Do spark plug brands REALLY matter?

koda6966 · Oct 4, 2008

Went to check prices on plugs today, going to be replacing all of mine. Seeing if a tune-up will help my MPG any.

But what shocked me was the five different brands of the SAME spark plug, and the 2-4 different types of that plug that they had. Wtf?!?

So, does it really matter, is one brand better or what type should I look for? Prices ranged from two fifty, to about ten dollars. That's crazy!

Bob Ayers · Oct 4, 2008

For the correct heat range plug, stay with Motorcraft double platinums, or fine wire platinums. Platinums will also give you long life, due to reduced electrode erosion.

Wicked_Sludge · Oct 4, 2008

its 90% personal preference. the only thing that really matters (on newer, waste spark vehicles), is to use double plats. to avoid having to replace your plugs every other week. since your truck has a distributor, any old plug will do.

Jimmeh · Oct 4, 2008

Autolites are equivalent to Motorcraft, and cheaper, but I can't be certain if they come in double plats.

DO NOT buy Bosch ones. They are CRAP!

Mutant Pony · Oct 5, 2008

reginald fairfield said:
Autolites are shit too, I replaced mine with motorcraft platiniums. Be prepared to shell out for the motorcrafts though, mine were around 8 bucks each. Made in America though so it is worth it.

Autolites and Motorcraft are made by the same company. Since Motorcraft is just a name, I would say that motorcraft plugs are made by Autolite.
The difference In different manufacturers is variance in heat ranges, The wrong heat range can damage a cylinder. Even if a different plug was going to be OK, it is not worth the risk and you won't know anything is wrong until it is to late.
Just buy what the manufacturer recomended and you will be ok.

Bob Ayers · Oct 5, 2008

Mutant Pony said:
Autolites and Motorcraft are made by the same company. Since Motorcraft is just a name, I would say that motorcraft plugs are made by Autolite.
The difference In different manufacturers is variance in heat ranges, The wrong heat range can damage a cylinder. Even if a different plug was going to be OK, it is not worth the risk and you won't know anything is wrong until it is to late.
Just buy what the manufacturer recomended and you will be ok.

That "same company" is Honeywell, a division of Allied Signal.

Wicked_Sludge · Oct 5, 2008

ive got champion plugs in all 3 of my fords and my boat...seem to be doing OK :dntknw:

betomonroy · Oct 5, 2008

Same manufacturer for Autolite and Motorcraft. But no matter what and who says it they have different standards for some materials.
I installed Motorcraft in my Ranger. Trust me... they work better.

Do spark plug brands REALLY matter?

koda6966

15+ Year Member

Bob Ayers

15+ Year Member

Wicked_Sludge

15+ Year Member

Jimmeh

15+ Year Member

Mutant Pony

15+ Year Member

Bob Ayers

15+ Year Member

Wicked_Sludge

15+ Year Member

betomonroy

15+ Year Member

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