Is there a preferred spark plug for the 352?

 

NGK- because they have one of the most (multiple) expanded heat range plugs available today and they are of good quality. Meaning, instead of having one plug that is close enough for use in multiple engines, they literally have the specific plug for the specific engine. I recently replaced the plugs in my wife's 1997 cougar sport (4.6 V8).... the new Motorcraft plugs were just too cold and after 4 months I had it with them. Could not get a straight answer out of Ford as to a part # for a plug that was one step hotter. I checked around and the "car guys/hot rodders" were now all running NGK. I have to admit I was skeptical but what I was seeing at the parts counter was alot of junk. I called NGK tech support- the lady (a real lady and not a 20 something 3-Series BMW driver who was reading a screen) actually understood what I was needing. She gave me the part # and advised this particular series of spark plug had a little less life to it but it burned about 400F degrees hotter.
DShe was right.

It worked
It runs well after 4 months.

 

Autolite 45. This was the brand Ford used in the 352. What Ford put in the engine was the best all around plug for what the vehicle was used for. Unless you are building a high performance engine you really don't need to worry about heat range. To hot of a plug could cause pre ignition which could cause valve and piston damage and shorten the life of the plug. To cold could cause plug fouling. What Ford used was what papa bear would call just right.

 

+1 for the Autolite 45.

 

I have to go with beachkid and the NGK plugs. I have been running them in my 352 for several years now. I can't tell you the number because I have the memory of a goldfish, but the parts guy will have a listing

 

Totally unnecessary on a stock engine. However, these discussions are as unproductive as arguing over which motor oil is “best”. Proceed.

 

I'm really sorry, but this doesn't even begin to make sense. Engineering specs on parts can change, quality can change, materials can change as part of the engineering specs, and work better or worse.

 

I ‘m on a couple automotive and motorcycle forums where discussions of these kinds of topics, like oil, (not sure bout spark plugs specifically) might get you tossed, or at least the thread locked. You can throw additional money at problems, and while it may make YOU feel good - (you ARE after all, giving your baby the best, like a 1,000 dollar baby stroller) - it frequently has no real- world improvement for a stock truck . Knock yourself out, if it makes you feel better.

NOTE: I stand corrected. Apparently a 1000.00 stroller is only “middlin” these days. They can be had up to 7,000.00 or so. Buy one of those for your infant and they’re sure to be the most loved child with the highest I.Q. in their babysitting co-op or on your block!

 

Been running Autolite 45's gapped at .045 for years with Petronics 1. Year after year I think I should change them, but when I pull them out they look like I just put them in.

 

Ran Autolite 45 for years with zero issues ever. Cheap, can find them anywhere, and do what they're supposed to. Switching to any of the dozen or so "better" plugs out there won't make a bit of difference on a stock or mostly stock engine. The 352 has its limitations, but the plugs ain't one of them.
Now, since adding aluminum heads have switched to NGK as other factors come into play. Whole different ballgame.

 

Again, this doesn't make any sense what you are trying to convey based upon the subject and info presented.

 

I can’t make you understand something you’re dead set against. Do whatever feels best to you.

 

I again, don't understand what you are trying to convey.... Yes I prefer OEM parts however, in many cases the specs have been reduce to accommodate versus being built specifically for a particular engine. Given the "new' and different blends of fuel, the same exact spark plugs spec'd in a vehicle built 5-10 years ago let along 50 years ago, may not be the best component for today's fuel and engine. Both Autolite and AC Delco (with IIRR WAS the original spark plug installed in many Fords, including my 65 Mustang, supplied by GM), and let's face it Autolite has been sold a few times and I believe the current owners is Federal. Not that the plug design, materials etc. haven't changed either, which modifies the burn pattern/flame promulgation.

Heck, in the 1970's, I use to run Champion in everything, and my favorite plug was the "Gold Palladium's".... there is no better material for conduction (even today) than "Gold" which is used in the aerospace programs- but they haven't been made in years and the QA on Champions IMHO when down low, and unless it's spec'd for my lawnmower, it's not going in anything else I own. What I have found with NGK, is both the QA and materials are excellent and they typically have a hotter spark (about 200-400F degrees) compared to Autolite, Motorcraft, etc. which also means depending on fuel blend and climate, I don't have to jump up 1 step in the heat zone to address excessive issues with excessive idling or with my "hot rods, rich fuel mixture.

In other words, I approach the operation of my vehicles from a science based approach, not just a "Tune-Masters" approach of throw maintenance part "A" because it calls for it.

 

He is trying to tell you that there are going to be as many opinions on this subject as there are people on this planet. Plugs or any other reputable replacement part is made to manufacturer specifications. Let's use the autolite 45 for an example. If you had a brand new one made in 1965 and one made in 2024 and you dissected it. There would be no difference. Now with that said when it comes to colder or hotter plugs. Run what the MFR tells you to use. They didn't just pill that number out of their but. They did lots of testing to conclude that the 45 was the best all around plug for the application. As I said hotter plugs could cause engine damage. When I was young and dumb and snowmobiles were not as sophisticated as they are today, I burned holes in pistons running hotter plugs because I was tired of fouling the recommended plugs SkiDoo said to run. As soon as I realized plugs were cheaper than pistons I stopped burning holes in them. As far as MFR of a plug I run what is recommended. NGK is a good plug and SkiDoo says to run them and I do. Briggs and Stratton says to run Champions and I do in my B and S powered equipment. Hope this helps you understand what Buzz is getting at.

 

I run Autolite BF-42 plugs in all my Fords.
Have 45's also but won't need them for another 15-20 years.