Author Topic: plugs/wires (Read 11097 times)

taxicab · « **on:** August 20, 2008, 05:26:16 PM »

OK. I am planning a small tune up consisting of plugs/wires this weekend and would like some solid advice. I have a 94 GT 5.0 H.O. Its automatic. I want to know what I should consider/buy. I want smoother running/more power and maybe even some savings at the pump. I am already planning on bigger throttle body/injectors and maybe a intake. So any help in this decision making would be great. I am not sure if I should go iridums or plats. Maybe you can reccommend something better? The motor has 152k on it. So Im not wanting to spend $8 a plug. Thanks in advance.

rmodel65 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2008, 06:27:21 PM »

i just run motorcraft stockers from autozone id do a cap and rotor, clean the maf meter and also bump the timing you get more power and gain some MPG at the same time

id do a fuel filter too and if you wnat to put up the cash go ahead and do a k+n filter

taxicab · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2008, 07:15:49 PM »

Any suggestions on brand/type of cap/rotor?

Soaring · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2008, 07:44:39 PM »

If you don't have MSD or any other aftermarket cap already on there, just go with stock stuff. There is also nothing wrong with stock wires and plugs, especially since you have a stock set-up. Autozone/pepboys etc. can outfit you with all that stuff. Iridium and platinum plugs are not worth the price. Stick with what the factory put in it.

rmodel65 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2008, 01:17:02 AM »

id buy motorcraft everything, unless your gonna pony up the cash to do the full ignition upgrade.

taxicab · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2008, 06:51:35 AM »

Is it better to buy a K&N filter for my current MAF or should I pony up the extra bucks and buy the cold air intake made by K&N? Any idea the horsepower gain difference? Or maybe go iceman intake? I know with my focus i gained some HP and fuel savings just by going filter only.

rmodel65 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2008, 08:21:35 AM »

really you already have a cold air intake setup you can just do the drop in filter. alot of fox guys(86-93) do this its cheaper by a long shot it might not look as "cool" but functioning is all that matters unless your going for show

Soaring · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2008, 04:50:02 PM »

After the initial price of 50 or 60 bux, you will never have to buy another filter again. So, in the long run you actually save money by getting a K&N. The cleaning and oiling kit is cheap, and it gives me pleaseure to clean that sucker at every oil change because I see a gunky filter turn pink again. And, in the meantime, you are feeding that engine maximum cold air with maximum air pollution protection.

taxicab · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2008, 05:41:18 PM »

Yeah, I know all about the K&N filters. Like I said, I had one in my focus, but wasnt really sure if the whole kit was worth the extra cash or not. I also just purchased the cleaner for my MAF unit and will attempt that tomorrow. Im having some weird runability issue atm. It stalls when I put her in park? I cant hear a vaccum leak, and it dont idle rough at a light, so im assuming its something else.

rmodel65 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2008, 01:04:39 AM »

hmm id remove the iac(idle air control motor) and spray it out with some brake cleaner

taxicab · « **Reply #10 on:** August 22, 2008, 06:32:25 AM »

Thanks, Ill try that today also. Im not a mechanic, or mechanically inclined. So I hope I can just go by what the chilton manual says. Also, what do you reccomend for idle set speed? The chiltons states 550-600, but all my other cars ive owned were all like 1000rpm idle speeds? None were H.O. motors though either?

Soaring · « **Reply #11 on:** August 22, 2008, 05:23:41 PM »

5-6 hundred sounds low and would cause stalling I would think. I run about 800 on mine and it is perfect.

66GTKFB · « **Reply #12 on:** August 22, 2008, 06:30:07 PM »

Go with Chiltons.
Jim

Soaring · « **Reply #13 on:** August 22, 2008, 07:08:03 PM »

Quote from: 66GTKFB on August 22, 2008, 06:30:07 PM

Go with Chiltons.
Jim

Well, OK Jim. I'm so used to tuning and setting the RPM's by ear, that when I actually do check it, my RPM at idle is right at 800.
Setting a carburetor is a different ballgame than the EFI system though. Yeah, go with Chilton's advice. I use the Haynes manual, but trust it, and it says mine is to be set at 800.

rmodel65 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 22, 2008, 08:56:11 PM »

my rpm in my 91 is around 600 iirc, i wouldnt mess with that though.

just do one plug and one wire at a time that way you dont get your firing order out of whack

66GTKFB · « **Reply #15 on:** August 22, 2008, 09:04:38 PM »

If you got to ask, use the book. I tune by ear. That includes my sand rail (dual 40DCN-3 Webers on a 1968cc motor made from a 1600cc VW), my Baja bug (single Holley on a 1641cc VW) and my 'K' car (289 HP - pure stock).
Jim

taxicab · « **Reply #16 on:** August 23, 2008, 05:55:54 AM »

Wow, talk about difference of opinion. Ill stick with the book on the idle speed. I am also taking all advice as far as the cleaning of the MAF, installing new plugs and wires (oem) and trying to see if i actually DO have a vaccum leak. Will let you all know what I find and do.

Soaring · « **Reply #17 on:** August 23, 2008, 03:50:30 PM »

Well, Steve, Jim and I have been doing this shit for so long, that we all know that each and every engine is different. My 65 is running around 800 curb idle, while my '51 chevy I had would purr like a kitten at about 600. Each and every part of the engine combines and works together to set the timing and the idle speed, etc. And all engines have differing parts that act differently. The book settings are the middle of the road settings, but for optimum performance, ya gotta have a good ear and the experience. If you are anywhere near California, take your car to Jim. If you are anywhere near the Georgia/Florida border, take it to Steve. If you are in Central Texas, drive her over to me.

taxicab · « **Reply #18 on:** August 25, 2008, 06:05:55 PM »

OK, So today I went ahead and adjusted my curb idle speed. Was at 550-600, and I set it to 850-900. She purrs like a kitten and no longer stalls when I put her in park. I did remember to unhook the battery after I did so to reset the computer. So thats 1 issue resolved for now.

Soaring · « **Reply #19 on:** August 25, 2008, 06:09:48 PM »

Atta boy. Sometimes book learning is not enough.

Author Topic: plugs/wires (Read 11097 times)

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