Sorry for the noobish question.

I read the FAQ on spark plugs and it really didn't answer my question.

I changed my spark plugs and noticed the last owner used Autolites. Those plugs only had one electrode on it. As you know the NKGs have 4. After I change the plugs, I took her for a spin and noticed a huge improvment. Does have 4 electrodes really make that much of a difference or am I imagining it?

 

New plugs make an improvement. Better plugs make an improvement.
Improvement + Improvement = Big Improvement.
Improvement x Improvement = Huge Improvement.
I don't know if the relationship is additive or exponential.
That's science FTW

 

^^ Word. When I got plugs from mazda, they were 3 electrode NKG's with a heat number of SEVEN.

 

definatly stick with only NGK or denso plugs. i personally am not a fan of the autolites for the 7. peejay will argue the value of the autolites and tell you that they work fine and with good results. peejay is VERY 7 savvy and has used the autolites more than i have(because i hate them) and therefore can give a beter opinion of them.

 

autolites suck.

 

any small upgrade will make the car run a little better

 

Spark makes the magic happen. You should also try a DFIS with an FC coil....you will be amazed.

 

NGK only! I tried the Denso plugs once, because that was all that was available. Spent the next month troubleshooting poor running condition. Back to NGK and she was screaming once again...

 

Roger that, Ken. Thank you everyone for your input!

 

I wouldn't put autolites in my old lady's Kia Sophia, let alone the RX's. I've used Denso's and they've been great but once the 12A get's rebuilt and I get the money for new plugs in the FC I'll be running NGK only.

 

Peejay is not using the stock Autolite plugs. He is taking the 3922 or 3923 plugs and cutting and modifying the electrodes. This is has been a proven technique that seems to work well. I have not tried it yet but will experiment to see what the results are on a FI 13B since Peejay has only done it on 12A engines.

One thing I'm sure that alot of you are not aware of. When installing your plugs, make sure and put a good coating of anti seize compound on the threads. I recommend the copper stuff since it has a much higher heat threshold.

 

Best advice ever. You don't want to have the threads ruined in the housing(s). That would suck......

 

You would be surprised by the number of experienced and inexperienced wrenchers do not know about the usage of anti seize. I found guys that have been working on their cars for 20 years and don't know.

The "Galling" effect of metal transference just eludes them.


I also use it on all of the exhaust bolts, the wheel studs, and all of the sliding contact points on the brake systems.

 

Doc, I'm right there with ya, all except the calipers. I use caliper grease for that, but only because I have accquired a tub of it, somehow.......

 

i just replaced my plugs with ngk's , the 3 prong type . and replaced the wire's with ngk's and diz cap rota ect with what advance had(iam sorry but needed to). i wanna do my whole ignitions systems my buddy keeps telling me to get msd blaster coils but hes a v8 guy. what else can i do. after replaceing all the parts i listed i noticed it little more easy to start the car ,the idle is flat at just under 1000. also seems to have little more power.


today a mustang 03 gt v8(not cobra) with 4 18 year olds tried messing with me on the highway. they gave me the finger and what not at some point and kept weaveing all most hitting me keeping me from passing them and forced me to go as slow as 40 mph at one point. then they got in to the fast lane and slowed down to be next to me and said some **** to me. i said 1.1L non turbo down shifted to 4th and took off. lol

 

Those are the times I wish I still had my '94 Ranger! I would have "avoided" a pot hole in the road. OOPS! Tell your parents I'm sorry.

I've used Denso... loved 'em. I'll probably try the NGKs on the next tune-up. See how it goes.

 

Oh wow! I put denso in my car recently for the same reason...I am having poor idle/running issues now. I just put the engine in the car but it ran fine in the old body...hmmm...thanks for the insight!

 

Similar to Peejay, I used to run motorcycle NGKs on the 12A by cutting the strap and converting to properly gapped side fire. The reasoning was that the factory four electrode was shrouding the spark from the mixture and better performance could be had with a more exposed spark. I never noticed any difference and it was more an experiment than anything but it was significatly cheaper to run modified plugs than stock plugs, something like 4-5x cheaper.

 

If you want proven plug technology with your motor try NGK R6061-90 it's a side fire from the factory @ apptrox $4.00 each. Anyone who don't use anti seize & a torque wrench with steel into alum is looking for issues. IIRC the torque for the 7 plug is 32 inch pound. & that ain't much.