Bosch Plugs
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2
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Bosch Plugs
Has anyone had any problems with other than Motorcraft plugs? I see that several members have the Bosch +4's and also have upgraded the plug wires to 8mm. Was the plug wire upgrade necessary because of the Bosch plugs? Could someone supply me with the Bosch part number for +4's for a 4.6 Triton. Also, who is the manufacturer for the 8mm plug wires? I've got 54K on my F150 and I want to change the plugs. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,246
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From: Wilmington, NC
OK, first, at this time I have only changed out my plugs so I'm still running the original Ford wires. So yes, BOSCH will run w/reg wires. I don't remember the part # for the plugs, bought them at an auto parts store and they looked it up and handed the plugs over to me. These plugs have a life time warrenty, so save the receipt!! The wires I will be ordering from Magnacor. www.magnecor.com In this site they have an e-mail address which I did send a message. They got back w/me quick w/a quote of $143 for 8mm wires. They also have other size wires. I've got to change my wires because when I was changing my plugs I found 2 wires with bad worn spots on them. I changed at 43k. I wish I had known before changing plugs that my wires were bad because now I'm dreading changing the wires. This mod isn't hard, just ruff on the knuckles!! 
So my advice would be: If you decide to change out your plugs & wires, do them at the same time!!!
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97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars
[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 07-10-1999).]
So my advice would be: If you decide to change out your plugs & wires, do them at the same time!!!------------------
97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars
[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 07-10-1999).]
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
If you plan on doing an ignition upgrades, don't bother with any type of platinum plug, ie, bosch +4. I just ordered my Jacobs Pro Street and "Kyle" told me that I needed to use a copper plug and open the gap up to .064 in order to allow for complete fuel burn. This is just after I put on my Magnecor plug wires and Champion Platinum plugs! ;(
If you don't plan on doing ignition upgrades, I was very happy with the Magnecor wires and their sales and tech. staff. They were very imformative.
Bests,
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
If you don't plan on doing ignition upgrades, I was very happy with the Magnecor wires and their sales and tech. staff. They were very imformative.
Bests,
Neal
------------------
'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 130
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From: CHARLOTTE,NC USA
Well, you can't do much upgrade on a 97 and up F-150 anyway. I also put in the bosch and upgraded the wires to MSD Superconductor wires and don't have to worry about replacing the wires again(lifetime warranty).
I paid only a few dollars more than the stock wires and it's a 8.5mm wire. I been checking out others brand but the MSD was the only one put out 50 ohms or less and the stock wires put out close to 1000 ohms or more, so the MSD is very well insulated. The only other upgrade is the Accel coil pack that just came out. You need 2 of them.
Been happy with the setup ever since. steve
I paid only a few dollars more than the stock wires and it's a 8.5mm wire. I been checking out others brand but the MSD was the only one put out 50 ohms or less and the stock wires put out close to 1000 ohms or more, so the MSD is very well insulated. The only other upgrade is the Accel coil pack that just came out. You need 2 of them.
Been happy with the setup ever since. steve
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8
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From: Pasadena, TX
I would be very careful about not going with platinum plugs. I've heard that if an engine is equipped with them, then you are supposed to stick with them. My '97 4.6 was equipped with the plats and I just put in regular Bosch plats (waited 'til 58,000 mi though). Wow, I didn't realize how much power I had lost. Good Luck
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear 94-F150,
I don't agree with telling people not to use platinum plugs, whether it came from Jacobs or whoever. That's exactly what *comes* in these vehicles from the factory, and is what is called for in replacement. The Bosch Platinum +4 is one of the best spark plugs ever made, and is $2 apiece cheaper than the factory platinum spark plug. Your 1994 may not have come with platinum plugs from the factory, I don't know exactly when that started, but by the '96 model year, all Fords (according to Dearborn) were shipped from the factory with platinum plugs, simply because Ford wanted to match GM's claim of 100,000 mile plug change intervals. And of course we know by now that you lose 10+ hp by the time you hit 30K miles from spark plug wear, so I don't subscribe to the 100,000 mile interval myself.
Sure, better plug wires are usually a good step, so you will have lower ohms resistance. And a hotter coil can help.
Using a non-platinum spark plug in a late-model vehicle is only going to get you one thing: a spark plug that doesn't last as long.
Your '94 is a bit different from the rest of the vehicles here, and recomendations for it (along these lines) usually do not apply to the typical '97 & later F-150 owner. If your setup is working for you, that's great, I'm happy to hear it.
But to try and apply this "no platinum plugs" to the rest of these vehicles is in error.
These vehicles need to have platinum plugs in them, (unless you can find a late-model owner who actually *likes* changing plugs!) and using platinum plugs in older vehicles is fine as well. You just need to make sure you have the correct heat range.
I wouldn't think of removing a set of Magnacor's to install *anything* made by Jacobs.
I wish you all the best,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-12-1999).]
I don't agree with telling people not to use platinum plugs, whether it came from Jacobs or whoever. That's exactly what *comes* in these vehicles from the factory, and is what is called for in replacement. The Bosch Platinum +4 is one of the best spark plugs ever made, and is $2 apiece cheaper than the factory platinum spark plug. Your 1994 may not have come with platinum plugs from the factory, I don't know exactly when that started, but by the '96 model year, all Fords (according to Dearborn) were shipped from the factory with platinum plugs, simply because Ford wanted to match GM's claim of 100,000 mile plug change intervals. And of course we know by now that you lose 10+ hp by the time you hit 30K miles from spark plug wear, so I don't subscribe to the 100,000 mile interval myself.
Sure, better plug wires are usually a good step, so you will have lower ohms resistance. And a hotter coil can help.
Using a non-platinum spark plug in a late-model vehicle is only going to get you one thing: a spark plug that doesn't last as long.
Your '94 is a bit different from the rest of the vehicles here, and recomendations for it (along these lines) usually do not apply to the typical '97 & later F-150 owner. If your setup is working for you, that's great, I'm happy to hear it.
But to try and apply this "no platinum plugs" to the rest of these vehicles is in error.
These vehicles need to have platinum plugs in them, (unless you can find a late-model owner who actually *likes* changing plugs!) and using platinum plugs in older vehicles is fine as well. You just need to make sure you have the correct heat range.
I wouldn't think of removing a set of Magnacor's to install *anything* made by Jacobs.
I wish you all the best,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-12-1999).]
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Mike,
I appreciate your opinion and would like to clarify some things. The reason "Jacobs" recommends the copper plug over the Bosch +4, I asked specifically, is because you cannot open the gap on the +4. They recommend .064 on the copper plugs. I'm not exactly sure what you're saying here, it sounds like you're knocking Jacobs? And if so, for what reason? I ask because I respect your opinion, and my pocketbook! Part of the reason I ordered the product is because I thought it would go great with the Superchip. Am I wrong? Thanks.
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
I appreciate your opinion and would like to clarify some things. The reason "Jacobs" recommends the copper plug over the Bosch +4, I asked specifically, is because you cannot open the gap on the +4. They recommend .064 on the copper plugs. I'm not exactly sure what you're saying here, it sounds like you're knocking Jacobs? And if so, for what reason? I ask because I respect your opinion, and my pocketbook! Part of the reason I ordered the product is because I thought it would go great with the Superchip. Am I wrong? Thanks.
Neal
------------------
'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: California
I have used Jacobs wires on my last three vehicles and highly recommend them. When you use the copper plugs you can open the gap (as mentioned above). Jacobs recommends opening the gap 5 thousands over factory recommendation. It does work. I got better throttle response, seat of pants slight increase in power and better gas miliage.
I change my plugs more often, granted. However, if you are a real motorhead and want the best possible performance from your motor without a supercharger or doing internal motor modifications. Copper plugs will not damage a motor from the factory with platinum plugs if they are the proper heat range. Otherwise, plug makers would be sued relentlessly for recommending and selling copper plugs for these new tech motors. Copper plugs also reach optimum operating temperature quicker than platinum plugs. The point is, all plugs function essentially the same. The main difference is that platinum plugs will last longer. All 3 of my previous vehicles came with platinums recommended - I changed them to Autolite Coppers and there was no ill effects on any of there motors.
I change my plugs more often, granted. However, if you are a real motorhead and want the best possible performance from your motor without a supercharger or doing internal motor modifications. Copper plugs will not damage a motor from the factory with platinum plugs if they are the proper heat range. Otherwise, plug makers would be sued relentlessly for recommending and selling copper plugs for these new tech motors. Copper plugs also reach optimum operating temperature quicker than platinum plugs. The point is, all plugs function essentially the same. The main difference is that platinum plugs will last longer. All 3 of my previous vehicles came with platinums recommended - I changed them to Autolite Coppers and there was no ill effects on any of there motors.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear Neal,
I don't care for Jacobs for a few reasons, not the least of which is trying to sell owners of late-model vehicles their Ultra Team, Pro Street, and other expensive systems, which cost hundreds of dollars, and are simply not worth the money, from either a performance increase or a fuel mileage improvement standpoint. I'm not saying that I hate Jacobs, or that I don't care for *any* of their products. I just don't care for their advertising techniques, or for the bang-for-the-buck value of their ignition systems. By the way, you can get about the same performance and mileage gains from opening up the gap on your plugs, *without* spending hundreds of dollars on a Jacobs system. Just install a good set of low-resistance aftermarket plug wires and open the gap, and you'll get the same thing, basically.
If you really want a hot ignition setup, I prefer to see money spent on a good CD multi-spark system, such as available from MSD, Crane, etc.
But in all honesty, the bottom line is what works for you. If you feel comfortable about Jacob's products, and they're working well for you, then that's all that matters, and my opinion is just one of many. Don't let the fact that no Jacobs product will ever touch any of my vehicles influence you. My attitude towards them and their products is really only appropriate for me, in other words, so don't change your opinion of them on my account.
And the Superchip should work just fine with what you're running there. By the way, thanks for clarifying your comment about the Bosch plugs!
Good luck!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-13-1999).]
I don't care for Jacobs for a few reasons, not the least of which is trying to sell owners of late-model vehicles their Ultra Team, Pro Street, and other expensive systems, which cost hundreds of dollars, and are simply not worth the money, from either a performance increase or a fuel mileage improvement standpoint. I'm not saying that I hate Jacobs, or that I don't care for *any* of their products. I just don't care for their advertising techniques, or for the bang-for-the-buck value of their ignition systems. By the way, you can get about the same performance and mileage gains from opening up the gap on your plugs, *without* spending hundreds of dollars on a Jacobs system. Just install a good set of low-resistance aftermarket plug wires and open the gap, and you'll get the same thing, basically.
If you really want a hot ignition setup, I prefer to see money spent on a good CD multi-spark system, such as available from MSD, Crane, etc.
But in all honesty, the bottom line is what works for you. If you feel comfortable about Jacob's products, and they're working well for you, then that's all that matters, and my opinion is just one of many. Don't let the fact that no Jacobs product will ever touch any of my vehicles influence you. My attitude towards them and their products is really only appropriate for me, in other words, so don't change your opinion of them on my account.
And the Superchip should work just fine with what you're running there. By the way, thanks for clarifying your comment about the Bosch plugs!
Good luck!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-13-1999).]
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Mike,
Thanks for clarifying your opinion! The reason I asked was because I valued your opinion and knowledge. From what I gather you have been doing this much longer than I have. As the good saying goes, you have to be young and stupid before you can be old and wise! Uh....not saying you're old!! Thanks for your help!
Neal
------------------
'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
Thanks for clarifying your opinion! The reason I asked was because I valued your opinion and knowledge. From what I gather you have been doing this much longer than I have. As the good saying goes, you have to be young and stupid before you can be old and wise! Uh....not saying you're old!!
Thanks for your help!Neal
------------------
'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!