Cal Club Autocross Forums

I need to do plugs & wires on my daughters 2000 Explorer 4.0 v6 sohc.

There have been a LOT of consumer complaints about the Ford oem plugs but on the newer 4.6 motors, so I don't think I will have that problem (plug breaks off in head).

Still, no reason to stick with Motorcraft/Autolite if there is better.

What do you guys think?

There is no universal best. No best spark plug, no best tire, no best big chrome foot gas pedal. Figure out your budget, how often you want to change those plugs, and if you want any performance improvement (not likely with plugs). That should help you decide what works "best."

John Coffey wrote:There is no universal best. No best spark plug, no best tire, no best big chrome foot gas pedal. Figure out your budget, how often you want to change those plugs, and if you want any performance improvement (not likely with plugs). That should help you decide what works "best."

Hi John.

I should have been more specific, obviously.

I'm not looking for some magic plugs that double your mileage & last 500k miles.

There is a well known problem with some of the oem plugs from Ford. Google it. Not an isolated occurance. I am not making it up.

Maybe not so well known, as nobody on the forum, so far, has heard of it.

I was simply asking if any of the forum members who do general service have a recommendation for, say, NGK, Champion, Bosch ?

Sticking with oem parts is often not the best course.

And I would disagree with you. Some parts are better than others, some are the best, but that's another thread.

Cost is not a factor (on plugs).

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Anyone have a "favored" plug brand or everyone just replaces with stock?

A one word answer is allowed, I trust opinions of the forum members more than the recommendations of the guys at the parts counter & no offense meant if you work a parts counter, my dad did for some years.

Bob, you're in luck because the V6 does not share the same wonky plug design as the V8/V10 engines, where the plug shell is three inches long. A buddy that is a Ford fleet mechanic tells me that the Champion OE replacement plugs have given them the best service.

Also, the passenger side is easiest to do through the opening in the wheelwell.

Steve Lepper wrote:Bob, you're in luck because the V6 does not share the same wonky plug design as the V8/V10 engines, where the plug shell is three inches long. A buddy that is a Ford fleet mechanic tells me that the Champion OE replacement plugs have given them the best service.

Also, the passenger side is easiest to do through the opening in the wheelwell.

Thank you dude, that's the kind of detailed informantion from a knowledgable source that I needed.
Especially the tip about pass side plug.