Which Spark Plug?

[hmiller]

Just went to Discount Auto this afternoon to get new plugs for my 96 XLT 2wd
with the V-8. Ended up buying Bosch Platinums when I found out the Bosch +4's are 6 bucks each, vs. $1.79 for the regular platinums. However, since I haven't put
them in yet and could still return them for the Bosch +4's, I wanted to ask if
they are worth the extra money; i.e. will my fuel economy be significantly better, idle
smoother, 1/4 mile time 3 seconds faster? (ha ha). Any thoughts on the matter
would be appreciated.

 

[01EB5.0]

The main difference between the 4's and the regular platnum is the 4's last longer because they have 4 electrodes so the spark can travel the path of least resistance and it will be efficient longer. I don't think you'll notice gas consumption difference.

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TravisN1@AOL.COM
1995 XLT 4x4
80,000 miles
K&N Drop-in
Bosch +4's
BFG Long Trails
Have a nice day!

 

[S.Matsushige]

To add to Travis' post, the Bosch P+4 is nearly foul proof. It also has an exposed spark which translates to more complete combustion. You idle should be smoother too. It worth ever bit of the six dollar price tag. Especially when combined with Splitfire Duel Core wires.

 

[Turner55]

are sparkplug wires difficult to install? i dont know very much about the engine stuff...should i get a professional to install them?

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'93 explorer sport 4x4

 

[sluke]

Turner55
Just make sure to install your wires one at a time. Take one off and find the new wire that matches the length of the one you just removed. Make sure that you hear or feel a click when you snap the wires on the plug. Have bandaides ready for your knuckles and fingers when your done.
Good luck!

shawna l.

 

[S.Matsushige]

Turner55-the Splifires will be the same length as your stock ones. They'll snap in at the module end and plug on to your plugs. If you do it a plug wire at a time by removing a wire from your engine and replacing it with is matching length, you can't go wrong. It'll take you thirty minutes at the most. You can do it!

 

[Turner55]

so they just snap on? they're pretty easy to install? i'm kinda embarassed to say this...but to show you how much i know about the engine, i'll have to find where the spark plugs and wires are located...where do the wires lead to? to they just snap in there too?
thanks

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'93 explorer sport 4x4

 

[sluke]

hmiller
I had bosch platinums in my 91 xplorer and decided to switch over to the 4+ bosch plats. OH--WHAT A DIFFERENCE THEY MADE!!!!!!!!! Buy the 4+ plugs, you'll be glad you did. Much smoother running engine! Increased my gas mileage by about 2-3 mpg's.

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shawna l.


1991 EB 4-door Xplorer
30x9.50 Pathmakers
15x7 Eagle Alloy wheels
K&N Filter
Drilled airbox
Bosch 4+ Plats
Splitfire Wires
Steering Stabilizer
Monroe Sensa-tracs
Sony 10 Disc CD player
Reece Receiver Hitch
AND a few other goodies!

 

[S.Matsushige]

Turner55-Don't be embarassed, thats what we're all here for. Now, I'm pretty sure that your '93 is like my '91. There should be the rectangular box on the back end of your engine on the passenger side with six caps and wires coming from it. This is your ignition module. The starting point of your plug wires. Three of the wires should be going around the back of the engine and to the driver's side while the other three goes to the passenger's side. If you remove one of the wires from the module and follow it, it should lead you to the spark plug. Now, to make this a fool proof method in making sure you have the right wire going to the right plug and corresponding point on the module. Remove one and replace one wire at a time. Make sure you check the length and use the closest match for each wire. I hope I made it clear enough to visualize. If not post another question and I'll try to answer it. Go for it! You'll be on your way to being a shade tree mechanic.

[This message has been edited by S.Matsushige (edited 04-10-2000).]

 

[Buckshot_1]

This maybe a stupid question so here it goes,
Will the +4's work with any wires including
stock wires. I just replaced the wires from Ford. I will use them till I need new ones.
So I guess the best wires to get next are the splitfires dual core?

 

[Turner55]

I CAN DO IT!!!!...just how much money are we talking about here for the splitfires? Dead Link Removed

i found some splitfire dual mag ignition wires at summit for 59.99...is this what i want? i mean, are these the sparkplug wires? and finally, are these the best splitfire wires, or is there a selection of splitfires?
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'93 explorer sport 4x4

[This message has been edited by Turner55 (edited 04-11-2000).]

 

[rockylaurence]

Reference to "Best Plugs". I know I'm setting myself up here for a BASHING, but. I recently installed the MSD DIS4 ignition module and I inquired they're Tech. line in reference to plug-gap. MSD replied to use a quality plug and not to buy a "HYPE type of plug" (referencing to multiple path plugs). Furthermore, I believe that JACOBS recommends that you use a (old fashion) COPPER plug with they're ignition. So, when the leading Performance Ignition manufactures recommend the old technology plugs shouldn't we pay attention?

 

[AgExplorer]

Rocky,

What is your opinion of the MSD ignition system you installed? Better performance? Better fuel mileage? Ease of installation? Tech help? Where did you purchase it and price? I've been looking a Jacobs and MSD.

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AgExplorer
95 XLT 4X2 4.0L OHV
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants & Filters
NGK Platinum Plugs
Jacobs Electronics Wires

 

[Ray Lobato]

Ok folks,
Let me interject here alittle.
Standard plug wires. when new will put out as much spark as jacobs, magnacore, splitfire.
Why? Because it is new and hasn't broken down yet.
What is the differance? The after market upper grade wire will last way longer then the standard wires, because they are not carbon composition. Most are metal wound. Carbon composition is easy and very cheap to make, but does not last very long (degrades quickly thus more resistence)
If you have new factory/standard plugs let them wear out before you change. Why throw money away.
Good wires won't add power. It will just make give you the spark you are supposed to have.(I know no one said this, but I just wanted to add it)

Turner55, go out and buy some mechanics gloves. Your hands will love you for it, and your Mother won't wash your mouth out with soap from all the cussing you did from the busted knuckles. Also buy a plug boot puller. This is a little tool that fits around the boot that you pull it off the spark plug instead of pulling from the wire, which will cause the pllug wire to break. This little tool will also save alot of cuss words. They cost less than $5.00. Hope this helps. Dead Link Removed

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

 

[S.Matsushige]

Buckshot-there are no such thing as a stupid question. The Bosch P+4 will work with the stock ones, but to take full advantage of the plugs capabilities, I'd recommend changing them. The Splitfires have very low resistance which means more electrical power to your plug because of the duel core. You'll have a hotter spark translating into better and more complete combustion.
Turner55-I think that $60 is about average for a set of Splitfires duel cores. I paid close to that for my '91XLT nearly five years ago from a local Hi Pro shop. Try contacting Explorer Express to see if they might be cheaper. If so, if you go to Summit and tell them Explorer Express' price, Summit Racing will probably go lower. They are good about that. The Splitfires worked well with the Autolite Platinums I had, but with the Bosch P+4 they really showed that it was worth every penny spent. Quicker starts, smoother-quieter running engine, less fouling, better mpg if you manage to keep from stomping it all the time and a lifetime guarantee. Hard to touch.

 

[Nordic-Al]

I installed the platinum +4's last weekend and the Jacobs wires today.

My "seat of the pants" impressions thus far; at 40k my stock plugs were perfect and did not need to be changed. The new plugs did seem to make the idle and acceleration feel a little smoother but that’s it, not worth the trouble of changing the plugs for, but if you need to change your plugs anyway.... (no change if mpg)

The wires are the part of the equation that surprised me. The vehicle immediately seemed to be peppier. Throttle response seems faster, both off the line and passing.

By next Friday I'll have another 500+ miles on her and will let you know about any gas milage change. Today I've been lead footing it Dead Link Removed and enjoying the pick up. Not a fair test for mileage.

Alan
'98 XLT, 4x4, 4.0 SOHC
K&N air filter
Amsoil 5W-30
Amsoil oil filter
Bosh platinum +4's
Jacobs wires




[This message has been edited by Nordic-Al (edited 04-15-2000).]

 

[Blaine Cooper]

I changed my plugs and wires on my 93last week. Bosch Plats and Borg Warner Mag Cor Wires. A spark plug socket with a swivel is a MUST, no not just a must, but a MUST and 2 or 3 extensions of various lengths makes it much easier. I think I paid $12 for a combination extension/swivel/socket at AutoZone. If I never use it again it was well worth the money. I was dreading it after hearing guys talk about the passenger side plug nearest the back. Look Ma, no blood. I found the easiest way to get that booger was from underneath. It is directly over the oil filter, I didn't even use an extension for that one.

 

[jimiday]

Ray,

I need a little more explanation on your comment "good wires won't add power." If the old wires are broken down and creating resistance, thus not producing an adequate spark at the plug, aren't you reducing the power and increasing emmissions by not burning all the fuel in the cyclinder?

It seems logical that a hotter spark will burn more fuel and do it more efficiently so not only does the power increase but the emmissions should be reduced as well.

Please comment as I've got the BP+4's and I'm getting ready to put on the Splitfire wires. My Explorer just turned over 80,000 miles. I don't want to spend the money if there's no performance gain. It's hard to argue with everybody on this message board that claim seat-of-the-pants results. Thanks

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1996 Explorer Sport 4x4
4.0L OHV w/auto & 4.10's
K&N w/drilled box, Bosch P+4's, Borla Cat-Back

jimiday@aol.com

 

[David S.]

I just replaced my plugs with another set of Autolite Platinum. This is the second set of that type for me and am pleased with them. Replace the wires with a set from NAPA. Was not aware of the different composition so I don't know what type these are. They do have a lifetime warranty. Threading them behind the engine on the rear clips was a bear to do though.

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Ogden, Utah
1992 XLT

 

[DCider]

Jim,

I don't know Ray, but I think he and I are of a like mind set in this. No spark plug wire can ADD HP. Read the magnecor FAQ @ magnecor.com.
http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/frequent.htm http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/magnecor_race_wires.htm

These are good wires without hype, but are pricey. I like them, use them and recommend them. YMMV. YOMV.

D

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David Cider
'92 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0L 4Dr 4...

Current Mods:
Hi flo cat and muffler, KKM Air intake, SuperChip, Magnacor wires and AutoLite Double Platnum plugs

Pending Mods:
JBA headers, 4" Suspension Lift, Tires & Wheels