Performance spark plugs??

ANDYS87 · 04-15-2008, 06:29 PM

On Hotrod TV this weekend, they dynoed a car with performance plugs vs. E3 spark plugs. They said the E3 plugs made 5HP. Just wondering if anyone has ever used these?? My car is due for a tune-up and am wondering what plugs to use. It's a 99 GT with minor bolt-ons(no power adders). E3's are $6 each at summit. Should I just stick with motorcraft coppers for the best spark(if so, what part #?). Should I go 1 heat range colder for my application(if using motorcraft copper core)?

-Thanks

bassman97 · 04-15-2008, 06:38 PM

All those special plugs are BS. If they actually were better than traditional plugs, then racers would use them. The magazines just hype them since they get cash if they show them in a good light. Just stick to good ol' copper plugs.

ANDYS87 · 04-15-2008, 06:49 PM

any advantages of iridium plugs vs. copper core plugs??

bassman97 · 04-15-2008, 07:04 PM

Longer life, that's the big one.

JScottGT · 04-16-2008, 06:35 AM

I also saw that episode... it was HorsepowerTV BTW. They claimed 5 hp gain as well as a gain in fuel mileage. I can see some merit for a stronger spark... it will just ensure the fuel is ignited every time. But for near $50 for a set of 8 that is just crazy. For your '99 GT just stick with the Motorcraft or Autolite copper plugs. You should be able to find the Autolites at any parts store for like $1.99 or less each. $6/ea for a spark plug is just nuts.

ANDYS87 · 04-16-2008, 07:44 AM

Yes, it was HorsepowerTV. Thanks for the replies......one question: seems like Motorcraft copper cores are the way to go, but should I go with the stock heat range, or 1 step colder??? What is the benefit of a colder plug?

JScottGT · 04-16-2008, 09:08 AM

For a mostly stock vehicle stick with the stock replacements. A colder plug would benefit you if you were running forced induciton or NO2.

*Randy Stinchcomb* · 04-16-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANDYS87

Yes, it was HorsepowerTV. Thanks for the replies......one question: seems like Motorcraft copper cores are the way to go, but should I go with the stock heat range, or 1 step colder??? What is the benefit of a colder plug?

if your going to beat on it, go one step colder....Ford puts in a sparkplug for normal driving, like 55/65 miles per hour highway and keeping it under 3k....problem is, I dont know anyone who drives ther Mustang normal.....so going by my theroy, Ford should have put in a AGSF-22 plug form the start but they have to compromise some and put in a sparkplug thats a little hotter, which is a "32" series plug.....if you need help wth getting Motorcraft plugs, we have the "copper core" ones on sale for $1.95 each, + s&h.....

Steeda97 · 04-16-2008, 01:48 PM

Hey Randy, do you have Motorcraft plugs that are one step colder? The AGSF-22 or whatever? haha.

Gedfar · 04-18-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JScottGT

For a mostly stock vehicle stick with the stock replacements. A colder plug would benefit you if you were running forced induciton or NO2.

I've got a 98 cobra with some work done... would the E3 plugs benefit me at all?? (I saw the epesode too btw)

*Randy Stinchcomb* · 04-18-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeda97

Hey Randy, do you have Motorcraft plugs that are one step colder? The AGSF-22 or whatever? haha.

sure do

$1.95 each + s&h and plenty in stock.......

r3dn3ck · 04-18-2008, 11:45 AM

plugs is plugs. No sense spending 50 bucks for 1-5 hp that will disappear as the plugs wear.

For most 2v cars Autolite 103's or 104's are just fine. Randy's OEM copper cores are another perfectly good option. I personally don't like exotic plugs, especially platinums and those with more than 1 ground strap. There's something to be said for tradition in this case. If you're having trouble keeping the fires lit there are other solutions that last a lot longer and produce better results... like hotter coils. You don't need those till you're running kinda a lot of boost or nitrous.

bassman97 · 04-18-2008, 06:53 PM

Useless also. As I've said time and again, if NASCAR and NHRA drivers use old fashion, single ground strap Copper plugs, all those other ones that claim to make power are snake oil.

04-15-2008, 06:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
ANDYS87 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 97	Performance spark plugs?? On Hotrod TV this weekend, they dynoed a car with performance plugs vs. E3 spark plugs. They said the E3 plugs made 5HP. Just wondering if anyone has ever used these?? My car is due for a tune-up and am wondering what plugs to use. It's a 99 GT with minor bolt-ons(no power adders). E3's are $6 each at summit. Should I just stick with motorcraft coppers for the best spark(if so, what part #?). Should I go 1 heat range colder for my application(if using motorcraft copper core)? -Thanks

04-16-2008, 06:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
JScottGT Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 60	I also saw that episode... it was HorsepowerTV BTW. They claimed 5 hp gain as well as a gain in fuel mileage. I can see some merit for a stronger spark... it will just ensure the fuel is ignited every time. But for near $50 for a set of 8 that is just crazy. For your '99 GT just stick with the Motorcraft or Autolite copper plugs. You should be able to find the Autolites at any parts store for like $1.99 or less each. $6/ea for a spark plug is just nuts. __________________ 2000 Mustang GT (aka "The Frankenstang") - 5.4L Power - Comp XE270AH-13 Cams - 261rwhp/330rwtq - 2001 Cobra IRS - 3.55:1 - 2000 Cobra R Rear Springs & Dampers - 2001 Bullitt Front Springs & Dampers - 2001 Bullitt Front Brakes www.jscottgt.com

04-16-2008, 09:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
JScottGT Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 60	For a mostly stock vehicle stick with the stock replacements. A colder plug would benefit you if you were running forced induciton or NO2. __________________ 2000 Mustang GT (aka "The Frankenstang") - 5.4L Power - Comp XE270AH-13 Cams - 261rwhp/330rwtq - 2001 Cobra IRS - 3.55:1 - 2000 Cobra R Rear Springs & Dampers - 2001 Bullitt Front Springs & Dampers - 2001 Bullitt Front Brakes www.jscottgt.com

04-16-2008, 01:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
Steeda97 giggity. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,526	Hey Randy, do you have Motorcraft plugs that are one step colder? The AGSF-22 or whatever? haha. __________________

04-18-2008, 11:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 7,006	plugs is plugs. No sense spending 50 bucks for 1-5 hp that will disappear as the plugs wear. For most 2v cars Autolite 103's or 104's are just fine. Randy's OEM copper cores are another perfectly good option. I personally don't like exotic plugs, especially platinums and those with more than 1 ground strap. There's something to be said for tradition in this case. If you're having trouble keeping the fires lit there are other solutions that last a lot longer and produce better results... like hotter coils. You don't need those till you're running kinda a lot of boost or nitrous. __________________ Built 5.5L 2v and Maximum Motorsports Max Grip box. www.squarerootofone.com My CarDomain Page

04-15-2008, 06:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
bassman97 blank Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North Jersey Posts: 1,485	All those special plugs are BS. If they actually were better than traditional plugs, then racers would use them. The magazines just hype them since they get cash if they show them in a good light. Just stick to good ol' copper plugs.

04-15-2008, 06:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
ANDYS87 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 97	any advantages of iridium plugs vs. copper core plugs??

04-15-2008, 07:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
bassman97 blank Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North Jersey Posts: 1,485	Longer life, that's the big one.

04-16-2008, 07:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
ANDYS87 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 97	Yes, it was HorsepowerTV. Thanks for the replies......one question: seems like Motorcraft copper cores are the way to go, but should I go with the stock heat range, or 1 step colder??? What is the benefit of a colder plug?

04-18-2008, 06:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
bassman97 blank Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North Jersey Posts: 1,485	Useless also. As I've said time and again, if NASCAR and NHRA drivers use old fashion, single ground strap Copper plugs, all those other ones that claim to make power are snake oil.

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