What spark plugs should I go with?

[Frogleg]

My 00 GT has about 85,000 miles and I want to change out the spark plugs. What plugs do you all recommend? I'd like to purchase them online if possible; just to make it easier and usually its cheaper

Also do they usually come pre-gapped?

Thanks

[SpectorV]

OEM ford gaped correctly to specifications, thats all you need. Put a little bit of anti seeze on them (very little) and tq to stock specs and your good to go.

they usually come pre gapped but its ALWAYS good to double check

[OsirisGuy]

For Ford a lot of guys here either go with Motorcraft or Autolite, which, either are probably the best for the car.

[Frogleg]

Quote: Originally Posted by SpectorV OEM ford gaped correctly to specifications, thats all you need. Put a little bit of anti seeze on them (very little) and tq to stock specs and your good to go. they usually come pre gapped but its ALWAYS good to double check

So I should stay away from the Iridium / Platinum double tip type of stuff?

[SpectorV]

no real need, copper is fine it may wear out sooner but... its a good opportunity to check the cylinders to see if all is well anyway~

your factory plugs may not have been cooper though so use what ever ford put in from the factory.

[Cobra GT]

Quote: Originally Posted by Frogleg So I should stay away from the Iridium / Platinum double tip type of stuff?

Bump on the anti-seize, I would use the Iridium / Platinum if you can afford them.

[PureVenom]

I'm a fan of the NGK coppers myself. You should be able to find them in the heat range for a GT. I know my stock plug was TR55's, I'm not sure what your plug would be off hand.

[Mustangfan2003]

denso makes a pretty good plug too.

[96cobra]

im going to try the ngk iridums for my car, they have a finer center electrode than the autolite iridium plugs for an easier spark, but if it was me i wouldnt run anything less than stock materials. im assuming platinum or iridium for your vehicle.

[Frogleg]

Quote: Originally Posted by 96cobra im going to try the ngk iridums for my car, they have a finer center electrode than the autolite iridium plugs for an easier spark, but if it was me i wouldnt run anything less than stock materials. im assuming platinum or iridium for your vehicle.

How would I know what the stock materials are on the spark plugs without taking them out? Didn't see anything in the owners manual.

[upton7]

just get some motorcraft plugs and u won't have to worry about it

[bbunt302]

Motorcraft or Autolite is the way to go. Autolite manufactures the Motorcraft plugs, so they are the same either way. When you buy the platinum/iridium/expensive coppers, all you are getting is a more expensive and heavily marketed plug. They are a waste. Yes, they are more durable, but when you consider the price difference, you are losing money.

Copper is a better conductor than either platinum or iridium. You will get a stronger spark with a copper plug.

The platinum/iridium plugs also produce a thinner, more condensed spark. This can cause problems for two reasons:
#1) If that thin strip is fouled, the plug is garbage. The copper plugs produce a much wider spark that requires more of the plug to be fouled before you have to throw them in the trash.
#2) In high horsepower applications, you're going to want to run on the safe side of the A/F ratio. Because of the thinner spark of platinum/iridium plugs, they are more likely to suffer from spark blowout when extra fuel is present.

[19Delta]

I use Bosch Platinum Series II plugs. Always worked good for me in the past and the present.

[96cobra]

it should of been in the owners manual, bu you can go to orielly's and they can tell you what materials came with it

[silverstangboy]

it doesn't matter..... cheap plugs replaced more often will be better for the car than any other method when talking power and running condition of the car.

[96cobra]

your iridium plugs have less resistance, meaning a stronger spark, meaning better throttle responce and power output. the materials are going to be stronger than your copper materials

[bbunt302]

Iridium plugs do not have a stronger spark than copper plugs. Copper is a more conductive material.

[Herbstang]

Quote: Originally Posted by bbunt302 Iridium plugs do not have a stronger spark than copper plugs. Copper is a more conductive material.

+ 1

The more expensive the plug, the more platinum (double/triple coated) or iridium is usually used in the plug. A thin coating of these precious metals will not fair as well as a thicker, so in general, you won't want to go the cheap route, as it would be better to just use good old copper for your maximum value.

However, in general, the standard copper plug does not reduce quenching like many of the platinum and iridium plugs can. With this said, technology has opened copper type plugs to the similar benefits of the fine electrode using various configurations and shapes. This is where the specialty plug comes in, such as the U-groove or Splitfire.

[Mustangfan2003]

speaking of Iridium plugs in my car for about a year now, Autolite XP, so far so good.

[Frogleg]

Wow, I wasn't expecting all the responses but thanks!

I am going to end up going with the NGK TR55 (.054 Gap)

Thanks for all the help.

I took a look at the engine this weekend, it looks like they are held on by a small screw. Is that right?

Also does anyone know the specified torque to put the plugs back in?

Thanks

[OsirisGuy]

Tighten those spark plugs 7-14 Ft/lbs.

[SaleenFiend]

To clear up a question while on the subject..

Is it better to change the plugs with a cold engine for a mildly warm? I have heard warm is usually better especially for aluminum heads?

[Mustangfan2003]

i know i did mine mildly warm and i know the new mustangs recomend that.

[OsirisGuy]

I thought it was the opposite for Alum. heads. When the heads are warm there is a higher risk of cross threading

[SaleenFiend]

Quote: Originally Posted by OsirisGuy I thought it was the opposite for Alum. heads. When the heads are warm there is a higher risk of cross threading

Well hopefully someone while chime in?

[PureVenom]

I had heard the same thing that warm heads is bad for aluminum heads. not only for the cross threading risk but if the plug sticks it could rip the threads out and force you to have to helicoil them.

I change mine cold anyhow....I let it sit over night anyhow.

[SaleenFiend]

Quote: Originally Posted by PureVenom I had heard the same thing that warm heads is bad for aluminum heads. not only for the cross threading risk but if the plug sticks it could rip the threads out and force you to have to helicoil them. I change mine cold anyhow....I let it sit over night anyhow.

Makes sense as the aluminum would be softer or even brittle when at higher temps.

[iamdat]

i try and let the car cool down as much as possible first. use anti-seize on all alum heads and i think its pretty much a non-issue.

[PureVenom]

I use antiseize as well....but I don't push my luck....

[occhopperman27]

@ 60,000 miles mine looked darn near new, i really didnt need to change them out but i did anyway they had a lot of life on the factory motorcraft platinums

[JoeyR]

im currently using Autolight Double platinum's. very happy with quality.