Has anyone else here tried E3 spark plugs? This will seem like an endorsement, and I guess it is. But I wanted to relate my experience so far, and it's good.

I've never used any of the "gimmick" type plugs. I've seen a lot about E3's, and finally started noticing the right people using them. So I ordered a set. I haven't noticed anyone making any outrageous claims, just a little better mpg's, power, throttle response, and less emissions. The latter might be useful for folks in areas that smog test.

A little history on my truck...I built a mostly stock 400 for my truck a couple of years ago. The only mod's were to delete all emissions, an Edelbrock dual plane intake manifold, several carburetors and settled on a 650 cfm Edelbrock AVS2, and an HEI distributor. I got 17 mpg, pretty much any way I drove it, unless I got into the secondaries. I later swapped in a mild RV type camshaft, which increased power and throttle response a great deal, but my mileage dropped to 8 mpg. So to try and combat that (and because I wanted to) I installed a set of long tube Hooker headers, which brought my mileage back to 10 mpg. The engine has plenty of power and is a joy to drive every day.

A couple of weeks ago I installed the E3 plugs. I was prepared to retard my timing, but I have not done so because I've heard no pinging. I ran the truck about 10 miles, then pulled the plugs. No sign's of pre-detonation. I did notice a slightly higher air fuel ratio, a little faster throttle response and a little better hill acceleration at cruise. But I attributed that to the fact the plugs are new, and maybe new Motorcraft's would do the same. Then I topped off the tank using a gallon pitcher, with the truck parked on a flat spot in my driveway. This is the same spot and method I use to top off at the end of each test. Btw, I also aired my tires to 50 psi, instead of my normal 45 psi. I've made four mpg tests with just over 700 miles so far. The worst one was 11.7 mpg from 180 miles of driving off road, hard driving on country roads, and 65 mph highway. The other three tests were normal driving on country roads with a lot of stop and go. I got 13.6 mpg, 13.7 mpg, and 13.5 mpg. Someone correct my math, but that's over 35% increase in mileage I believe.

I've pulled all 8 plugs three times, and checked them thoroughly with my otoscope. They're perfect. Actually if you're looking at one of those plug photo charts, I'm running on the high end of lean/safe. But I have AFR and vacuum gauges, so I know where I'm at.

I'm pretty pleased.

 

They're good plugs I've been happy with them. from a pure performance standpoint though it's hard to beat Champion. the dyno doesn't lie.

 

Yep, I've used Champion's in this truck. No complaints with them or Motorcraft's. But so far, the E3's are beating both of them in every respect.

 

If I use an expensive plug it's usually the Irridium tip plugs that Autolight sells. I've had them in several motors, can't say they make any more power or give better fuel economy, but every motor I've had them in has run better, cleaner, smoother.

Jess

 

I'm a fan of E-3 plugs. I don't like iridium, platnum etc. on a carb engine. E-3s last a long time and the others, not so much.

 

I'm a fan now also. Just checked the plugs again and all good. But I won't test their longevity. I'll continue changing plugs 3-4 times a year.

 

What part number did you use? My 400 is getting close to being due for a tuneup and I'm interested in giving them a shot.

 

Just how much do you drive?? LOL You're on the road right now I take it?

 

Lol. I drive it most every day.

 

E3.42. The E3 website has a cross reference function to tell you which plugs to use. Motorcraft ASF-42 = E3.42

 

I just put some in my 460, they seem to be good so far. I'm happy with them. I ordered them from Summit for about $5 a plug.

 

Yep, got mine there too.

 

No experience with E3's in an older Ford, but years ago I bought an Xterra that (according to the carfax report) had about 30k miles since the dealer last changed plugs. I had a pretty rough idle so I figured I'd check the plugs and see if there was an issue. Found that there were E3's in there (which I thought was odd that a dealer would install them). 2 of the 6 plugs had incredibly burnt electrodes and a 3rd was cracked. I don't know if Nissan's typically run hot or not, but those plugs were fubar'd with only 30k miles. I went back to whatever was OEM and immediately noticed a silky smooth idle and a DROP from 20 mpg's to 18 mpg's. The E3's did get significantly better fuel economy but their durability seems to be an issue. Again, I don't know exactly how many miles were on the E3's, but wouldn't run them.

 

Not a fan. I had a neighbor buy a set for me to install in his '77 F150 with a 460 swap. Ran like absolute crap with the E3s. Random misfires and stalling. Swapped back to coppers and had no problems. He then tried those same plugs in his '89 F150 5.0L. Ran OK, but not great. I have had three different customer cars come into the dealer I work for exhibiting random multiple cylinder misfires, all of which were running recent E3 plugs. No thanks.

 

I prefer to run whatever the manufacturer of the engine calls for. In this case the motor craft ASF-42 plug is what Ford used, so that's what I install at every time up. Seems like a no brainer to me. The only plugs I've had luck with that weren't factory style plugs are the NGK plugs. I had to use them once in a pinch but they seemed to run and function fine.