Oct 23, 2015, 02:01 PM
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- Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: How to Replace Spark Plugs and Wires
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Replacing Spark Plugs
5th Gear Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,388
From: Central Texas
Good points. Performance cars need more frequent maintenance than non-performance street cars. At the very least, go by the 'severe use' maintenance schedule per the user manual. If you have a custom tune, your tuner may offer recommendations as well.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 146
From: WI
After 25k miles, 3 of my plugs had excessive wear on the electrodes and were not firing properly. These were all on the driver side, almost like they were different plugs. The 3 on the passenger side looked fine. Car wasn't running right, missing out a little, etc. But no codes. New plugs fixed the issues.
http://www.miracerros.com/mustang/sparkplugs.htm
I remember someone else posting something about the electrodes looking different from side to side and immediately thought of this whem I read your post. Of course, that wouldn't explain the slight miss? I just thought it may be of interest.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 78
From: tn
but im new so look in to it more lol
1st Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 71
From: CA
Remember a convo from a former life with TT folks. Seem to remember there was a discussion that great plugs are irrelevant if you don't have decent wiring to support them. Certainly folks were upgrading their stock audi wiring and plugs together and saying they were noticing better perf.
In any case I would think that replacing plugs is cheap(er) maintenance and would do no harm. So if there's a brand of plugs that's going to create better output...?
In any case I would think that replacing plugs is cheap(er) maintenance and would do no harm. So if there's a brand of plugs that's going to create better output...?
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 750
From: CA
Yes, there is a big difference between maintaining a vehicle for optimal factory performance, and trying to increase factory performance with better add ons. It really doesn't matter which plugs you use if you are just trying to keep the maintenance going and keep your car running well. If you are looking to increase the performance range even a little bit, then getting better plugs and wiring together would make more sense. I don't know about these cars, but in most cases I think the factory puts wires that are just good enough to get the job done. After a few years they start breaking down due to the stresses of every day use. I don't think it would be ever detrimental do upgrade to a better quality of wires, plugs, filters, fluids etc. That is a mod that anyone can do with minimal expense and I don't think you would need to change your tune if it's just a minor improvement.
Cut & Paste Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 13,322
From: NW Arkansas
More plugs are replaced before their time then when they "go bad".
I have never seen one on a modern engine that would not produce
a spark under normal operating conditions. You just replace them
when recommended by the manufacturer.
They either spark or they dont.
They are not magical.
I have never seen one on a modern engine that would not produce
a spark under normal operating conditions. You just replace them
when recommended by the manufacturer.
They either spark or they dont.
They are not magical.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 94
From: Indiana
I replaced ours at 65K (when I bought the car - 50k interval is my normal). The orig plugs looked like they were all burning good, nice and white, but the gaps were wide and the electrodes wore pretty bad. Replaced with NGK's. Noticed a MUCH better idle and better throttle response.
I NEVER repeat NEVER go by the manual for maint intervals, especially when it tells me 100K on plugs or 7500 on oil. Sure the plugs will spark for that long and the car will run, but I suspect the performance and MPG's would appreciate a bit more of a proactive approach. For $20-$30 cost on a 30k car, why not?
Of course, here's the disclaimer.....IMO!
I NEVER repeat NEVER go by the manual for maint intervals, especially when it tells me 100K on plugs or 7500 on oil. Sure the plugs will spark for that long and the car will run, but I suspect the performance and MPG's would appreciate a bit more of a proactive approach. For $20-$30 cost on a 30k car, why not?
Of course, here's the disclaimer.....IMO!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
From: Virginia
OK, this is an older thread, but I feel the need to toss out here a concept on why changing Spark Plugs early is a good idea.
Supposedly these are 100k spark plugs. Bull. Unless you care little for your car, I suggest that these need to be changed every year or two.
I have read of some having great difficulty getting their original plugs out to change; all the more reason to change them after a year or two. I have 14k miles on my '07 Pony, and just changed plugs. The original plugs I'm pretty sure did not have anti-seize applied, and mine always do.
The longer you wait to change plugs, the more likely that they will be "reluctant" to come out. So why wait? Seems like cheap insurance to me to help make sure your car performs at top level, and to prevent future concerns.
I can say that after checking out the original plugs at 14k, that I'm darn glad I did not leave them in for any longer length of time. They looked fine, but these are not high-tech plugs, folks. In my opinion, they *needed* to be replaced.
So, all of the above for your consideration.
Agree? Or not?
Supposedly these are 100k spark plugs. Bull. Unless you care little for your car, I suggest that these need to be changed every year or two.
I have read of some having great difficulty getting their original plugs out to change; all the more reason to change them after a year or two. I have 14k miles on my '07 Pony, and just changed plugs. The original plugs I'm pretty sure did not have anti-seize applied, and mine always do.
The longer you wait to change plugs, the more likely that they will be "reluctant" to come out. So why wait? Seems like cheap insurance to me to help make sure your car performs at top level, and to prevent future concerns.
I can say that after checking out the original plugs at 14k, that I'm darn glad I did not leave them in for any longer length of time. They looked fine, but these are not high-tech plugs, folks. In my opinion, they *needed* to be replaced.
So, all of the above for your consideration.
Agree? Or not?
Very good point about the antisieze compound. I may change mine when it stops raining! I'm over the rain!
A corroded/stuck spark plug is a pricey thing. I have about 32K on my plugs. Perfect time for a change.
Last edited by nsmitchell; Dec 9, 2009 at 09:16 AM.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 250
From: Janesville, WI
I just had local family garage replace my plugs with Bosch platinum OEM at recommended factory maintenance interval. $100.00+tax. Had no problems with factory plugs. Mechanic said one could probably go 150K w/o changing out plugs with technology of new engines and electronics today. I also burn only Tier 1 gasoline in my cars too.