes, I was asking you.
It's been a couple of years since my issue with 25's, but my experience was enough to dissuade me.
(Nothing like doing a tuneup, and tearing your hair out figuring why it now runs like $#!+)
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:06 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE