Spark Plugs/Wires

[DocG]

In order to investigate the rattle/ping I'm getting, I'm wanting to pull the plugs and take a look at them, and replace if necessary. Of course, with 23k miles, new plugs shouldn't be necessary I'm thinking. Two...wait maybe three questions.

1) Any rec's on good replacement plugs/wires if I decide to do this? Should I go a step colder just in case, or only if I know they're too hot?

2) I goto my local Autozone...and all they had was a Haynes manual that went up to 03' Stang....counter guy says the computer showed this manual was good for 04' and 04' was too new for a Haynes manual to be out yet? Anyone else run into this?

3) Where the flippin he11 are the spark plugs and wires on this thing? (04gt). The Haynes book I have says the Cobra's are under a cover, but the 4.6L 2v should be on top. I don't see plugs or plug wires anywhere! I've seen plugs in a lot of places, but at least I've always seen them. Am I mistaking the plugs for injectors, which are under the rail? Maybe I have the rare option package 1432b...."camoflauge engine components." The salesman said it might be worth something one day!

Thanks again!

 

[DocG]

Ok, just read the post posted a few minutes before I did this about the tune-up....and realize that there are Coil Over Plugs. Which explains why the wires don't look like what I'm looking for, and I'm not seeing a distributor cap or anything like that. Don't mind the guy who's been driving 4-bangers way too long!

 

[GDawg]

Try using a higher octane gas...

For plugs, maybe try NGK Iridiums. I like them. As far as the wires... no, you don't have the typical plug wires from the old days.

 

[DocG]

Ok, someone out there enlighten me? Is it possible to remove the spark plugs without having to remove the rail that is connected to the injectors? If not, can this rail be removed without disconnecting lines and spilling the fuel?

Cleaning my MAF now, and in the process of switching octanes to check. I'm starting to wonder if maybe the previous owner had a tune on it, although I see no other mods. Can I reset the computer by disconnecting the battery, or are tunes flashed in a way where this wouldn't do it?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Spark plug change step by step with pics:
http://www.bullittarchive.com/html/modules/articles/article.php?id=83

Do not forget to use silicone dielectric compound on the spring end where it connects to the plug.

Do not forget to clean and condition the COP rubber boots with silicone spray.

Do not forget to use an actual torque wrench to torque plugs to spec and check the torque 30 days later.

And especially do not forget to blow ALL the crap out of the plug wells prior to plug removal

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Resetting PCM will not erase the tune...

 

[DocG]

You know...I've seen that Bullittarchive site posted on here many a times. Sorry to keep asking questions that are posted elsewhere! Thanks!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

No problem, also remember to let the engine cool down completely before you start the plug change.

 

[Mirrahasmycar]

if your changing plugs go with the NGK copper plugs or if you have money to burn iridium plugs, as for the wires the 99+ stangs are coil on ignition so there are coils on each sparkplug and no distributor, the spark plugs are located under the fuel rails you have to unbolt the coils, remove them, and then use a sparkplug socket to get the plugs out, don't over tighten the new plugs, and put a small amount of anti seize on the threads