Spark Plugs XR8

XB2DrSteve · 09-03-2009, 08:17 PM

I have done a search for plugs and have noted that no mention is made that according to Max Ellery, plugs 1 - 4 are Motorcraft AWSF-32EG But the plugs 5 - 8 are AWSF 32E. I am curious as to why two different types of plugs are required.
I also note that some members recommend NGk TR155. But they have a lot longer thread compared to the original Motorcraft plugs is this OK? Steve

honer · 09-03-2009, 08:41 PM

I believe this is due to the way the current/spark flows

Quote from another site:

Yes, with Ford's EDIS, the plugs on each side receive opposite polarity spark. SO the GND electrode will erode on one side, the
center electrode will erode in the other side....This is why
double platinums are a must for long mileage with EDIS. Not
only that, but the plugs fire on every revolution of the crank, not
every other revolution as with a conventional ignition..

EDIT: On that note, I use the NGK BPR5EFS-13 in my XR8 220, I replace plugs once a year so I couldn't justify the price of the Platinum versions

Hords · 10-03-2009, 09:53 AM

I've just bought a set of BPR6EFS-13 for the TS. Just over $25 from Bursons. Currently have the TR55IX which have clocked up 80K. I haven't had an issue with the plugs but a lot of other members are going with the standard NGK plug.

RG · 10-03-2009, 10:01 AM

Wow, we'll have to start and AU.com BPR6(or 5)EFS-13 club

Ford did originally state two different plugs for either bank but later revised that to be the same plug for both. NGK "recommend" the TR55IX plug yet also admit that it does not have the correct gap and must be gapped down to 1.3-1.4. They also on the other hand say that their Iridium plugs are not to be gapped

:

The BPR6EFS-13 is good for a modded car as it is a colder heat range, for a stocker the BPR5EFS-13 is the go. These aren't an iridium plug so you will need to replace them more often, they are 1/5 the price though at about $4 a plug. I generally change mine out at 15-20k whereas with the iridiums I would have gone twice that.

For the record I know it is stated that iridium plugs are good for 100k but I refuse to believe that and refuse to risk it. I honestly can't see how any plug could last that long.

InfernoSR · 10-03-2009, 10:11 AM

So what about the NGK Iridium TR155IX? i just ordered mine :(

james22 · 10-03-2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

Wow, we'll have to start and AU.com BPR6(or 5)EFS-13 club

For the record I know it is stated that iridium plugs are good for 100k but I refuse to believe that and refuse to risk it. I honestly can't see how any plug could last that long.

Well it's true lol. I've still got the original iridiums in my car after 129,000km - Still going strong, and not missing.
But they will be changed soon. When I inspected them, the centre electrode is a bee's wang off not existing lol

Adam, the plug you are reffering to is the same as the one russ mentioned out of the NGK catalogue. It will preferably need re-gapping as it is not correct. NGK has been notified of this, and is aware of the problem in their catalogue, yet still have done nothing about it

:

**Peuty** · 10-03-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james22

Well it's true lol. I've still got the original iridiums in my car after 129,000km - Still going strong, and not missing.
But they will be changed soon. When I inspected them, the centre electrode is a bee's wang off not existing lol

So how do you figure they are still going strong then?

Mikal52 · 10-03-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

The BPR6EFS-13 is good for a modded car as it is a colder heat range, for a stocker the BPR5EFS-13 is the go.

Hey Russ when you say 'modded car'.... How modded are we talking here? mine isn't heavily modded but it isn't standard, are you talking bolt on's or internals? Then again mine isn't the xr8 motor either only the 175kw baby... I'm doing coil packs, leads and plugs soon and want to make sure I get the right stuff.

Cheers
Michael

RG · 10-03-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikal52

Hey Russ when you say 'modded car'.... How modded are we talking here? mine isn't heavily modded but it isn't standard, are you talking bolt on's or internals? Then again mine isn't the xr8 motor either only the 175kw baby... I'm doing coil packs, leads and plugs soon and want to make sure I get the right stuff.

Cheers
Michael

I'd go the 5 then, unless you have detonation issues.

Mikal52 · 10-03-2009, 01:56 PM

Thanks. No issues thus far... if they dont work well at least they're cheap and I can just get the other ones lol

james22 · 10-03-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peuty

So how do you figure they are still going strong then?

130k..... and not missing..... You telling me they aren't going strong? I'll be buggered :togo:

Yes they are nearly rooted, i admit that. But I think you get my point

RG · 10-03-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james22

130k..... and not missing..... You telling me they aren't going strong? I'll be buggered :togo:

Yes they are nearly rooted, i admit that. But I think you get my point

I feel so sorry for your XR8, 130k on the original plugs. Ouch.

They may not be missing but the gaps will be FUBAR, they won't be performing anywhere near as well as they should and THEY ARE STUFFED. I'll bet you have some detonation issues too, even if you can't hear them.

**Peuty** · 10-03-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james22

130k..... and not missing..... You telling me they aren't going strong? I'll be buggered :togo:

Yes they are nearly rooted, i admit that. But I think you get my point

I just fail to see how you can say something is going strong when they are clearly ready for replacement?

EDIT - What Russell said.

james22 · 10-03-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

I feel so sorry for your XR8, 130k on the original plugs. Ouch.

They may not be missing but the gaps will be FUBAR, they won't be performing anywhere near as well as they should and THEY ARE STUFFED. I'll bet you have some detonation issues too, even if you can't hear them.

^^^^- As for that I do agree, that they are past the point. And need replacing

Gaps are good, have been re-gapped of course.
I did say they are nearly buggered, yes I admit that. But that is not the point I was making.

My point being. Even though they have 130k on them, they still run fine. No missing, no hesitation, no audible pinging. SO IN MY OPINION.... they are doing really well, considering their AGE, and current CONDITION.

Hence why I said they are going STRONG.

I thought you guys would have understood that the first time. Perhaps I wasn't being clear enough. If thats the case, my bad.

I'm just stating my opinion on the condition of the plugs. I mean honestly, that is very impressive for stock plugs correct? How many would still be working well enough to not detect any kind of a problem after 130k?????

Hence being strong, not in good condition.

END RANT LOL

P.S - Need to see doctor regarding RSI after post lol

james22 · 10-03-2009, 02:30 PM

Original leads too how about that. Flame suit already on lol

honer · 10-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

I feel so sorry for your XR8, 130k on the original plugs. Ouch.

They may not be missing but the gaps will be FUBAR, they won't be performing anywhere near as well as they should and THEY ARE STUFFED. I'll bet you have some detonation issues too, even if you can't hear them.

My 96,000km original plugs had gaps over 2+ mm on some of them

**Peuty** · 10-03-2009, 02:39 PM

I think I have said this before, but I feel sorry for your car James...

RG · 10-03-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by honer

My 96,000km original plugs had gaps over 2+ mm on some of them

OUCH!!

James, service your car ffs

:

james22 · 10-03-2009, 02:57 PM

lol. ok ok, i'll buy new plugs on friday ffs. I'll even start a new thread saying i changed them lol. Happy now :-) rofl

I'm glad i havn't met you guys yet, I can imagine the brown stuff flying lol
I'll make sure she's in tip top condition before I meet ya's, and you confiscate my car lol

RG · 10-03-2009, 03:05 PM

James remeber, serviceorban!

**FTE217** · 10-03-2009, 03:15 PM

Well I won't bother changing my plugs as much as some here, platinum and similar do last longer than std plugs, hence the recommended 100thou k repalcement.
My previous XR8(owned since new) didn't have a plug change till about 95000k,been on dyno(many) mild mods etc not once did my tuner say lets change plugs (he is a sponser here) as we knew the plugs were fine.
I can understand some here buying the std plug considering cost but paying say $20 x 8 = $160 for 90-10000thou k use is that expensive for doing the job once in your garage ? compared to say hords above paying $25 for 8 and maybe do it twice or 3times depending on use......
I know my time is far too valuable but all to its own.
I'll also add my T3 I have changed plugs twice but only because I have the luxury being in the game but there was nothing wrong with the platinum plugs, infact I passed on 1set to a mate with a XR8 just recently and they work a dream.
Some products are far better than they were in the dark ages......

InfernoSR · 10-03-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james22

Adam, the plug you are reffering to is the same as the one russ mentioned out of the NGK catalogue. It will preferably need re-gapping as it is not correct. NGK has been notified of this, and is aware of the problem in their catalogue, yet still have done nothing about it

:

Re-gapping is no issue... but i'll have to get some feeler guages first... unless they come in before the weekend... inwhich i'll do them at my fathers place and gap them there...

She just ticked over 220,000 officially on saturday on my way to James22's place :P

XB2DrSteve · 10-03-2009, 07:32 PM

I have added a photo of my old plug to show that the thread does not go all the way up the plug. The NGK TR155 plugs were threaded all the way to the shoulder. Is this OK? It looks to me if they will go into the cylinder head to far??

RG · 10-03-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB2DrSteve

I have added a photo of my old plug to show that the thread does not go all the way up the plug. The NGK TR155 plugs were threaded all the way to the shoulder. Is this OK? It looks to me if they will go into the cylinder head to far??

They'll go in fine.

**Stav** · 10-03-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB2DrSteve

I have added a photo of my old plug to show that the thread does not go all the way up the plug. The NGK TR155 plugs were threaded all the way to the shoulder. Is this OK? It looks to me if they will go into the cylinder head to far??

The slightly longer plug will slightly cause your ignition timing to be advanced slightly and for your car it will help as your exisiting spark plugs indicate a retarded ignition timing...