Spark plug indexing
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Spark plug indexing
Got a '70 Sport Custom with the 360, doing a little work on it now and I've got the heads off so I figured it would be a good time to ask. What is the best direction to face to plugs? Is it better to have them facing right between the valves? Towards the intake valve? Towards the exhaust? I run bosch platinums in the truck, and the arm stops right over the top of the diode, so I've got a pretty good field for the mix to ignite, just wondering if I could make it better? Let me know what you think.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
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From: south louisiana
Don't you have something that's more productive to do with your time ? 
You could spend all day trying to index them the same way and that 360 wouldn't know the difference, nor would any other motor.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 358
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This is pretty much a race only thing. You really won't notice any difference in your daily driving. Plus, our plugs don't have washers to interchange like some do. I know you used to be able to get different thickness ones to do this. Otherwise you will need to spend a lot of cash and hopefully find plugs that will face the right direction.
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I wish you guys would quit doggin my 360!! I can lay as much rubber as you want at will, sling the tailend sideways getting a second gear, and will gladly go as fast as my drum brakes and nerves will allow me to!!! And I have to disagree with you on this one, I personally think it does make a difference how they face especially on these old cast iron heads that were never meant for performance use!! I wouldn't be willing to bet a leg on it, but it has to help! And besides at least my truck doesn't sport a bowtie like everyother sheep out there, give a Ford brother a break huh?
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
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From: south louisiana
Add some weight to that rear and your tire smokin problems will be solved. If you think indexing the spark plugs makes a difference, then knock yourself out. No one's ******* your 360, only thing wrong with them, was they were missing a 390 crank and rods. 
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I agree whole heartedly with you on the 390 crank, and rods!! I just hate seen guys in these forums telling newbies to gut em and put 390 crank and rods in them right off the bat!! My old 360 still has alot of life in it, but granted when it does go sour that will be what I go for, but for right now I'm having alot of fun seeing what I can get out of an O.K motor. Loved the cure for the tire smoke, that's funny I don't care who you are!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Evanston, WY
I have to say I'm in the "it doesn't matter" category. I read an article last winter in which a race engine was placed on a dyno and the plugs set in different positions to determine which was best. There was no change in any position. If it makes you feel better, do it. I don't worry about it on my 511.
As a sidenote, it may be necessary on some high compression engines just to clear the piston.
-Scouder
As a sidenote, it may be necessary on some high compression engines just to clear the piston.
-Scouder
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
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From: Missouri
A nice hot ignition will make more difference than anything. Indexing plugs is a waste of time in my opinion.
No Curtis, I would never tear apart a perfectly good running 360 to add a 390 crank but on a rebuild I think it is money well spent if you are looking for some streetable performance. If you are happy with the 360's torque then that is the setup to keep.
No Curtis, I would never tear apart a perfectly good running 360 to add a 390 crank but on a rebuild I think it is money well spent if you are looking for some streetable performance. If you are happy with the 360's torque then that is the setup to keep.
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I seen what you guys are saying, but Scouder on a race engine the heads are really set up to flow well, and I think you'll agree a stock 360 head isn't! Heck you can barely see the plug in the combustion chamber because of how recessed it is. I agree though I maybe be chasing my tail for 2 or 3 horses and I really other than the seat of my pants feeling can't tell if it works or not, but I figured it was worth a try while I had it all apart and could verify their positions. I appreciate the input on the matter. Oh and hey Scouder if you ever decide that 511 is too much power for you maybe we could do some trading on a well used 360???????? Thanks guys!
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Well Curtis I wish you all the luck with indexing your plugs,, if it make's ya feel good do it, but Scoots right on this(Scouder) the only time indexing is done is to clear the dome pistons on a High per motor..It has nothing to do with more efficient spark to the fuel..for a cleaner burn...Take care and good luck with your Truck, Happy Trails!
Russ
BTW...I forgot to add...on a HIPO motor running 12.5 to 1 or 14 to 1 and then some..there is a limited amount of space in the head chamber... therefore getting the side electrode out of the pistons way.has to be done..if not?? you close the gap between the negative and the postive electrode and What?? No Spark gap and damaged spark plug threads..and the list goes on..... Take care!!! Russ
Russ
BTW...I forgot to add...on a HIPO motor running 12.5 to 1 or 14 to 1 and then some..there is a limited amount of space in the head chamber... therefore getting the side electrode out of the pistons way.has to be done..if not?? you close the gap between the negative and the postive electrode and What?? No Spark gap and damaged spark plug threads..and the list goes on..... Take care!!! Russ
Last edited by RapidRuss; Sep 5, 2004 at 07:07 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Curtis I am not going to dog your 360, but to add to your spark plug indexing I was always told to get it as closely turned towards the intake valve so as soon as the gas comes in it will spark the fastest. I have done this everytime I change out plugs and it only takes me about 30 min and I usually get them all realy close. I usually don't buy the washers for the plugs I just mark were the electrode is and start swaping holes, and if you wanna know the advantage, my friend pick up .02 at the track in his quarter mile times, and this is on a street engine!! oh and to add to this, I get alot of my info from my dad who is almost 60 and use to work close with the Ford guys that ran the ford "Thunderbolts" and this was a little trick they also did!! Hey ran a stock Fairlane in the stock class won a lot of trophies doing it, I am working my way into racing too.
Last edited by polcat; Sep 5, 2004 at 07:25 PM.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Originally Posted by polcat
Curtis I am not going to dog your 360, but to add to your spark plug indexing I was always told to get it as closely turned towards the intake valve so as soon as the gas comes in it will spark the fastest. I have done this everytime I change out plugs and it only takes me about 30 min and I usually get them all realy close. I usually don't buy the washers for the plugs I just mark were the electrode is and start swaping holes, and if you wanna know the advantage, my friend pick up .02 at the track in his quarter mile times, and this is on a street engine!! oh and to add to this, I get alot of my info from my dad who is almost 60 and use to work close with the Ford guys that ran the ford "Thunderbolts" and this was a little trick they also did!!
I'am glad to hear it works for you and your Bud!!
Russ and Rory!! Breakin the Boy into Rodding!!!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
yeah I know what you mean I am young to messing with these older engines, but I don't believe their is a right or wrong answer here, just how much time you want to spend, back in the 60's it probably helped more than today. Like ya'll said we have alot of new stuff today to help. MY dad use to run a 60's Fairlane can't say what motor but ran in the stock class were their was not much you could do in that class to make horsepower, but he did win alot back than.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Originally Posted by polcat
yeah I know what you mean I am young to messing with these older engines, but I don't believe their is a right or wrong answer here, just how much time you want to spend, back in the 60's it probably helped more than today. Like ya'll said we have alot of new stuff today to help. MY dad use to run a 60's Fairlane can't say what motor but ran in the stock class were their was not much you could do in that class to make horsepower, but he did win alot back than.
And some guys pat there ladys on the bottom for good luck,and some like Gtex dont change the underwear for a week....LMAO!! I'am just one of those people..thats show me?? always have always will.. Your Dad must be a tad bit older than I am.. I raced back in the late 60s..then after the USAF..I Campained a A/EA a 2200lb with me in it 48 Fiat Topulino..
Have to run for now....The Grandkid!!! Russ
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
well he is 58 and I am 29, I believe he ran in the A class, just can't remember what year. he ran a '66 mustang in the late 60's and early 70's so he helps me alot on tune up and info. I am trying to be the next generation to race, but using the Ford Fe to run with!!