I am just over 32k and want to swap out plugs, and wires. What do yall recommend, and where can I get some good blue wires to complement a theme under the hood. Thanks

 

Hey Joni,

That's a touchy subject. . .and I'll tell you why. The more modern Ford ignition systems (TFI and now the coil-on-plug DIS type) are alot better than most people think. I've run HEAVILY nitroused 351 Windsor V8's and Turbocharged 5.0L engines with the stock ignition system, plugs (albiet a range or two colder), and wires and never had a problem. The newer EFI systems actually 'measure' the di-electric resistance from plug to plug and taylor the next spark according to the voltage demand last required. It's pretty tough to improve on the OE ignition systems these days. Also, all OE (not Motorsport, though) plug wires are resistance (Ohm) matched in sets. Most aftermarket sets are not so thoroughly tested and matched. Our vehicles are set-up to run with the OE ignitions, plugs, and wires. Deviations from the original hardware could spell problems. . .even with the big names like Crane and MSD.

Bottom line- unless you absolutely HAVE to change them, stick with the Motorcraft parts (ignitions system components that is).

 

I hate to do this to you WrongdayJ, but the 4.2s are not coil-on-plug. Only the V8s are coil on plug ignition systems. I will tend to agree with you on the plug wires though, the factory wires are pretty good and with only 32,000 miles I am almost sure they don't need to be changed. But the plugs on the other hand, I think the motorcraft plugs are peices of junk.

When I had my 99 I replaced the plugs and wires on my truck beacuse of the ignition system I installed. I replaced it around 15,000 miles, the factory wires were still like new but the plugs were already in need of service. The plugs were already .005 over the factory gap when I took them out. And all other trucks I had used motorcraft plugs in seemed to eat the plugs.

If your looking for a stock replacement plug I would recommend Bosch Plaitnum plugs. And if your dead set on replacing the wires I would recommend the Jacobs. The wires are a direct replacement and snap onto the coil pack towers just like the factory wires do, and the Jacobs come in blue.

 

Attn: Talley
I think he may disagree with you on those plugs. I think he recommends copper....Talley what do you think? What's your opinion on this subject?

Oh, and I have Taylor's high performance spark plug wires and they seem to work great! They come in almost any color you want. I went with red.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I am not really looking for a lot of performance gain here, because I am not ruuning that much power and dont plan to.

In wrongday's defense he never said that our trucks have coil on plug setup

 

You're welcome. And you are correct, I mentioned DIS and TFI, not coil-on-plug (which is an advanced form of the DIS ignition).

It's OK, though. We're all here to help each other, and I never mind questions or supplying additional clairification where needed.

I hope this info helps,

 

Hey guys - I am brand new here and I have a 1997 F-150. It has about 55k miles on it and I want to change the plugs & wires. I think that I will replace them with stock components. Anyone know what the specs are on the stock plugs & wires and where I can get them cheaper than going to the dealer?

 

Welcome to f150online. I know that a couple of my local autopart store sells Motorcraft stuff. I have had bosch componets on previous cars and had no trouble. Stay away from the chepies though they will usually get you i trouble.

Also try a search on the topic, I know that it has been discussed before. Good, luck.

 

Motocraft wires for sure, if not, get a reptual manufacturer like jacobs or msd.

Plugs, there are only two that i will ever think about recommending. Motorcraft and Denso.

For stock replacement, Motorcraft AWSF 32C or AWSF 32E. One is copper and the other is platinum alloy. there is nothing wrong with either of them, however, I recommend the copper as there is better performance all around with them. The only think is copper plugs usually need replaced every 20k miles. Copper motorcraft plugs can be had for $8 a set and the platinums are about double that.

Denso Iridium IT16's if you want a stooooong stout long lasting plug that is EXCELLENT under a blower application or any naturally aspirated application. They are made of iridium which requires only 7,000 volts to spark unlike normal copper or platinum plugs that require 40,000+ volts to spark. The great thing about these plugs is that they DO last 80,000 miles. Their cost is right around $12 - $15 PER plug.

For me I stick with Motorcraft Copper Plugs for the best bang for the buck and best performing plug.

Please go with a stock motorcraft wire before going with some autozone or oriely house brand. the motorcrafts are not bad at all and only need replacing every 50-60k.

 

I used MSD super conductor wires with OEM plugs on my 97 4.6 its running strong at 85,000mi.

 

We all have opinions, but I would highly advise you to stear clear of Bosh plugs. I had problems with them in my 95 GrandCherokee and in the past week and 1/2 at work I have had a 97 F-150 and an 99 Explorer both with a misfire code that ended up being a dead Bosh Platinum plug that were recently installed in owner tuneups. I would say run the AutoLite or Motorcraft Platinum.

 

Thanks guys!