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12-12-2004, 11:43 PM | #1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 16
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Spark Plugs
I have a 94 GT and i took my car into a shop to get it tested and the guy said i had the wrong spark plugs? I currently have bosh platinuim plugs in my vehicle and the guy said i should just have the regular old cheap ones in it. He said that may be contributing to my gas mileage problem. Is that even possible? better spark plugs are making my car run worse?
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Tincan18 |
12-13-2004, 03:21 AM | #2 |
Moderator
Join Date: Sep 1998
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Posts: 1,001
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Re: Spark Plugs
Very possible. I've had the exact same experience with Bosch CRAPINum plugs. Granted, it was with an older 4-banger LX, but the point remains the same. Just because you paid more for them does not make them better spark plugs. Platinum is not what Ford originally had in mind for your GT, and even though Motorcraft may offer a platinum plug, it is NOT the same as the Bosch design. Bosch decided to use a hair-thin center electrode; Motorcraft (and virtually every other plug manufacturer/label) uses a copper center electrode with platinum tips, and this is the vital distinguishing factor.
You may not have the wrong plugs in your GT, but they are probably stealing some power and gas mileage. This is because the flame kernel from a Bosch Pt plug is not nearly as large as a copper or copper/Pt plug's; Champion found this out many years ago when the Plats started coming out. They're not as bad in a wasted-spark ignition system (aka coil pack ignition), but just plain work terribly in a TFI-IV system (yours), in my professional opinion. Change your plugs to Autolite/Motorcraft (same maker), Champion, etc., as long as they are regular copper plugs. Don't fall for the splitfire or other gimmick plugs. They are a complete waste of money and time, and if they actually did work, wouldn't the automotive industry have picked up on it by now???
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Capri306, Moderator The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri 1987 5.0L Mustang LX Notchback 1993 5.8L Eddie Bauer Bronco |
12-14-2004, 06:30 PM | #3 |
Domestic Rice really sucks!
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: KY
Posts: 973
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Re: Spark Plugs
FWIW, I second Capri306.
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The sig says it all. |
12-17-2004, 04:25 PM | #4 |
Rebel Fleet Commander
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Huber Heights, OH
Posts: 1,003
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Re: Spark Plugs
Me and my brother both run Autolites. Never given us any trouble. He runs 9.60's BTW
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1993 Mustang GT, PTK w/ T-64 - My Cardomain Webpage 11.25@123.5 on only 8 psi. 10.84@121 on only 1 headgasket "The Truth is, Your the Weak, and I am the Tyranny of Evil Men!" |
12-20-2004, 09:39 AM | #5 |
Gimme a Drink!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 694
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Re: Spark Plugs
autolites! i had bosch 4 in there, what an improvement the autolites made!
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1990 GT,stock T-5,K&N w/o air silencer,March underdrives,FMS wires,timing@14*,PA Perf 130amp alt,Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter,Steeda adj quadrant/clutch cable/firewall adj,Centerforce II clutch,o/r x-pipe,Magnaflow SS catback,g-load brace, subframes,Bilstein struts/shocks,Autometer gauges, 136k and running strong! |
12-26-2004, 08:03 PM | #6 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 706
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Re: Spark Plugs
Ackbar, man, what a picture...who the hell are those guys...holy 1980....
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1988 GT Convertible 331 10:1 TW heads, GT-40 intake, MSD, TRW flattops, B Cam w/ 1.7's, MAC exhaust, 24's, 70 TB, 76 MAF, 3.73's, Pro 5.0, Koni's, Anderson PMS, Wideband 02, yatta, yatta... One week with new motor, two speeding tickets...joy |
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