I read all 6 pages of the 2nd Gen FAQ about spark plugs, and didn't see any mention of plugs for the V10. And since you can't search for the term V10, I decided to post a new message (sorry). My engine has about 50K miles on it, with Champion QC9MC4 plugs. The engine is running fine except for needing new plug wires, but I was thinking about replacing my plugs at the same time. The plugs look fine (tan) except for a large (.055" or .060") gap. Should I just go with the stock plug recommended on the engine compartment placard, or go with something exotic like Iridiums? I'm just not sure if the recommendations for the V8s would apply to the different heat range, reach, thread size/pitch, and coil voltage in the V10 engine. Please tell me if I'm full of it... :-)

Mark -

 

Personally, I'd go back with the Champions. Didn't they do well for 50,000 miles?


The extra cost for the more exotic, high end plugs does not seem to bring about an equal amount of high end performance and plug life to me.

 

I would be reluctant to install champions..... ( I don't like them) But, I would be more inclined to go with some other name 'equivalent' plug, before I went to the high dollar, rare-earth fellers. I mean, seriously, over a hundred bucks JUST for plugs? Nah. I'll pass, thankyouverymuch.

 

I agree. I'm personally fond of Autolite platinum branded plugs, as I've had very good luck with them and run them in my 5.9 with great success.

 

The secret to searching for V10 info is to put in quotes like this "v10", you'll find all you need that way.

My V10 had Autolite 5224's when I bought it and it was running great. When I changed out the plug wires last year I tried the champion qc9mc4's, but it didn't seem to run as well. I went back to the 5224's and it seems much happier. I had a ping issue late last year and tried going one heat range colder and made it worse. I switched back and run a higher octane when it's really hot or heavy towing. So far I'm happy with where it's at.

Also I agree with everyone else. Stay with copper. These magnum motors were designed to run on them and anything else is wasting money on a stock engine.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys, and hints on search Jimmy. I guess I'll take your suggestions and stick with copper. I don't know diddly about truck engines, but my daily driver is an '05 Subaru STi, and I just changed the stock Iridium plugs for the first time at 90K miles. They needed to be replaced but the car was still running strong. I think I read somewhere in a service/maintenance document that we're supposed to change the V10 plugs every 30K miles. I guess that's not really suck a big deal since they're so cheap.

Mark -

 

Some of you young fellers just don't how much fun you are missing out on!
Spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor cap, rotor and fuel filter every 10,000 miles unless you had a modified or factory high performance motor. Then it could be every 5,000 or less.
The good old days!

 

I run the plain ole Autolites also.

 

Charlie, Ha! I hear ya, I'm 62 and there were some things I liked about the good old days. There weren't too many things you couldn't figure out about a distributer with vacuum and centrifugal advance, a coil, a carburetor, timing light and multimeter. Now we've got a computer that manages combustion with, crank position sensors, air/fuel ratio sensors, MAF or MAP sensors, injectors, and on my daily driver ('05 STi), throw in a turbo and fuel, air, timing, and boost maps to boot! Ha it's a new world, but we keep rolling, and wrenching. However, spark plugs do last 90K miles now. :-)

Mark -

 

ngk every day plugs these engines don't like the higher end ones