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Old 06-11-2021, 03:37 PM   #1
ETAModel
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Default Spark plug for driver, not show car.

I'm in charge of repairs/driving a friend's 30 Model A Fordor. It is probably 99% stock, still 6V, was rebuilt in 60's or 70's. Has mohair upholstery.

The plugs are probably from last rebuild, rusty, and need replacing.

I know on my 56 Farmall there are hot and cold range plugs. What about the A ?

I have a feeling this is like asking if Blondes or Brunettes are better, but what plug do you recommend for a 30 Model A driver.

I'm going to order based on your advice.

Oh, what is the gap on them also?

ET
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Old 06-11-2021, 03:51 PM   #2
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

You'll get a ton of different answers. I use Autolite 3076. They are midrange temp, available, and not overpriced. Tried Champion 518 and car didn't run as well. I have the Autolites gapped at .032-.033. Folks will tell you gap should be .035. See what runs best in your car.
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Old 06-11-2021, 04:16 PM   #3
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

It'll depend on what heat range the car will like.

I've run Autolite 3077 for decades, but, can no longer find them. I find that Champion in the 18 heat range run fine. 16 seems to be too cold.
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Old 06-11-2021, 05:04 PM   #4
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

More importantly ...... What are you running now and how well are they doing? Pull the plugs and compare them to heat range charts, there maybe pictures here
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:03 PM   #5
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

I have used Champion W16, W18 and Autolites too. Not much difference for me but yours may vary. All good plugs.
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Old 06-12-2021, 12:06 AM   #6
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldgearz View Post
You'll get a ton of different answers. I use Autolite 3076. They are midrange temp, available, and not overpriced. Tried Champion 518 and car didn't run as well. I have the Autolites gapped at .032-.033. Folks will tell you gap should be .035. See what runs best in your car.
I was told some plugs wont fit the large hole in the cylinder head and an adapter is used...will the Autolite 3076 fit directly in the head? The local Autozone has these.

Thanks
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Old 06-12-2021, 05:06 AM   #7
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Have been using Champion W16’s for to long to remember. Gap at .035. I change plugs every five or six years, no matter the mileage. More for the look than anything else. Car runs better with new plugs and it is a cheap repair.

Aside from changing the oil and tire air pressure, plugs are easy fix.
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Old 06-12-2021, 05:14 AM   #8
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

If you need adapters, they are available:

https://www.brattons.com/spark-plug-adaptors.html
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Old 06-12-2021, 06:06 AM   #9
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ETAModel View Post
I was told some plugs wont fit the large hole in the cylinder head and an adapter is used...will the Autolite 3076 fit directly in the head? The local Autozone has these.

Thanks



No adapter needed. See if your store has 3077's.
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Old 06-12-2021, 06:06 AM   #10
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ETAModel View Post
I was told some plugs wont fit the large hole in the cylinder head and an adapter is used...will the Autolite 3076 fit directly in the head? The local Autozone has these.

Thanks



No adapter needed. See if your store has 3077's.
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Old 06-12-2021, 07:35 AM   #11
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

ask the owner how concerned he/she is about appearance.
my car is strictly a driver but I like the look of 3X plugs better than any replacements, so am willing to pay the premium price.
a set will last for MANY years......

if the old plug electrodes are not eroded, they may clean up and work fine.
I take my 3X plugs apart and wire wheel the metal base then coat with WD40 to slow down the rust.
(used to use gun bluing but it did not hold up any longer so was not worth the hassle)
check the gap and install with new washers......
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Old 06-12-2021, 08:39 AM   #12
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris in WNC View Post
ask the owner how concerned he/she is about appearance.
my car is strictly a driver but I like the look of 3X plugs better than any replacements, so am willing to pay the premium price.
I like the looks of the 3X also but I find my car runs better on W-18's. So I "antiqued" (sort of) my W-18's a little.

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Old 06-12-2021, 09:27 AM   #13
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

I use autolite 3076 plugs gapped at .035 i think
got them at autozone $3 ea.
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Old 06-12-2021, 09:56 AM   #14
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

-What's in it now?? How does it run with them??


I used W-18's.
Paul in CT
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Old 06-12-2021, 11:18 AM   #15
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Thumbs up Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I like the looks of the 3X also but I find my car runs better on W-18's. So I "antiqued" (sort of) my W-18's a little.

Nice tidy engine compartment!
Did you use copper pipe end caps ontop of the plugs?
I thought my compartment was clean... you sir must be Mr. Clean
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Old 06-12-2021, 12:06 PM   #16
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

I run Champion W18 plugs and I am happy with them. Reasonably priced and available. It gives the look of a 3X plug at a fraction of the price. You will need to order the brass tops as the standard plug top thread will not fit. Again, inexpensive and they look period correct.
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Old 06-12-2021, 02:55 PM   #17
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

You’ll likely only buy them once so buy Champion 3X. Look great and work great! Spend the money !
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Old 06-12-2021, 07:25 PM   #18
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

I've always used Motorcraft TT10 plugs and can't see why people pay so much for some of the others. One of my cars has done over 50,000 miles on the one set and I have no thoughts of replacing them.
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Old 06-12-2021, 07:59 PM   #19
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PalAl View Post
Nice tidy engine compartment!
Did you use copper pipe end caps ontop of the plugs?
I thought my compartment was clean... you sir must be Mr. Clean
Haha, you guessed the secret. Thanks for the compliment. Yes I like my engine clean!!
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Old 06-12-2021, 08:59 PM   #20
ETAModel
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Default Re: Spark plug for driver, not show car.

Thanks for all the info. I found a set of Autolite 3076 in town for $2.23 each. They only had 4. One was black, the other 3 chromed...Sigh... good thing she isn't a show car.
I gapped them at .33, installed them, my does it purr pretty.
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