Best Spark Plug for Spark?

Cape Codder

Cape Codder

Well-known member
I'm sure I have read on this forum what was thought to be the best plug for spark to put in a high compression head. Do I neeeeedddd the 3X plugs? The problem is I could not find it in Search so I must be using the wrong termaiogly. Can some one help?
Thanks for your time.
Joe Grobleski
 
NAPA sells a cheap Autolite plug that works fine for about 3.50, but it looks kind of
puny. They also sell a Champion that I believe is a W-16Y that is nice and fat and
looks and works very nicely for the Model A. The 3X is available at many of the Model
A stores like Mike's, Snyder's, Bratton's, or at least they used to. Being the cheapskate
that I am, I use the Autolite. The 3X is a bit more money than I want to spend. Nothing
wrong with your terminology-----except your spelling, lol. The 3X is made by Champion.

Jack
 
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Many guys believe the 3 X is the best performing plug for the A... followed by the Champion W-16 or W-18.

I have been using the Autolite 3076 in my unrestored '28, for about 8,000 miles... gapped at .035". They have certainly been adequate...

I have a set of repro Champion 3 X, but have not been able to bring myself to put those beautiful $30/each plugs into my jalopy... :o


I believe I have read that folks running HC heads find their engines run better with the plug gap reduced to .030" or .025".
 
you will have to play around a bit. Some engines run well with one type and others with another type, even with the same heads. In most cases, 3x work well. For a less expensive plug, a Champion W16Y is said to be the equivalent to 3X, but apparently it burns a bit hotter and the W18Y burns the same as a 3X. In some cases I have found a W14Y ( one step cooler than a W16Y) works better on an HC head with larger intake valves . Motorcraft TT10 are popular too and said to be equivalent to W14Y.

Choose a plug to begin with, then read the insulator color to determine if the heat range is right on your engine. Drive down the road with the engine warmed up and at cruising speed. Choose a turn out to pull over at, and switch off the engine while running at road speed, and coast into the turn out. Let the engine cool enough to touch the plugs and remove them. The insulator should be a nice tan color. If its white and crusty, the plugs are too hot or the fuel mix is too lean. If the insulator is black, the plug is too cool or the fuel mix is too rich. If its oily, you're burning oil.

Some time ago, Larry Brumfield listed a heat range chart here:

http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6458&highlight=spark+plug+heat+range
 
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Speaking of plugs, I am looking a vintage Champion to run, that is less dear than the 3X...

What 1930's plug replaced the 3X ?

I have a Champion take-apart plug, with the big brass top and the insulator just reads "Champion For Fords "... I removed it from a 1930 A engine salvaged from a doodlebug.

Have also heard that Champion C-4 were spec'd for Model A /B / C ?

Thanks,

SC Frank
 
Thanks to all for your responses and information.
Special thanks to Jack 29 for the spelling lesson of terminology,
Lot of info for me here but how can I save a post to my computer?
Thanks again to all.
Joe Grobleski
 
I prefer to print what I want to save. Old fashioned. Click on the posting # (upper rh corner of the post, then do your printing.

Paul in CT
 
Cape Codder;

I have a 5.5 Snyder's head and I have used W18, W16Y and TT10 plugs. They all worked well. I am currently running W18 plugs. The only reason that I am using them over the TT10 plugs is the fact that they look better!!

Dick
 
Dick Deegan's post describes my Model A spark plug experience to a TT, or is it W?!?!
In addition, neither of my A's are able to tell the difference between the commonly available W18Y and the 3X... be they (3X) of vintage production or of contemporary origin. Cheers, Robert
 
The Champion W16Y plugs have been working very well for me. They look a little like the Champion 3X, but a lot less expensive.
Rog
 
If you know anyone who has a commercial account with NAPA, you can get the 3X plugs a little cheaper. ;)

I ordered 12 last week to keep as spares for my cars.

As far other plugs, I've had good luck with the W16-Y's. The TT-10 & Autolite 3076 not so much.
 
If you want a hotter plug to replace the Champion W16-Y.....how about trying W89-D. Should work well with the 5.5 Snyder head.
 
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