dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Jan 8, 2013 8:09:34 AM
The modern engines of todays vehicles I believe are handling lower octane but producing greater power,more rpms,running higher compression,warm-up quicker,and burn cleaner. The automatic variable cam timing,hemi design heads,precise ignition timing,EFI systems,direct injection,ECM control/monitoring makes these engines more efficient.
In the past sparkplugs were a variation in quality,but the demands of the modern engines require better quality plugs, these engines are equipted with much better ones OEM design selected. Still,newer technology is everywhere around the World,trial/error is open in my book as an DIYer for improvement.References was a way to make new choices less of a gamble...
I still stick with products that are returnable if not satisfied,ones over $50. in cost... a good crying towel set costs $20. most everywhere.. LOL
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dontuknowOH
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 1:31:19 PM
Try turning off your driving lamps if you are driving an econo 4 cyl,and really don't need the extra illumination,saves a bit of fuel on my vehicle.If you drive a van and plan driving 150 miles heavier loaded,bump up the tire pressure 2-4#,for fuel savings(considering the tires are of good quality)condition to start with!
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dgsteven
All-Star Author
Los Angeles
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Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 3:24:02 AM
thank you for the tipe
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KansasGunman
Champion Author
Kansas City
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Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 2:01:14 PM
"You don't have a 4.0 V-6 SOHC engine. This engine wasn't used in Rangers until 2001. You have a 4.0L OHV engine
.....
Stand corrected Houckster...I simply C&P your description for mine and didn't even give it a thought.
Old technology but none the less, just like the Energizer Bunny "It just keeps going".
"Built Ford Tough"
[Edited by: KansasGunman at 4/26/2012 2:04:35 PM EST]
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Houckster
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 1:16:34 PM
KANSASGUNMAN writes: OEM plugs changed by the Ford dealership at 100,000 miles on my 1998 Ford Ranger 4.0 V-6 SOHC 4X4 and again at 200,000 miles...works for me and running great at 229,000 miles.
_____
You don't have a 4.0 V-6 SOHC engine. This engine wasn't used in Rangers until 2001. You have a 4.0L OHV engine and this is a major difference. I am very happy you have had such a good experience with your Ranger.
[Edited by: Houckster at 4/26/2012 1:18:14 PM EST]
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OceanArcher
Champion Author
Mississippi
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Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 8:59:12 AM
With most OEM plugs lasting nearly 100,000 miles these days, it would seem that there is much less opportunity for life-cycle testing by individuals
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KansasGunman
Champion Author
Kansas City
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Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 7:47:12 AM
OEM plugs changed by the Ford dealership at 100,000 miles on my 1998 Ford Ranger 4.0 V-6 SOHC 4X4 and again at 200,000 miles...works for me and running great at 229,000 miles.
The Ranger still gets 20-21 MPG on the road and goes the 5,000 miles between oil changes without adding a drop between changes.
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Bus936
Champion Author
Lexington
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Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 5:47:27 AM
I use Z-28 spark plugs.
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ricebike
Champion Author
New Jersey
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Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 12:52:20 AM
agree w/ houckster
i've also seen them on the dyno from horsepower tv in the past & they proved it
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Houckster
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Apr 25, 2012 11:58:12 PM
The article that GASBUDDY references doesn't really tell the whole story because one engine cannot tells us what all other engines will do. Some vehicles will see an improvement and some won't see much gain at all and that's largely dependent on how efficient the spark plug, spark advance and combustion chamber combination is. There's also various weather conditions, fuels, and a plethora of other variables to consider.
Consequently the claims made in the article must be taken with a grain of salt.
I've been using E3s and think they are one of the better plugs out there because they have a large electrode edge for the spark to use and a very low amount of voltage is required to make them fire so even under adverse conditions (cold and wet), there should be very few misfires. Because there is a lot of electrode area for the spark to use, the plugs should maintain their optimum efficiency over a longer period of time and a lot of miles. The gap should remain stable for the life of the plug.
The engine in my Ford Ranger, a SOHC 4.0L V-6, is apparently very sensitive to the type of plug used. I've used NGK Iridium plugs and noticed very poor performance and I've used NGK V-Power plugs as well as E3s that cost much less and have gotten excellent performance.
I think the vast majority of engines will yield improved performance (though in some cases, it will not be significant) and my personal experience indicates that the test quoted in the article may not be typical. In any case, whenever it is time for someone to change their plugs, the E3 is a worthy choice.
[Edited by: Houckster at 4/26/2012 12:02:01 AM EST]
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MertieMan
Champion Author
Lexington
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 5:29:17 AM
Thank you, but mine won't need any for about 75,000 more miles.
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JCLNC
All-Star Author
Greensboro
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 4:20:05 AM
Thanks for the tip!
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bobbysgirl3013
Veteran Author
Augusta
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Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 4:26:13 AM
Awesome, can't wait to put the ones in I just got!
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Gas_Buddy
Champion Author
Maryland
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Message Posted: Mar 14, 2012 10:14:38 PM
I'm not sure why you wrote "believe it or not they work" unless a lot of people thought that they don't work or at least don't do what you say they do, but the following link:
e3 Spark Plugs
seems to indicate that they don't make a significant difference compared to other spark plugs.
Maybe you can explain how they're increasing your fuel economy and what testing procedures you used, what your comparisons and test results were.
And, not being sarcastic, you wrote, "For better gas mileage I recommend..." Are you an automotive expert? Do you represent an organization? Are there reasons that we should take an anonymous recommendation from a new Gas Buddy member over, say, some professional recommendation, which you didn't reference.
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