Debating changing spark plugs in 98 GT

playboyroy · Aug 31, 2008

Well, new to this forum. I just purchased a 98 gt convertible with 52,000 miles. Some mornings i have a slight miss. So I was going to change plugs and wires. Everything is still orginal, so that makes everything 10 years old.

Bought 9mm ford racing wires and motorcraft plugs.

Looking the job. The driver side looks easy to do. The passenger side looks harder. Do I have to remove the fuel rail? So how is the easiest way to remove or get the passenger side parks. Remember I long spark plug wires with two coils.

My other question, what would a good shop charge me to change the plugs and wire?? It might easier to drop it off.

Thanks

forum155pl · Aug 31, 2008

its the piece of cake man.. you just have to take off the intake tube and the PVC valve on the passanger side and everything should be wide open.. the fuel rails can stay, when i first did mine i had some of the fuel injectors in the way so i sprayd a little wd40 on the top and bottom and just turned them to get the plug outta the way.

and we have aluminum heads on our cars so remember to not torque more then spec is ( i believe its 11-14 ft.lbs but double check me) they are easy to wreck.

mransr · Aug 31, 2008

also make sure you do the job when the engine is stone cold!

Gearbanger 101 · Aug 31, 2008

mransr said:
also make sure you do the job when the engine is stone cold!

Yup.....don't want to risk taking the threads out with the old plugs.

BTW, which plugs did you get? They should be the AGSF plugs for the proper shank length and thread count.

FoxRod87 · Aug 31, 2008

Also put antiseize on the threads.

fudleyd · Aug 31, 2008

Gearbanger 101 said:
Yup.....don't want to risk taking the threads out with the old plugs.

BTW, which plugs did you get? They should be the AGSF plugs for the proper shank length and thread count.

Are those the ones, if I am not mistaken, that have more threads on them?

bdcardinal · Aug 31, 2008

btw ford changed the spark plug numbering system, they dont use the AGSF system anymore. the proper plugs are now SP-493. those are the extended length double platinum plugs.

Gearbanger 101 · Aug 31, 2008

fudleyd said:
Are those the ones, if I am not mistaken, that have more threads on them?

Yeah, those are the ones. The earlier ones with fewer threads on them were AWSF.

....but yes, I do believe they've changed the PN on them like bdcardinal stated. Although if you ask for them by their old number, any parts guy worth his salt should know what you're talking about.

FWIW though, I prefer the copper to the platinum plugs. They're cheaper and better performing for a daily driver. Platinum plugs are for those guys who are too lazy to perform a tune up every 60,000km.

playboyroy · Aug 31, 2008

I got the SP-432 from the local parts store.

Thanks for the all the info and reply. I think I am going to take the car to a shop. Just dont want to deal with it if something goes wrong. not worth it for me.

What kind of cost am I looking at to take it to a shop/dealer? What is the labor time for the repair?

bdcardinal · Sep 1, 2008

SP-432 is the wrong plug, they do not have the extended length threads, take them back and ge the SP-493.

playboyroy · Sep 1, 2008

i double checked, i bought sp-432 - agsf32fm. Motorcraft.com calls for these.

Does anyone know how much a shop will charge me to change the plugs???

Gearbanger 101 · Sep 1, 2008

playboyroy said:
Does anyone know how much a shop will charge me to change the plugs???

Honestly, just do it yourself. Beg, borrow or steal a spark plug socket, a 3/8 extension and ratchet if you have to and just change them out. It’s really not hard at all. So simple, a cave man could do it! A shop will most likely charge you an hours labor to do it, which will run anywhere from $60-$90/hour.

2000GTdriver · Sep 1, 2008

If you have an air compressor, spray air into the plug wells before removing them to dislodge any sand or dirt so it won't fall down into your plug holes.

playboyroy · Sep 2, 2008

Have to thank everyone for their tips and support. I took the car to a shop. $200 laters car is complete.

A couple of sparks plugs had signs of arcing. not too bad for being orginal wires and plugs

I know I've could of done it but didn't want to risk it. Too funny that i went to college for automotive degree also.

forum155pl · Sep 3, 2008

ouch! 200 bones is spensive for plugs

CobraRed_96_GT · Sep 3, 2008

I'd change plugs all day long for $200 me supplying the plugs

SRT Handz · Sep 3, 2008

CobraRed_96_GT said:
I'd change plugs all day long for $200 me supplying the plugs

+98239849234

Handz & CobraRed Will Beat Dealer Prices!!!

SVT32VDOHC · Sep 3, 2008

When you pull off the COP's blow a little compressed air in the hole to get all the dust and dirt outta there. You don't want that falling into the combustion chamber when you take the plug out.

fudleyd · Sep 3, 2008

Gearbanger 101 said:
Yeah, those are the ones. The earlier ones with fewer threads on them were AWSF.

....but yes, I do believe they've changed the PN on them like bdcardinal stated. Although if you ask for them by their old number, any parts guy worth his salt should know what you're talking about.

FWIW though, I prefer the copper to the platinum plugs. They're cheaper and better performing for a daily driver. Platinum plugs are for those guys who are too lazy to perform a tune up every 60,000km.

Thanks for the info Brian--I am getting ready to give my ride a nice tune-up...been a while.

forum155pl · Sep 4, 2008

SVT32VDOHC said:
When you pull off the COP's blow a little compressed air in the hole to get all the dust and dirt outta there. You don't want that falling into the combustion chamber when you take the plug out.

lets hope 200 bucks bought him some air time to blow them out.. and maybe a little to fill his tires up and the bill..

Debating changing spark plugs in 98 GT

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