parts guy want's vin# to buy plugs
 

I went to the parts store to buy a set of plugs and wires for my 93gt. I asked if they have autolites and he said yes. Then I said I need plugs for a 93gt, 5.0, 302. He said that they list two different plugs, one has a longer reach then the other so he needs my vin#. He went out and looked and then gave me a set of 25's.
Now I am no mustang expert, but I like to think that I know my way around the ford small block. I thought all 93's came with e7's but I guess i'm wrong. Can anyone shed some light on this for me, or is the parts guy's cumputer on crack.
Wade

Maybe he was looking at Cobra numbers too. They might have called for a different heat range, but the different length thing sounds a little weird.

The questions those parts guys ask crack me up! I cant hardly walk in there to buy a fuse without having to tell them what day the car was built!

andy

"Yea, I need some intake gaskets for a small block chevy"

"what year?"

:rolleyes:

Yeah They have asked me the same thing when buying some gaskets..actually there are 3 vin letters they "think" they need...

the autolight25s are the ones you need for up to a mild mod-throw n2o in the mix and you are gonna want to drop to a autolight 24...a little cooler.

C Pony Go.com

Easy guys. This guy wasn't as dumb as you think. I just checked two of my spark plug catalogs, and both have two listings for 1993 5.0 EFI Mustangs. The ONLY difference in the listing is the VIN letter for the engine, but they call for two different plugs. This guy was just doing his job. You might even consider thanking him.

Take care,
-Chris

I can understand that as they read what comes up on the computer and 93 has different codes...I guess I prolly should have gone a little further in saying that I knew what my part number was despite him asking repeatedly for a vin letter...but I understang what you are saying though...no deaf ears here...lol

Knowing the part number of the item you need, in advance, is the best way to go. Just walk up and ask for 8 #xxxx. Don't even mention a vehicle.

Take care,
-Chris

I hate when I go to get parts for my '66, but their comps don't go back that far. It drives me nuts.

Whats the difference between the two plugs? Heat range? An entirely different style?

andy

The one for engine code E is standard (Autolite 25's)
The one for engine code G is one step colder, and has 1/4" longer threads (Autolite 103, 104, 105).

Take care,
-Chris

OK. Now my next obvious question. Does anyone know the difference between these 2 engine codes? I thought all 93's had E7's, why would some need a longer spark plug? Was there a mid year change in plug recommendation to cure some sort of problem? Was one engine code destined for a certain area (i.e. Canada, California, etc.)

What I dont know never ceases to amaze me!

andy

Nope. The Cobra had GT-40 heads, with larger valves and ports.

Take care,
-Chris

OK, my fault. I was thinking the basis of our discussion was for GT's. I know the cobra had GT40 heads, but this thread started because WADS556 had asked for plugs for a 93GT, not a Cobra. The parts guy said there were 2 different plugs for GT's. I was not even including the Cobra in this discussion.

andy

Yep I said GT, and because 93gt's have the e7's why would some take a longer plug excluding the cobra?

Well, the spark plug catalogs don't distinguish between models because they aren't always right (customer swears it's a GT, or maybe an LX, or was there a GX?), and the VIN engine code is much safer. The spark plug catalogs I looked at list two different plugs for 93 5.0's. That's it. Nowhere is GT, LX, or Cobra even mentioned. It's kinda funny, though, because that changes for 1994. There they have "Cobra Mustang" in parenthesis after one listing, and plain "Mustang" after the other. They have the same engine codes listed as they do for 1993, though.

Screw it, I'll just show you what I mean. This should help you understand what the kid behind the counter is dealing with:

http://homepage.mac.com/pkrwud/.Pict...sc./plugs.jpeg

Notice that the 3 5.0 listings for 1993 have no Mustang designation at all, but the same two engine codes are listed in 1994 as Mustang and Cobra Mustang. The guy really had no choice but to ask for your VIN.

Take care,
-Chris

That clears up allot. Good thing the parts guy is doing his job. That could be bad news if someone got the wrong plugs because one is longer.