The Ford Barn

39portlander · 05-01-2013, 05:29 AM

I get a monthly auto parts flyer with some good coopin's

I always see spark plugs on sale with platinum (good), double platinum (better) and iridium (best).

Is there a good, better, best/iridium plug option for the Flathead that would work, or just stick with the Ol' champions.

I hope this does not turn into a (best oil) thread. Thinking Bubba/Walt ect. may have some good input, thanks. Scott

Walt Dupont--Me. · 05-01-2013, 06:13 AM

I'd have to see proof what makes these expensive plugs so much advantage over a set of 216 Autlite in you 39 pickup. Walt

jrhaelig · 05-01-2013, 07:22 AM

Not that I know a lot, but.....

Aren't the high end jobs built for hyper-extended use and copper used for making bigger spark?

I would think that we all want the advantage of the bigger spark.

Besides - be honest....can you really keep your hands off of them for 100,000 miles?

BUBBAS IGNITION · 05-01-2013, 07:45 AM

The reality of it all is marketing pays off..

The spark plugs job is to ignite the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
Assuming everything is factory ie: carb, camshaft compression etc there is nothing on the planet better than a factory rated spark plug per engine application.

And then the discussion starts!!

Plug construction may be changed or modified to fix a particular problem. Newer plugs have a coating to help them not stick in the engine , heat range may be changed to work better with a engine change , tip construction may be adjusted to better meet the flame front.
However all changes are in place for a particular problem...

One example ( out of many) would be the addition of a five speed trans mission. The 5 speed lowers the cruise rpm of the engine ( in some case one half) and a different heat range plug may be needed for the slower speed of the engine . ( more than likely one range hotter )

If we think the oil discussion is long then the plug discussion is every bit as long.

merc40 · 05-01-2013, 08:11 AM

i took walts advice from a previous thread. engine running rought not ideling. replaced champion 10 with autolite 437 . no puffing or missing, idels great. thanks barners. dick t. how many wonder plugs have we seen over the years? i remenber seeing alot.

kraken · 05-01-2013, 09:23 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I ran AL 216's for many years and liked them. When my flathead started to burn a little oil, I changed to 437's, and they run cleaner due to being a hotter plug. Never had any luck with Champion's.

39portlander · 05-01-2013, 07:41 PM

10-4 on the autolite 216's.

05-01-2013, 05:29 AM	#1
39portlander Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Suth'N Maine Posts: 1,996	Spark plug Question...better spark? I get a monthly auto parts flyer with some good coopin's I always see spark plugs on sale with platinum (good), double platinum (better) and iridium (best). Is there a good, better, best/iridium plug option for the Flathead that would work, or just stick with the Ol' champions. I hope this does not turn into a (best oil) thread. Thinking Bubba/Walt ect. may have some good input, thanks. Scott

05-01-2013, 06:13 AM	#2
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: Spark plug Question...better spark? I'd have to see proof what makes these expensive plugs so much advantage over a set of 216 Autlite in you 39 pickup. Walt

05-01-2013, 07:22 AM	#3
jrhaelig Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Bridgewater, New Jersey Posts: 264	Re: Spark plug Question...better spark? Not that I know a lot, but..... Aren't the high end jobs built for hyper-extended use and copper used for making bigger spark? I would think that we all want the advantage of the bigger spark. Besides - be honest....can you really keep your hands off of them for 100,000 miles? __________________ John Haelig Bridgewater, NJ 1939 Ford Pickup 1963 Lincoln Continental 1939 Buick

05-01-2013, 07:45 AM	#4
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: Spark plug Question...better spark? The reality of it all is marketing pays off.. The spark plugs job is to ignite the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Assuming everything is factory ie: carb, camshaft compression etc there is nothing on the planet better than a factory rated spark plug per engine application. And then the discussion starts!! Plug construction may be changed or modified to fix a particular problem. Newer plugs have a coating to help them not stick in the engine , heat range may be changed to work better with a engine change , tip construction may be adjusted to better meet the flame front. However all changes are in place for a particular problem... One example ( out of many) would be the addition of a five speed trans mission. The 5 speed lowers the cruise rpm of the engine ( in some case one half) and a different heat range plug may be needed for the slower speed of the engine . ( more than likely one range hotter ) If we think the oil discussion is long then the plug discussion is every bit as long. __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

05-01-2013, 08:11 AM	#5
merc40 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: grass valley ca. Posts: 75	Re: Spark plug Question...better spark? i took walts advice from a previous thread. engine running rought not ideling. replaced champion 10 with autolite 437 . no puffing or missing, idels great. thanks barners. dick t. how many wonder plugs have we seen over the years? i remenber seeing alot.

05-01-2013, 09:23 AM	#6
kraken Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Niagara Falls, NY Posts: 40	Re: Spark plug Question...better spark? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I ran AL 216's for many years and liked them. When my flathead started to burn a little oil, I changed to 437's, and they run cleaner due to being a hotter plug. Never had any luck with Champion's.

05-01-2013, 07:41 PM	#7
39portlander Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Suth'N Maine Posts: 1,996	Re: Spark plug Question...better spark? 10-4 on the autolite 216's.