Besides the dealership (too expensive) where can I get Motorcraft spark plugs?

 

Which plugs are you looking for? They cross reference with Autolite (a good plug). I usually order mine over the internet from 5 Star Ford, but I get a good discount on them because of my TCCoA Membership (Thunderbird and Couger Club of America). They usually run about 2.85 for a plug through Ford dealerships, but the Autolites are about 1.20.

Dan Q

 

if i am not mistaken autolites and motorcrafts are made by the same? i try to stick with these also, ford in ford. never had luck n burned up everything else.

 

I got them at Wal-Mart

 

oh no!....lol

 

Autozone carries Motorcraft spark plugs. the double platinum P/Ns
are $3.99...

 

Wal-Mart platinums 1.99 a pop.

 

Why would you want to use platinums, other than longevity? Regular (copper) plugs give better performance, although they don't last as long.

Dan Q

 

I disagree!! Assuming both plugs (copper vs platinum) are the
same heat range, the perofrmance should be the same...

 

OK.... that's cool, I expected most people to disagree. I'm just going by what I've been told on another list by people that make their living by making cars go fast.

I could find links from them, but I'm really getting tired of having to justify, quantify and prove everything I offer on this list.

Believe if you wish, and try a set, or don't believe and do as you wish. Ultimately you are the judge on your own vehicle

Dan Q

 

Hi Ya All,
The platinums longevity is why i use them. Ever change plugs on a 2.3L dual plug system... IT'S A PAIN IN THE ARSS!
______________________________________________
My Beastie
90 Ranger 2.3L EFI 2wd Mazda < with many new parts!

 

Longevity is the absolute reason to use the platinums. Platinum is much harder than copper and will wear less. But copper is a better conductor of electricity to the tune of around 6.34 times. Copper is also a better thermal conductor (copper= 0.941 cal/[deg*cm*s]) than platinum (platinum= 0.17 cal/[deg*cm*s]).

If you want good spark, use regular copper plugs. If you want decent spark with a long life, use platinum plugs.

Part of the push on platinum plugs is long maintenance intervals, which every manufacturer wants to advertise. Also, when you have one of those engines that you have to darn nearly disassemble the car to get to the plugs, this is another nice time to use platinums.

Glad they are doing what you want, Wolfen.

Dan Q

 

If you calculate the effective series resistance of a copper electrode, compared to a platinum electrode, the difference is
a nit, (milli-ohms) compared to the series resistance (K-OHMS) of a plug wire......

 

Sounds greek to me. What I posted was quotes from other people on another list. We have been advised by engine tuners (pretty reputable ones) to use the copper plugs for our Thunderbirds for the reasons above. I trust them, and I've noticed more power (or what seems to be more power) on my Thunderbird since adding them.

I do know from personal experience running several dyno runs on my motorcycle that regular plugs made more power than platinums. We ran many dyno runs trying to figure out best ignition settings, and carb settings, and changed plugs several times throughout. After getting what we though was the best setup, we ran an additional run with regular plugs and got another 1.5 hp or so. Not a tremendous amount. But on a four cylinder 1 liter motor, we thought it was good for our 21st dyno pull of the day. Not sure how that would equate to a multi liter 8 cylinder motor.

As I said before, you are the judge for your own vehicle. I'm not making commission or anything on this, so if you don't want to try them, don't. If you do, and you notice a difference, fantastic for you. Either way, it doesn't really matter to me. I got what I wanted and more out of the plugs.

I'm just trying to post what I found helped me out.

Dan Q

 

One bit of advice on platinums, because they last so long use some anti-seize compound. I've seen some major problems when the plugs have been in for 3 or 4 yrs. They can be very difficult to remove. More so on aluminum heads with the small 5/8 plugs.