sparkplug question for jay or barry or any builder

[Falcon67]

Buy some Autolite AR32's and you're good to go. No Platinum or other whizzy plugs required. Champions also not one of my choices except for the lawnmower.

This.  In my iron head 351Cs around the 500 HP range I run one step colder than stock, use only Autolite.  No problems.  Also as above - if you are running unleaded with modern CD type/MSD hig power ignition - looking at the plug will get you about nowhere.  It can be fat as hell and the porcelain white as a ghost.  You can tell somewhat from the base of the plug after the threads end.  You can get an idea of heat range by looking close at the plug ground electrode - optimum  would put some discoloration about the middle of the electrode more or less.  If you really want to know what your mix is, you'll need a O2 sensor bung, software, laptop or reader unit and the appropriate sensor to get real A/F readings.  Or run a few gallons of VP110 leaded fuel through it to try and color the plugs. 

[cammerfe]

Back in the day, '22s' were too cold for a normal street-driven engine. '32s' were very forgiving for any performance/street use.  And by the way, when running the Thunderbolt, we were given plugs by the case. Champions had to be changed after every run. Autolites were good for a full day of runs, but in order to get a new case of plugs, we were asked to return the 'old' steel shells with the porcelain knocked out.  PI A, but the plugs were so much better we did it.

KS

[Posi67]

True.. BF22's didn't survive well on the street. Newer hot ignition makes them viable now however something in the same range as the BF32 would be perfect for most. Haven't been available for years though. Autolite confused the situation with new numbers so the AR33 is the equivalent of a BF22 and the AR32 is the same as a BF12 which is too cold for most anything.  Champion F9Y's lasted a day in my car. Wouldn't use them if they were free now.

[Ford428CJ]

Dale, those AR 32 and 33 don't last long on the street. Had problems with them in doing so. Found the 113 from Autolite and those did much better than the AR stuff. You can't get the 113's anymore. If you need that cold of the plug. The NGK's AP9FS is for you then. I have ran a lot of 124's but I found out the NGK's lasted the longest out of any of those I listed for street use. JMHO

[My427stang]

I haven't ever noticed a difference with any brand, have run everything from Accel to NGK to anything inbetween.  All my stuff has Champion right now. 

[Ford428CJ]

I did forget to say... Mine was a daily driver for 10+ years. Summer, winter, snow and extremely cold days. Besides trips across the country....

[fekbmax]

Ok, how about aluminum beaded, hi compression, high horse power stuff. ? What plugs are you guys useing there ?

[Ford428CJ]

Ok, how about aluminum beaded, hi compression, high horse power stuff. ? What plugs are you guys useing there ?

I just run Iron heads with 10~11to1 on pump gas. So I won't be much help to you. Maybe Ross or some can help you there.

[KMcCullah]

Ok, how about aluminum beaded, hi compression, high horse power stuff. ? What plugs are you guys useing there ?

With my Pro-Ports I like the Autolite 3911 or NGK R5671A-9 if I'm running Sunoco 106 and a lot of timing. If I'm running around detuned with ethanol free pump premium I like the NGK BKR6E. 

[fryedaddy]

thats some good info.i am really getting schooled on plugs

[jayb]

True.. BF22's didn't survive well on the street. Newer hot ignition makes them viable now however something in the same range as the BF32 would be perfect for most. Haven't been available for years though. Autolite confused the situation with new numbers so the AR33 is the equivalent of a BF22 and the AR32 is the same as a BF12 which is too cold for most anything.  Champion F9Y's lasted a day in my car. Wouldn't use them if they were free now.

BF-12s!  Brings me right back to my youth.  In 1978 after I got my Shelby, I thought I better try some colder plugs in the 428CJ.  Down to the Ford dealer I went, and ordered a set of BF-12s; figured my new Accel Super Coil could fire just about anything.  The grizzled veteran behind the counter had a nodding acquaintance with me after my frequent trips to the parts counter.  He pulled a box of BF-12s from the shelf, opened one up, and showed it to me.

"What do you see there, son?"

"Well, that looks like a pretty cold plug".

"That plug is colder than a popcorn fart!  You don't want to run that on the street."

I bought a set of BF-22s instead.  Eventually took them out and went back to BF-32s, until I got my first MSD.  These days I regularly run plugs that are "colder than a popcorn fart" LOL!