Best Spark plug and wires? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bottonavy · 10-01-2008, 02:05 PM

I'm changing out my old spark plugs and wires and was wondering what would be the best for fuel economy. I've heard of Splitfire, and a few others but has anyone used the latest and greatest spark plugs out on the market today? Also if you have documented proof please share it.
My car is a 1994 Ford Aspire
4 door hatchback.
4 speed automatic.
All stock.

Ford Man · 10-01-2008, 03:15 PM

From what I've heard others that have tried these types of plugs they are no better than regular plugs. I use platinum's (usually Bosch) and have had several sets to last over 100,000 miles without any drop in FE. There have been times that I changed them just because they had so many miles on them, but were still firing fine. The reason I use platinum's instead of regular copper core plugs is because of the long change interval. Be sure to use anti seize on the threads whatever type you decide on. I stripped the threads out of a spark plug hole one time because it seized in the aluminum. As for wires I have the best Auto Zone brand wires on my '88 Escort and still have the factory wires on the '97. The Auto Zone wires also have a lifetime waranty if you buy their best grade.

Frank Lee · 10-01-2008, 03:38 PM

I recycle junkyard wires. As long as the terminals aren't corroded or the insulation compromised in some way, they are just as good and seem to last just as long as when I used to buy new wires. If your current wires are in good condition there is no reason to believe the parts store hype and replace them.

My '59 has 40+ year old wires and points and it runs grrreeeaaat!

Duffman · 10-01-2008, 04:00 PM

I agree with Frank on this, we have a parts industry that pushes parts based on planned obsolesance as X miles of use and not on when parts are worn out. Windshied wipers every 3 months, bateries every couple of years, give me a break.

To answear the OP's question, I read a book by a Dr. Jacobs (yes the guy that has a company named after him) and he said go with basic plugs that meet the heat range required by your engine.

Ford Man · 10-01-2008, 04:23 PM

I never replace the wires either unless one goes bad then I just replace them with a new set and keep the old ones for extras.

bottonavy · 10-01-2008, 05:52 PM

Hey, Thanks for the info. I wasen't sure on when to replace the wires but I guess I know now. And I'll probably stick to the basic spark plug that meets my engines needs. Thanks again.

flydude1221 · 10-02-2008, 11:06 AM

I am pretty sure your aspire is a mazda clone and should probably have NGKs IMO

PushnFords · 10-06-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

My '59 has 40+ year old wires and points and it runs grrreeeaaat!

Most of those old wires were a solid metal core. Conduct great but cause radio and other electrical interference. New wires are usually a graphic strand (I think) that are noise suppression.

As for replacing plug wires, just check the ends for corrosion and then do an ohm test. Might not hurt to ohm a few sets of new high quality plug wires in a store and use that as your base...if your old wires start to get more resistance than that it is time to replace them. Also look for cracks where they can arc to ground along their length.

Derek