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

 

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.

 

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

 

Longer life, that's the big one.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

if your going to beat on it, go one step colder....Ford puts in a sparkplug for normal driving, like 55/65 mph 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.....

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.