Spark Plugs?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Spark Plugs?
Wondering what a good spark plug for my truck would be just been using cheap ones but thought id go with some better ones this time and what is a good gap setting i have an Accel super coil and 8.8 wires. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
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From: Missouri
Autolites are the best according to most. I have run NGKs, champion, and some others. Autolites have always run great. I used to bash autolite becasue they were a cheap plug but then I tried them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
I've had good luck with Bosch platinum +4 plugs. They seem to work really good. Before that I held champion plugs in high regard, still do, but I just think that the Bosch's are better.
Ratsmoker, I've not had as good of luck with the Autolites. I got a set to put in my '92 explorer, and the thing missed more than with the plugs I took out! I put some regular Bosch platinum's in and it ran great. Maybe I just got a bad set of plugs, I dont know.
Ratsmoker, I've not had as good of luck with the Autolites. I got a set to put in my '92 explorer, and the thing missed more than with the plugs I took out! I put some regular Bosch platinum's in and it ran great. Maybe I just got a bad set of plugs, I dont know.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
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From: Missouri
I used to sell the platinum +4 plugs at my part time job. The customers said they liked them. I never had a set come back on me. I just can't see where they wil give me better performance than the autolites. I really don't put to much emphasis on plugs. If your ignition isn't up to the job then you can forget about any magic plugs.
An interesting fact about the platinum +4 plugs is that they only spark on 1 electrode. The go with the path of least resistance like electricityalways does. What happens to the other 3 when they aren't being hit with the arc? They just get a little dirty. Then your plug will only use that 1 electrode for the duration of its life or until that electrode burns down a little. By that time its been several 10s of thousands of miles and they need replaced anyway.
An interesting fact about the platinum +4 plugs is that they only spark on 1 electrode. The go with the path of least resistance like electricityalways does. What happens to the other 3 when they aren't being hit with the arc? They just get a little dirty. Then your plug will only use that 1 electrode for the duration of its life or until that electrode burns down a little. By that time its been several 10s of thousands of miles and they need replaced anyway.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 508
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
I am using Autolite raceplugs with the cutback electrode and they seem to work great!! I am running a colder plug AR32 gap at .030. I am running this on a 10.5 to 1 compression 390, with a good cam. Got plenty of performance!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
This is true, a good strong ignition is essential. However, I think it doesnt take 10,000 miles for them to wear down enough to spark on one of the other electrodes. However, it would be easier to spark if some of the electrodes were to get dirty.
Edit: Aren't they supposed to go for like 50,000 miles?
Edit: Aren't they supposed to go for like 50,000 miles?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: iowa
i almost always use autolite as well. Got the $1 a piece ones in right now. have been looking at getting the$2 platinum autolite but i won't notice any difference. I don't tend to recommend champion because they don't seem to work well in older gms and a good plug should no matter what manufactur. And autolite has a reputation of working good in fords so thats what i use.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,232
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From: Colville, Washington
Autolite AP45 platinums in my 428. Had Bosch platinums, worked fine, but fine center electrode didn't seem to hold up under the MSD6A ignition. When I changed them(don't remem mileage) the center electrode was down inside the porcelain out of sight!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Jackassville
. spark plugs arent really a big deal when it comes to peformance, as long as there new. that bosh 4+ sounds like a good ol gimmick. plus ive heard they sometimes come apart in old fords. i use the cheap boschs with the copper electrode and they work great. dont buy into that more pefromacne, better mileage, smoother accerlation with the platinum plugs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Originally posted by FERacing66
. spark plugs arent really a big deal when it comes to peformance, as long as there new. that bosh 4+ sounds like a good ol gimmick. plus ive heard they sometimes come apart in old fords. i use the cheap boschs with the copper electrode and they work great. dont buy into that more pefromacne, better mileage, smoother accerlation with the platinum plugs.
. spark plugs arent really a big deal when it comes to peformance, as long as there new. that bosh 4+ sounds like a good ol gimmick. plus ive heard they sometimes come apart in old fords. i use the cheap boschs with the copper electrode and they work great. dont buy into that more pefromacne, better mileage, smoother accerlation with the platinum plugs.
Please elaborate on how they come apart.
