What NGK spark plug is the direct replacement for the factory Motorcraft plug on the Lightning? The NGK website says TR6, but I remember Sal saying that the TR5 was the direct replacement and that the TR6 was a little cooler and better for "mildly" modded L's. Are the ratings different depending on year?

My 2001 L is bone stock, and I imagine I'll get a chip soon but probably wait on the pulleys. Will a TR6 be ok for my stock L now and down the road when I get a chip? I drive my L daily BTW.

Any advise on gapping? NGK says .44 and I think Ford says something similar but I've seen all kinds of sizes recommended on here.

Thanks in advance.

 

The TR6 is perfect for a stock truck, and a gap of .044 is fine. Once you add a pulley, I'd drop the gap down to .040. If you need some, we have tons in stock, at $20 a set.

 

You can benifit from alittle cooler plug even when you are stock. Its alittle safer and you will get a better idle & throttle response. If you plan to go with a 4lb or bigger pulley later, you might as well get the Denso's. The Ngk's are only good up to 3lb's on added boost. One guy put the Denso's on a stock L and could really tell a differance in idle & throttle response. Try a search for that if you want to se his experiances!!

 

The first part is you personal preference. Perhaps to help justify why you just spent $90 on plugs. =)

The second part is simply not true. NGK TR6 plugs have proven themselves time and time again, on several trucks with well over 3 additional pounds of boost.

If your stock plugs were worn wouldn't ANY new plugs make a noticable difference?

Just my $.02, no flames, etc.

 

Flash,

Sal has told us, JL had told us, and many people have had problems with the NGK # 6 on more than 3lb of added boost. $90 for a set of plugs is cheap when you think about what it could cost. The less you change your plugs the better off you will be. The coil packs will start to make weaker connections to the plug after a few changes. The Stock plugs are junk. Look at some of the messed up motors, they had stock ones in. Some even with added boost. $90 is a small fee for safety. I love the denso's and they will be in my truck. Thats my opinion. I had the NGK's and wore them out in 5k miles. They almost cost me some serious money, I got lucky, many others have not....

Its your choice!!

 

This is a true statement =)

I have personally been running NGK plugs on my blown vehicles for a few years now, without any problem. I can't really see them behaving any differently in my truck. So far, they have performed flawlessly. I'm going to read them this weekend to see how they have been burning. I also went with a slightly shorter gap then most people.

FYI, Jim from JDM Engineering runs the NGK TR5 and he recommends the TR5/TR6 to all of his customers.

 

See sig for mods.

 

ASVT,

Sal has said the BRF7's are a great racing plug. He does not recommend them for a daily driver due to the chance of fowling one.... Read this page for great info... http://www.powersurgeperformance.net...at=Spark+Plugs

Flash,

LOL, thats funny. Have you forgot that YOUR tuner and a few of his trucks did this??
http://www.teamjdm.com/id160.htm

http://www.teamjdm.com/id159.htm

Not to start a war, but PAY ALITTLE now, or ALOT later. NOt to say his was due to plugs. Just a friendly reminder when you say what he RECOMMENDS. I like what JL & Sal RECOMMEND personally......

 

Then why did you mention this? I have no idea where you got "a few of his trucks" from. Doesn't really matter, like you said before; "It's your choice!!"

Have fun with your Densos, I'm glad they work well for you and you're happy.

My plugs cost $75 less, work fine and I'm happy.

Peace.

 

ICULOKN,

OK, I'm gonna go for the Denso's.
But when are you gonna get down here to help put'm in ?

 

Surf,

Its really not that bad to change them. First time is a Bit$$, but if you have the right tools its pretty easy. I wouldnt mind helping you when I get down there at all....

 

ICULOKN,

I appreciate the offer !
I have many tools for home repair/remodel since we have an old
Spanish house, but not much in the way of auto tools.
Down the road I am sure I could use some help, especially since our local garage was not interested in tackling the plugs.

 

I just pulled my NGX TR6's after they were in the truck for 16,000 miles. They looked great, just a little gray in color, no electdrode damage.

They had about 50 1/4 mile passes on them too.

 

So did anyone really answer your question? The NGK TR5 is the closest thing to your stock plug heat range. The TR6 is one number colder. However the stock plugs are Platinum and hold more heat than the NGK. See you just thought you had a question.

 

Whoah... no wonder I couldn't get a straight answer in the archives either. :P Sorry to get everyone caught up in a heated debate over plugs!

Sal, I would have ordered the plugs from you as you have been very helpful and that is a great price. Unfortunately I need the plugs TONIGHT and had to buy them locally for $3 a pop. I decided to try the TR6 for now, and will leave it at the default .044 gap. We'll see how that works out.

Thanks again everyone for you advice - I will post tonight or tomorrow after running the new plugs to tell you if they fixed my rough idle.