MSD Plugs

[blksn8k]

Has anyone tried MSD iridium spark plugs part number 3716 in their 4.6L V8? Anyone know if these have a one-piece body or are they crimped two-piece plugs like the OEM Motorcraft plugs? From the photos on Summit's website it looks like they might be machined from a solid block of metal similar to the Champions.

 

[swshawaii]

Surprisingly found on O'Reilly's web site.

One piece shell design for Ford Late-Model applications which makes replacment convenient and trouble free.

 

[James Hatch]

I looked into these, and bought one to fix a misfire, worked great, but it was ~$9 a pop for me so I went with some cheaper ones when I replaced all of them. No complaints yet.

 

[Igor Smetaniuk]

Not to be a smart ass but are you racing your ST or planning on taking a trip to the moon? Use a quality conventional plug and save yourself some money. You'll never know the difference!

 

[swshawaii]

TTB- Are you aware of the serious and expensive issue with the OEM two piece plugs? :banghead:

 

[swshawaii]

Ford Spark Plug Breakage- A poor idea, very expensive for customers

 

[Jackson Ellis]

:soap:

I can't understand why people balk at spark plug prices. In a V8, if you save $5 each, that's a total of $40 for a job you won't do again for 3-4 years. That's less than you'll blow at your next stop at the Gas-N-Go without thinking twice about it. Happens often on every forum I read; trucks, bikes, boats - there's always someone bemoaning the extra cash for better spark plugs.



BTW, I'm not saying that in this case, more money is a better plug. I just did mine earlier this year and went with OEM because my research (mostly on this site) said they are what the 4.6L likes best. But if a $9 plug was an improvement, I would go with it. Same if I'm shopping for tires, wiper blades, even gas (only use Top Tier brands), I'll pay a little extra for a better product, especially when the cheapos work out to only a few bucks per year in savings.

 

[swshawaii]

Agree 100% NC. Use the OEM two piece plugs designed for the engine, and replace them before there is any chance of breaking in the 3V engines that use them. No brainer IMO.

 

[blksn8k]

Not trying to start any controversy here (wishful thinking, right?:grin. Just asking if anyone has used these or knows any details about them.



I tried the one-piece Champion plugs and quickly switched back to the Motorcrafts after multiple plug failures but I still dread the next adventure of having to replace those damn two-piece Motorcraft plugs.



If the MSD plugs prove to be as reliable in performance as the Motorcraft plugs but eliminate the breakage issues when trying to remove them I would gladly pay a few extra dollars for the piece of mind.

 

[scott degroot]

The 2 piece plugs won't be an issue if anti-seize is put on the shoulder of the plug before it is put in, this way carbon will not stick to it and the plugs can be easily removed.

 

[Jackson Ellis]

blksn8k - you might find someone who's tried them in that engine on one of the F-150, Explorer, or Mustang forums. Good luck.



I used to have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. It needed a boost, and I wanted a quick fix with performance plugs. I quickly found a double tipped performance platinum model and bought a set of 6 for about $90. Put them in, and my jeep acted like it was a sick 4 banger. Better research showed me that the Jeeps inline 4.0 didn't like performance plugs due to it's ignition system. I returned them to Advanced Auto, said they made my Jeep run worse and they gave me a refund and sold me the OEM replacements.



So if you can't find any info and have to be a trailblazer, you can return them if they are duds in the 3v motor. Easier if you buy them locally, I would think.

 

[Tom Schindler]

blksn8k,



I have the Ford High Nickel anti seize at my house that is recommended by Ford when replacing the plugs.



As for the MSD plugs, I bet they are rebadged Champions. It is highly doubtful MSD actually makes their own plugs.





Tom

 

[swshawaii]

Interesting. MSD 3716 appears nearly identical to the Champ 7989, although their heat ranges and tip materials are different.