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I wouldn't recommend platinum or iridium with a stock ignition system. I'd go autolite 25s or the copper version of the motorcraft
Originally Posted by beardedcap
Well honestly it's mostly anecdotical. I know copper has a lower resistance, so theoretically better for an older ignition system using oil filled coils. But I have had a buddy use some iridium tips in even an eec-iv truck and it was running like, ****, fouling plugs very quickly, etc. I'm not sure what or if he'd gapped them but we went and got some copper plugs and it ran fine. I've also read a few times online to use copper, but like I said it's all anecdotal.
I have also seen the same thing in the 80 - 86 truck area.
Some have no issues running them fancy plugs yet others do?
Some as soon as they install them or soon after.
When you see a post on running like crap and you start helping to find out they did a turn up 100 miles ago then ask what plugs they used once they say them fancy ones tell them to replace with copper and all was good again.
My thought is the old ICM just cant handle the load needed to fire the fancy plugs.
So why spend all the money on plugs that were not meant for our motors and may have to be changed out for the copper one?
Dave ----
I put some NGK V power plugs in my 460. So far, so good. Definitely runs better than with the fouled Autolites that came out. They were cheaper than Motorcraft and shipped from the same warehouse as everything else I was ordering from Rock Auto. Sometimes I’m annoyed by playing that game with Rock Auto but I’ve never had an issue with NGK plugs.
Since we are talking spark plugs can I ask you all the recommended 390 engines? In my setup, I have, as I mentioned, 390 and still have points.
Thank you,
Go to the local parts store and ask for copper plugs for your year motor and they will hand you what you need.
If you find the motor is burning oil and fouling plugs you could ask for 1 step hotter plug.
If you have run on and the idle speed is set to factory or get pinging / spark knock and timing is also set to factory you may want to go a step colder.
My .02
Dave ----