Changing spark plugs

[gatzby143]

How hard is it to change the plugs on my 93 ATX and what plugs should I use? THe wires look OK but should I change them as well and is there anything else I should replace while I am at it? By the way my SHO has like 75k miles on it.

 

[Blue-By-U]

You're right across the river from me

Use nothing but the stock motorcraft wires and plugs for the SHO.

Best price is here: Ford Parts Network

 

[sdpatt]

Try searching in this topic because that question has been discussed many times. The only exact replacement for the SHO engine is the Motorcraft AGSP32PP double platinum plug. You can get these for $3.99 ea from FordPartsNetwork.com or $3.79 ea from O'Reilly Auto Parts. See another discussion on this question on SHOtimes.com.

 

[bigpappy]

Only 75,000 miles? My car is a 94 and I've got 175,000!

Just my opinion, but I do believe the Motorcraft plugs are the way to go. Set them to the small side of the gap range, as the gaps widen as the plugs age. The last set I replaced gapped at .054.
Yet, I don't believe in changing the wires unless there's a problem with them. I've never seen a plug wire arc or get a short. I'm sure there's some measure of risk in just waiting for them to fail, but I'd rather keep the money in my pocket then in my car. Of course, my car is "older" than yours as far as mileage, and much less likely to retain any percentage of its value.

It's a simple procedure, but I recommend taking off the intake manifold any way. (Torque Wrench!)
If you have any oil in the plug wells, it'll be easier to get it out. (Use a baster or the handle of a windex bottle if you can't think of another way.)

Again, just my opinion.

 

[svtC_and_SHO_Owner]

heh my 89 only has 90k miles

 

[ISHOU]

My 89 has 63,000!

 

[shojuan]

ISHOU:
My 89 has 63,000!

You sir, suck! Got 100,000 more than that and she sure looks it.

I'm a big advocate of using this spark plug socket for changing SHO plugs: EVERCRAFT TOOLS extended 5/8" spark plug socket part # 775-9052. The socket is a 3/8 drive, 4-1/2" long and retains the plug. I had my local Napa special order me one and it was well worth the $10 or so I spent. Sure a regular 5/8" spark plug socket on an extension will work. But this one will work better. Plus less chance of stripping plug threads. Try it, you'll like it! thumb

 

[gatzby143]

Allright guys thanx a lot. I pulled one plug out in the front ans it was an autolite but I will definetly go with the motorcrafts and surprisingly there was no oil in the plug wells .

 

[BETTY DAVIS]

How do the Spitfire Triple Platinum plugs compare to the stock Motorcraft product ? I have an opportunity to purchase two sets of Spitfie at a reasonalble price.


Betty Davis

 

[SHOoff89]

Just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't put split-fires in my lownmower, much less my SHO.

And anyway, from what I have heard they don't fit the plug wires right.

 

[SilverSHO]

FWIW, I had Splitfires in my '92 ******, and any performance gain was trivial at best. If anything, I got worse gas mileage after installing them.

 

[munkee]

I've had no problems with the splitfire triple platinums in my 90 mtx. Wire fitment was fine on both motorcraft wires and a set I got from IPT. I can tell no difference between the splitfires and the motorcraft performance wise so if you can get a good deal on them, I would say go for it. I personally don't go out of my way to buy them and I don't necessarily recommend them above the motorcraft plugs, but they do work just fine. Just be sure they are the platinum plugs, not the plain splitfires.

 

[projectSHO89]

The Split-Fires are a marketing gimmick, intended to separate you from more of your money that was necessary to spend.

Stick to the specified Motorcrafts unless you are using NOS and you know what you are doing.

Steve

 

[BETTY DAVIS]

Thanks for the feedback, but I will pass on the triple platinum plugs.


BETTY DAVIS