bosch platinum +4 spark plugs

[dave dale]

has anyone used bosch platinum +4 spark plugs
in a ford explorer 1997 with a 4.0l shoc and where can i buy them as they are not sold in australia

 

[mattb]

Dont waste your money. They help the engine start faster, that is the only benefit. no more power or gas milage (unless you have abused plugs in the engine already).

I would just get some Motorcraft or Autolife plugs and spend your money on a good set of wires.

 

[S.Matsushige]

Dave-These plugs seem to work for some people and not for others. I swapped my Autolite platinums for the Bosch P+4 with satisfying results. Along with the quicker start ups, I got a smoother idling engine and better response from my '91XLT. My engine idled so smoothly after I first installed them that I thought I killed my engine while waiting for a traffic light. Its been five months now and its still doing its job. As for mpg, I'm getting one to two miles more per gallon while running 87. If you are interested, I think Bosch has a website. I'll try to locate it for you and get back to you.

 

[S.Matsushige]

Dave-I found a website you might want to try if you are interested in the Bosch plugs. Its a Autozone web-www.autozone.com/best_parts/commonmaintenance/boschplugs/boschplugs.html. You could order it through them on the web. Hope this helps.

 

[Jeff]

I put in a set in my 97 4.0 SOHC and I haven't been disappointed with them. The engine starts a bit quicker, idles a little smoother and my best estimate is that I picked about 1/2 MPG. The plugs were expensive as plugs go but I think that they were worth the money although for the price they should turn my truck into some sort of speed demon. You can't have those kind of dreams with a 99 cent plug. At this years Long Beach Grand Prix the Bosch people were so excited to hear that I bought their plugs that they gave me hat and a key fob. Had I known of the treasures that were in store, I would've bought them sooner. Overall, I've never heard of plugs, without other modifications, making a whole lot of differance. I'm happy with the plugs and would buy them again.

 

[Phantom]

Pherhaps you might see a real difference using these plugs with an upgraded ignition system.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Phantom,
The Explorer already has a very good ignition system, in fact it's a hot system!
I believe that it's the same ignition system that the Mustangs use. Even the people at Jacobs electronics say the it is a very good ignition system. Ford just needs to use better plug wires, or you just need to change them a little more often. Dead Link Removed

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[2mrchio]

Ray, you're right about the ignition system. I ordered a set of plug wires from Jacobs just yesterday, and that topic came up - the fact that the ignition system is a great one, it's just the stock wires leave much to be desired...


------------------
Brian
'93 XLT 4x4
Stock, but not for long...




[This message has been edited by 2mrchio (edited 05-20-99).]

 

[The Godfather]

does anybody know who makes a performance coil? I've replace everything but that so I figure if I can do that too why not. Just to add on, I've got Accell wires and Bosch Plat. plugs (not the 4+). They are excelent. After adding them (along with a borla exhaust) I'm getting almost 300 miles on a tank of gas with about a 15hp gain.

 

[Phantom]

I've never seen a performance coil but MSD makes a performance multispark ignition system for distributorless ignitions like the Explorer. I'm thinking of getting some Magnecor wires for mine. Does anyone know anything about them. I found there website to be very informational but I'm looking to hear from someone who actually has experience with them.

 

[Jordan714]

I need some suggestions.

So far I have installed a KKM Intake System and a Gibson Cat-Back Exhaust. What do you all think I should do next?

Jordan
98 XLT

 

[Ray Lobato]

Godfather,
The Explorer ignition coil is actually six coils, one for each cylinder(that is for a V6). This is much more effective, and efficient. You would be wasting your money buying anything from the aftermarket world to replace the stock ignition system, because your truck is not modified enough to really start splitting hairs. If you want performance, then get some headers. You will really see some performance with that.

Jordan,
Replace you plug wires and get some headers. You could get a larger throttle body and larger MAS, but the Headers, without a doubt would be the most power gain. Only after that should you concider a chip. That is unless you are thinkng about a supercharger, then if you went with a BBK, you would get a chip anyway. If that is not enough, then you have to start looking inside the engine. ie.. heads ported and polished, cams, pistons,etc,etc... You know the old saying "SPEED COSTS" $$$$$$$$
Hope this helps.
Dead Link Removed

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[Jeff]

Phantom, I installed a set of the Magnecor KV85 wires on my 97 4.0 SOHC about 3 months ago along with Bosch Platinum +4s. The wires are first rate all the way. They are built very well and you can actually pull them off the plugs with relative ease. Try taking off the stock wires but don't plan on using them again. Magnecor makes a wonderful product and their aircraft grade silicon wires look like they will last forever. Along with the plugs, I gained about 1/2 MPG. I'd definitely recommend them.

 

[Phantom]

Thanks Jeff! How much did you pay for them and where did you get them? Do they have the same type boots for the coils as the factory originals?

 

[Jordan714]

Ray,

What kind of plug's and plug wires should I get? Where can I get them?

Thanks for the help!

Jordan
98 XLT

 

[Jeff]

Phantom, I got them at my local speed shop for $85 which was a lot less than purchasing them from Magnecor. I contacted Magnecor asking them for a local dealer/cost and they were good enough to let me know that it would be cheaper to order local! (Something along the lines of a $35 difference). These are good folks. The coil boots are just like the factory. Except for the bruised and scrapped knuckles, they are terrific wires. Pricey but worth it.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Jordan,
I use the Jacobs wires my self, but Accell, Magacore, they are all fine plug wires. You want something with a low resistance. All of the above wires are very low resistance. The Jacobs people tell you that you can increase the gap by .01, but I found that a gap increase of .005 to make a total gap of .060(from .055)to be much better. I believe I paid $89.00 including shipping or something close to that. As far as plugs, I couldn't help you out. I use the standard plugs on my 97
Jacobs phone Number 800-627-8800.
You don't need the Ceramics, but you can get the wires Custom cut for the Explorer and get the 90 degree bend on the boots.
Hope this helps

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[ajrn]

I've used Bosch +4's for 3 years.

...but in my '98 BMW R1200C Motorcycle.

I ride a long season March-->December in Ohio. Starting isn't an issue, till temps get well below freezing, that's more a function of the fuel injection, than ignition. Anytime of year, once over "the hump" starting, there's never been an issue.

Seeing these posts, I realize that it's not just motorcyclists that have very individual thoughts on the same product and application.

I'd consider replacing these in my G/F's '98 Ex XLT..

They're a good plug.. Thanks for the tip on the wires, though..

AJ RN

 

[damork]

Dr Jacobs of Jacobs ignition wrote a book about auto ignitions a while back that is a goldmine for anyone wanting to upgrade their ignition. I checked some of his theories and they are right on target. If your vehicle runs better with adding platinum tipped plugs from standard plugs, your ignition system is not doing much. A small tipped plug allows a more intense spark allowing your engine better combustion.

Get some real ignition power under the hood - a good set of copper core plugs if you can find them or a good set of Autolite (non-Platinum) with MSD 6 or 7, or a Jacobs computer ignition with good wires and you'll be surprised. Open the gap as large as possible (.060 or so). Platinum plugs are not recommended with high output ignitions.