Ignition Advise

[squidget]

So... I've replaced the exhaust manifolds, alternator, water pump, t-stat, power steering pump, u-joints, radiator, tires, brakes, and had the rear end rebuilt. Most of that done with just one hand as I sliced my hand open back in January. The next thing I'm working on is the ignition system. I was thinking of running a hotter coil and plugs and was wondering what you guys run. I'd like to keep the dizzy stock for now, but I'm open to pulling it. Any advise you guys could give would be a great starting point!

Thanks,

Tom

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Unless you are having problems with it you are wasting your time and money dinking with it.

I am running a 1970's vintage factory stock Ford Duraspark ignition on 5.0 and am very happy with it.

 

[squidget]

Thanks for the advice. I've gotta replace the plugs, but I'm just gunna chuck the Motorcraft coppers in it. No sense in wasting the $$$ on platinums without the hotter coil.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Actually, platinums will work fine on a stock coil and last a lot longer than coppers. I gave them a try in my F-150 and there was a noticeable improvement - the truck seemed to pick up a little better than with coppers.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I run platinums in mine.

 

[RANGER760]

I saw a show where they were testing plugs to see which was better, the E3 plugs won. Believe it or not they said there was a gain of about 5 hp as opposed to stock.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I saw a show where they were testing plugs to see which was better, the E3 plugs won. Believe it or not they said there was a gain of about 5 hp as opposed to stock.

I have heard they work better for a little while but the performance doesn't stick with them very long.

Multiple electrode plugs are a hype IMO. Current will only take the path of least resistance, so before long it will be limping along on one undersized electrode... if they were gapped dead nuts perfect to start with.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

You can keep the duraspark dizzy and wire in the HEI 4 wire module also. Autolite single platinum are cheap and very dependable. You just need to adapt a CPU heat sync to the 4 wire module and keep a spare in the glove box for plug and play repair. A stock square TFI coil will also give you all the spark you will ever need without a ballast resistor.

 

[doorgunner]

Piston engine aircraft use 2 & 3 prong spark plugs for dependability & safety reasons--if one prong burns/fouls out--there are more prongs to keep the cylinder firing...comes in handy at 8,000 feet (tune-ups are also required every 100 engine hours also to make sure the plugs aren't failing-)

For a truck, they're probably not work the extra cost...but ya never know when your gonna be at 8,000 feet

 

[squidget]

For a truck, they're probably not work the extra cost...but ya never know when your gonna be at 8,000 feet

Especially the way my wife drives!

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm working on the Ranger today. I'll try the platinum plugs.

 

[dieseldane]

I saw a show where they were testing plugs to see which was better, the E3 plugs won. Believe it or not they said there was a gain of about 5 hp as opposed to stock.

If it's the same show I saw (on Spike's Powerblock, I think it was HorsePowerTV) I wouldn't really consider their evaluation, as E3 spark plugs are a paying advertiser on those shows and network.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I saw a show where they were testing plugs to see which was better, the E3 plugs won. Believe it or not they said there was a gain of about 5 hp as opposed to stock.

E3 plugs are hype for automotive usage. There is a slight chance that it will provide a short-term gain, but they're not going to hold up like a double platinum.

I did, however, try them in my one lawn tractor and it did seem to help it start easier. It did run smoother for a little while, then it went back to sounding like it did with the old copper plugs. I'm not convinced they were worth the extra money.

You can keep the duraspark dizzy and wire in the HEI 4 wire module also. Autolite single platinum are cheap and very dependable. You just need to adapt a CPU heat sync to the 4 wire module and keep a spare in the glove box for plug and play repair. A stock square TFI coil will also give you all the spark you will ever need without a ballast resistor.

Go double platinums. Single platinums are cheap, sure, but what really is the point of coating only one side with platinum? Both sides get the spark....