Anyone use these spark plugs?
03-23-2012, 11:16 AM
#1
Anyone use these spark plugs?
They are E3 spark plugs and are supposed to offer a more complete burning giving more horsepower and fuel economy. Just curious because I'm about to change my plugs and don't want to invest in something that just isn't worth it.
Also, the plugs are difficult to get to even in my '66 327 and was wondering what wrench people use to get at the plugs without busting their knuckles.
Also, the plugs are difficult to get to even in my '66 327 and was wondering what wrench people use to get at the plugs without busting their knuckles.
03-23-2012, 11:27 AM
#3
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Looks like a triumph of marketing over technology.
IOW.... a gimmick.
Jim
IOW.... a gimmick.
Jim
03-23-2012, 11:32 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
They are E3 spark plugs and are supposed to offer a more complete burning giving more horsepower and fuel economy. Just curious because I'm about to change my plugs and don't want to invest in something that just isn't worth it.
Also, the plugs are difficult to get to even in my '66 327 and was wondering what wrench people use to get at the plugs without busting their knuckles.
Also, the plugs are difficult to get to even in my '66 327 and was wondering what wrench people use to get at the plugs without busting their knuckles.
03-23-2012, 11:48 AM
#5
Team Owner
Your best friend is an old spark plug boot off an old plug wire.
You just need to break the plug loose and then put the boot on it and unscrew it...a universal joint socket adapter sometimes helps to break the plug loose. The boot should be used when installing too - gives a much better 'feel' and prevents stripping the plug hole. Screw the plug in with the boot and then snug it a bit with a socket.
You just need to break the plug loose and then put the boot on it and unscrew it...a universal joint socket adapter sometimes helps to break the plug loose. The boot should be used when installing too - gives a much better 'feel' and prevents stripping the plug hole. Screw the plug in with the boot and then snug it a bit with a socket.
03-23-2012, 11:51 AM
#6
Your best friend is an old spark plug boot off an old plug wire.
You just need to break the plug loose and then put the boot on it and unscrew it...a universal joint socket adapter sometimes helps to break the plug loose. The boot should be used when installing too - gives a much better 'feel' and prevents stripping the plug hole. Screw the plug in with the boot and then snug it a bit with a socket.
You just need to break the plug loose and then put the boot on it and unscrew it...a universal joint socket adapter sometimes helps to break the plug loose. The boot should be used when installing too - gives a much better 'feel' and prevents stripping the plug hole. Screw the plug in with the boot and then snug it a bit with a socket.
03-23-2012, 11:58 AM
#7
Safety Car
If you can't find an old spark plug boot when installing the plugs, push a short piece of vacuum hose over the plug and use it to thread the plug in the head.
03-23-2012, 12:04 PM
#9
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Since it looks like a set of plugs every 10-15 years for me, I don't expect to wear the tools out.
Go get the cheapest name brand plugs you can find that are AC R45 or AC R45S equivalent. Don't fall for the rare metal tip plugs that cost $5-$8 apiece. Those are for new cars ignitions, not old ones.
Last edited by MikeM; 03-23-2012 at 12:08 PM.
03-23-2012, 12:06 PM
#10
Team Owner
I use a straight ratchet, a flex handle ratchet, straight plug socket, flex plug socket and an extension, depending on which plug I'm working on.
Since it looks like a set of plugs every 10-15 years for me, I don't expect to wear the tools out.
Go get the cheapest name brand plugs you can find that are AC 45 or AC 45S equivalent. Don't fall for the rare metal tip plugs that cost $5-$8 apiece. Those are for new cars ignitions, not old ones.
Since it looks like a set of plugs every 10-15 years for me, I don't expect to wear the tools out.
Go get the cheapest name brand plugs you can find that are AC 45 or AC 45S equivalent. Don't fall for the rare metal tip plugs that cost $5-$8 apiece. Those are for new cars ignitions, not old ones.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 03-23-2012 at 12:17 PM.
03-23-2012, 12:59 PM
#11
Drifting
To break loose / tighten those that are in the back (esp passenger side) I have used these. The are known as header sockets. Set comes in both spark plug sizes.
The opening (slot) in the socket allows you to slip them over the spark plug. Pretty straight forward from there, with either a socket or box end wrench.
RK
The opening (slot) in the socket allows you to slip them over the spark plug. Pretty straight forward from there, with either a socket or box end wrench.
RK
Last edited by RoadKing96; 03-23-2012 at 01:01 PM.
03-23-2012, 03:11 PM
#12
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E3?....doesn't Al Gore own that company?
03-23-2012, 03:16 PM
#13
Drifting
Most spark plug sockets have a hex on the end, usually 3/4". In tight spots, I use a box or open end wrench to break the plug loose, then unscrew it by hand.
04-01-2012, 11:47 AM
#14
Instructor
e3 plugs and plug wrench
I knew I had seen some commparisons that had been done between standard plugs and E3 plugs. Rather timely as one just ran on Horsepower TV Episode 299. There was also one done on Gearz TV show. Both comparisons showed a difference. With the E3 performing better. I run them in both of my 327 engines, As for the plug wernch I got the Powerhouse wenches. I had one plug that I couldn't get to on a 327 in a 62 Impala Super Sport with Hedman full length headers. The Powerhouse wrenches got it. I would say they are not inexpensive.
Wendell
Wendell
04-01-2012, 01:01 PM
#15
Drifting
I'm not sure about their automotive plugs, but one observation I've made on all of their lawn and garden plugs that I've looked at is that they are made in China. I'm not sure if that matters to you or not, but I will not buy Chinese-made plugs to put in anything I own - including my lawnmower. 
In fact, I just stocked up American-made plugs for my mower last night because they are getting harder to find these days.
In fact, I just stocked up American-made plugs for my mower last night because they are getting harder to find these days.
04-01-2012, 01:09 PM
#16
Safety Car
04-01-2012, 01:41 PM
#17
Neither of those could be called unbiased, reliable resources. Have a look to see who's paying the production costs as an advertiser.
04-01-2012, 01:47 PM
#18
Tech Contributor
04-01-2012, 02:19 PM
#19
My wife's small-block '66 had full power and air, impossible to get to the ignition covers or plugs through the hood. But quite easy from underneath, just be sure to use jackstands!
04-01-2012, 02:30 PM
#20
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