Forum Discussion

colliehauler's avatar
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2017

Ford V-10 sparkplugs (SP 479 or AP 103)

I bought a old X with the 6.8 and wondered what's the best sparkplug to run. I seen Motorcraft SP 479 and Autolite AP 103. Any suggestions?

I won't change them, I'll let the mechanic I use change the plugs and coils.
  • Home Skillet wrote:
    $500 is cheap insurance, when you're 800 miles from home.
    I was a Ford tech for 25 years. The last place I would want to do coils is ,on the side of the road.


    :h They are easy. I can replace one in a couple minutes. even the far back ones!
  • dodge guy wrote:
    Home Skillet wrote:
    $500 is cheap insurance, when you're 800 miles from home.
    I was a Ford tech for 25 years. The last place I would want to do coils is ,on the side of the road.


    :h They are easy. I can replace one in a couple minutes. even the far back ones!
    Exactly, One screw and a quick connect; and they sit on top of the engine. I can change any coil on my V10 in a matter of minutes. No. 5 might take twice as long because you have to move some hoses and tubes. No. 6, & 7 you have to take the air cleaner tube off first.

    More importantly, I have never had one just plain stop working. They start to misfire first. They will do that for 8 or 9 days at least (which is how long I have waited before to change one - not recommended however), and probably longer. Which gives you plenty of time to change one when it is convenient to do so.
  • I do not even see what year 6.8 the OP is asking about .....
    Did I miss that ?
    Different issues based on the year. I have an 06 Explorer with 3v 4.6 and had to deal with the 2 piece design.
  • All Excursions use the 2-valve design. Even the 2005 which is the first year of the 3v in the pickups.
  • Ok, so there was never 3v Excursion ? Interesting. I see 3v 6.8 F250's
  • Went with APP 103 plugs. New plug's coil's and labor was $433. I did not think that was to bad.
  • carringb wrote:
    All Excursions use the 2-valve design. Even the 2005 which is the first year of the 3v in the pickups.
    Just curious if it is possible to change the 2 valve motor out for the 3 valve?

    Don't plan on doing it, just wondered if the electronics would match up.
  • colliehauler wrote:
    carringb wrote:
    All Excursions use the 2-valve design. Even the 2005 which is the first year of the 3v in the pickups.
    Just curious if it is possible to change the 2 valve motor out for the 3 valve?

    Don't plan on doing it, just wondered if the electronics would match up.


    I'm pretty sure you have to swap harnesses because the 3-valve has more sensors.

    But.... 2005 also brought in CAN-BUS communications in the F (and E-series) gas motors. I'm not sure if the Excursion also got that electronics update. Swapping to CAN-BUS would also mean all new modules (Air-bag, PCM, ABS etc) so I'm not even sure its possible. I'm a little suspicious that maybe the Ex didn't get the 3-valve because it didn't get the CAN-BUS upgrade. It's probably way easier just to add a Supercharger! Or even the Banks PowerPack. The 2-valve with PowerPack pretty much matches the 3-valve output.