I realize this question is akin to asking "which beer is best" or "which oil is best", but I had to ask for opinions.

Car is a 1990 Formula 350 with 160k miles. Going to change plugs/wires/cap/rotor and such.

I remember reading that alot of ppl on here use Platinums- mostly since they don't want to change them because it's such a pain.

Are any of the "gimmick" platinum plugs worthwhile? I'm not asking which plug will give me an extra 50hp, I just want to know if the Platinum+4s are going to last any longer/better/whatever than regular Autolite Platinums...

Looking basically for the best anti-fouling and longest lasting plugs there are... I'm not looking forward to changing them this time, and I'm sure I'll feel even more like that after I'm done.

Also, since I am a virgin at this procedure, can anyone offer me any tips or tricks? Special tools? Magic spells?

Thanks in advance!

 

A/C Delco Rapid Fires.

DO NOT GO WITH SPLIT FIRES.

 

I run AC rapidfires. They seem to last forever

 

I had Bosch Platinums for awhile, car runs a lot better with the stock spec AC Delco plugs.

 

Go with stock A/C Delco

 

Bosch Platinum + 4's
I got better starts, better acceleration... seemed to work for me.

as for changing the plugs, I was able to get to 7 plugs from topside , and 1 from below (car on ramps) this was the plug
on passenger side and all the way back.

 

A/C delco because mainly you have a good selection of heat ranges. I know other companies have them but you can't go wrong with original equipment.

 

I personally run Delco R4xTS depending on what heat range i need. Platnium just lets you keep the plugs in longer, and If i ever get to a point where I'm not fouling plugs before they're worn i'll probably run platniums.

All of the gimmick plugs are complete crap, at best a waste of money, at worst they can damage your engine. Do a search for a reply to a post by user Ukraine Train who is in the spark plug industry for more info.

 

Well, I use NGK UR5's. There (1) step colder, short and cheap. I do side gap them though because of the 150hp NO2.

Auggie

 

The best plugs are a good clean set. I at least look at a few of my plugs, particularly #8, a known problem hole, every couple months. Ideally more often that that.

Platinum plugs tend to retain heat, and thus makes for a nice hot spot for detonation to start. It's a real problem on forced induction motors, and also can be a factor NA. And since you should be changing and pulling plugs to look at them fairly regularly, who cares how long they are 'supposed' to last. I don't think i've ever put more than 15k on a set of plugs in my life.

AC rapidfires IIRC have a platinum tip. I used a set once a few years ago. Made no difference compared to regular AC plugs, and i ate them up quickly as well, that fluted tip wore down fast.

I'm currently running the Accel shorty plugs for header clearance. Plain old AC R43TS have never done me wrong in the past though.

 

I have no clue what plugs i have in my car!

edit, i use a/c delco rapid fires now.

 

NGK V-Groove plugs are a decent plug and reasonably priced, too. I've had good luck with Rapid Fires. Terrible luck with Chumpians and Splitfires just wore out too quick.

 

Autolite Platinum AP24 work best for me with 0.45 gap