spark plugs

1966KGT_old · August 6, 2009 at 2:23 PM

I'd like to use modern Autolite spark plugs in my K engine. Is there a different plug for the K as opposed to a regular 289 or are they now the same for all 289's?

Edited by - SixT5HiPo on 08/08/2009 20:52:16

6hypo5conv_old · August 6, 2009 at 2:33 PM

The modern plug that alot of folks use in the K engines is a Autolite number 45, it is the same plug that folks use in the A and C code 289s as well. There IS NO modern AUTOLITE plug that is the correct heat range, the 45 is just 1 step hotter for the HIPO.

Also alot of folks have sought out and use NOS Autolite BF32s, the ones WITHOUT the stars on them can be bought actually quite reasonably.

289kford · August 6, 2009 at 3:39 PM

I am running Motorcraft BF42's (BSF42C) 2 years now. Same set, no problems with fouling.

I sold 2 (unused) sets of Autolite BF32's in the 40 dollar each range.

I have some more sets that were in the car for a summer, which is a few hundred miles, if you want the original plugs.

Though Motorcraft does not make BF32, they still do have a BF22, but I thought the 32's were too cold for street driving.

Edited by - 289kford on 08/06/2009 15:49:23

zray · August 6, 2009 at 5:38 PM

You can also try Autolite Platinum AP-45 or Autolite Double Platinum APP-45. The main benefit is plug longevity, maybe not a concern if you don't drive that much. I used them with good results until I found out MSD does not recommend them when using a MSD ignition system. Also probably not a concern for most on this forum.

Z. Ray

SixT5HiPo · August 7, 2009 at 12:59 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>

I am running Motorcraft BF42's (BSF42C) 2 years now. Same set, no problems with fouling.

Though Motorcraft does not make BF32, they still do have a BF22, but I thought the 32's were too cold for street driving.

I'm currently running 42's in mine, and as long as I don't redline a lot they perform fine. I wouldn't say the 32's are too cold for the street, as long as you get on the throttle enough to prevent fouling.

65shelby_old · August 7, 2009 at 7:13 AM

I'm using the Autolite Platinum AP-45 with no issues. It's been 3-years since the rebuild and about 3k miles. They even survived my defective 'new' yellow top coil dilemma (that I wrote about last year) as well. My original '66 coil is still performimg flawlessly!!

Mark

s2ms · August 7, 2009 at 10:40 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>

I am running Motorcraft BF42's (BSF42C) 2 years now. Same set, no problems with fouling.

Though Motorcraft does not make BF32, they still do have a BF22, but I thought the 32's were too cold for street driving.

I'm currently running 42's in mine, and as long as I don't redline a lot they perform fine. I wouldn't say the 32's are too cold for the street, as long as you get on the throttle enough to prevent fouling.

I've used original BF-32's for years without any problems. With 4.11 gears it's not too tough to keep the revs up.

I did try BF-22's for a short time but they were too cold.

1966KGT_old · August 7, 2009 at 12:41 PM

I picked up a set of 45's just not sure what gap to use. They are factory gapped at .042. the Ford manual calls for .028-.032 for BF-32's and .032-.036 for BF42's.??

6hypo5conv_old · August 8, 2009 at 8:08 AM

I think I would gap them at .030 then which is right in the middle between .028 and .032 (same gap as what the spec says for the BF32s)

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