Is there a visual way to see if your ignition wires, distributor cap, and coil are worn? I just bought a 5.0, and am wondering if I should just change it all, but I'd rather not spend the money if what I have is good! The car runs good, no hesitations or bogging, but it does feel not as powerful as expected.

Plugs I'm okay with, I know how to check those.

 

What year car? If you have a distributor cap, just unsnap it and look underneath. You will see the contact points for the rotor and any visual wear, oxidation or burning. Also check the contact end of the rotor. I would just change the cap and rotor every time you do a tune-up. Wires can be harder to detect. If you have over 40,000 miles on your current ignition wires, I would change them as well. I have always had good luck with Ford Racing 9mm prefitted and numbered wires. They should be the last wires you ever buy under normal conditions. One other quick check in this area can be done at night. Start your engine and open the hood after the sun has set. Any poorly insulated wires, cracked distributor caps, etc. will usually put on a nice little light show for you. Then you KNOW for sure it is time to change your ignition parts.

 

It's an '87.

Thanks for the tips! What about the coil? Is that just a working/not-working kind of deal? Or does it wear out slowly like other parts?

 

the coil is a work or not work deal.As far as seing the sparks from the wire,it will only do that if its close to metal and the spark jumps.Its near next to impossible to tell like that,it sounded good thou

 

just check your wires for cracks and heat wear, take your cap off see how bad the metal points are chewed down, check your rotor for any ware, youll notice when they go out tho your car will seem like its off timing so dont worry about it too much