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

[colliehauler]

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.

[carringb]

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.

[colliehauler]

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]

Went with APP 103 plugs. New plug's coil's and labor was $433. I did not think that was to bad.

[MegaCab_PL]

Ok, so there was never 3v Excursion ? Interesting. I see 3v 6.8 F250's

[carringb]

All Excursions use the 2-valve design. Even the 2005 which is the first year of the 3v in the pickups.

[MegaCab_PL]

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.

[bid_time]

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.

[dodge_guy]

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!

[Home_Skillet]

$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.

[dodge_guy]

On the coils. Just do what I do. I carry to extras with me. I won't install any new coils until they fail just because of the price alone. $500-$600 for 10! More or less depending on where you get them.

[K-9_HANDLER]

Beware those coils add up quick for ten. If your mechanic has Mode 6 on his scan tool he can check to see if any have misfires.

[colliehauler]

Thanks for the replies, I bought the Autolite APP103.

[carringb]

I've used both. I'm now running AutoLite iridium plugs. The platinum only last me ~60,000 and double still only about ~75,000 miles. This is because the tune I'm running which is pretty aggressive. The iridium let me make it all the way to 100,000 miles again. I don't feel they are necessary for a stock tune.

[colliehauler]

carringb wrote:
Either is fine. My understanding is Autolite is the MFG of that particular Motorcraft plug. My local dealer even stock the Autolites instead.

What do you use?