spark plug poll

I run NGK BP5ES with Pertronix ign. set at 7* BTDC . Idle is 1000rpm . I have resistor type wires and Black extenders. No emission equipment. I have had these plugs in for the last 4+ years and car still performs well. I do a lot of local driving and will cruise on weekends . 1977 308 GTB.

 

1978 308 GTS - NGK BP6ES. IMHO, it's a good street plug. Slightly cooler than the 5ES, but for street running, extended driving on the road at steady speeds, traffic, etc., it performs very well.

 

I haven't bought yet. Bought one of my concerns about buying was how much of the maint and repairs I can do myself to help keep the cost of ownership manageable. That's what I've really enjoyed about this site. I see guys digging in themselves with major projects and the info and pics. Gives me courage and lessens the fear of the unknown. Anyways, first question I had when i went to look at a 308 a few weeks ago was would I need a special tool to reach around back to get at the rear plugs?

 

I used a regular spark plug socket attached to a small extender (4 inch?) but it was a PAIN to do for me since I'm "Mechanically Challenged".

Heres the thread:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168073

The spark plug WIRES were a b*tch because you have to take the distributor cap off, on BOTH banks. I wasnt expecting this as the only other times I've messed with spark plug wires were on 70s or 80s american V8s or V6s.

James in Denver

 

I just changed to the NGK iridiums, with the combo of changing the spark plug wires too, car runs great in the city and on the highway. My car is an 84 QV.

James in Denver

 

Ackmann,
Each car is a little bit different from the next... On my car, I had to buy a spark plug socket from Lowes because I could not fit my Craftsman socket down the well to get to the front bank (what you are calling the "rear"). Strangely enough, it would fit down in the rear bank wells, but not the front - go figure. The socket I purchased from Lowes has a thinner wall than my Craftsman, and it slid right in.

Spark plugs are not that hard, and I'm confident you can do it. If you don't have a set yet, buy an extension set for your sockets. It should come with something like a 3", 6", and 12" extension bar. Additionally, purchase an "elbow," and you should have all the bits necessary to change your plugs.

Best of luck!

PS - don't forget the anti-seize on the threads when you re-install the new plugs...

 

If you have even basic mechanical skills, you can do just about everything on these cars. The more you do, the easier it gets. As for changing the spark plugs, not that big a deal. The rear bank, obviously, is easy. The front bank you need to play around a little bit. If you remove the engine hood, it's no problem at all. That will also give you access to change hoses while you are in there, do maintenance on the wires, clean up the engine compartment, etc. If you get really ambitious, you can even change the timing belts.

Do yourself a favor and download the workshop manual and the parts manual. The owners manual also covers a lot of the routine maintenance stuff. I find the parts manual to be particularly helpful as it has exploded pictures showing how all the parts go together, and in what order.

Last winter, I did an engine-out service on my '78 308. And I'm not a professional mechanic. With a little help from my friend Paul (PAD) -- okay, a lot of help -- and advise from folks here, it was a very doable project. Just take one thing at a time, take your time, and it's not difficult. Despite what people say, these cars are just cars, and anyone can do the bulk of what needs to be done to keep them running and in top shape, IMHO.

 

I use the Iridium plugs also. NGK BPR6EIX, Finer electrode than standard and less chance of fouling, supposedly last longer.
Have used them in other cars (Alfa 105) also.
You have an early car like mine. Make your life easier and remove your rear hood. You should have the quick remove locking pins.
Take off and replacement should only take about 20 secs. Make sure someone helps you.
This makes getting to the front bank so much easier.
Pity they took this feature away from the later cars. It makes it so much easier to maintain.
Make sure you use a smear of anit sieze grease on the thread (not too much). It is usually a copper based product.
Buy a tube of it and it will last forever.

Steve.

 

ackmann,If you have the monet and you find the right 308 don't let the uncerntry(spelled wrong)of owning the car because of changing plugs or theres something your afraid that you can't fix or repair,go get that car and start enjoying your life and stop worry about those things that might stop you from buying right now

 

Fear of the unknown is always the problem but also part of the fun. I have a decent set of tools with extension and even a 3/8" swivle. Heck even have a few airtools, floor jack engine hoist and engine stand so shouldn't be the problem. My experiences have all been with american & jap cars but never a mid engine car. Good news is I'm not afraid to jump in to most basic stuff and not afraid to pay someone for the heavier stuff if needed. Love the site and all the photo's of projects that are shared.

 

I have the same car and chose the same plugs as FasterIsBetter: 1978 308 GTS - NGK BP6ES.

I thought I had lots of tools, too. Then, I found myself using a grinder on my spark plug socket so it would fit in that funky well the 308 has . Think about what might have happened had I been a complete and not a partial idiot and got it stuck in there? They are great cars.

Seamus

 

Same as Steve King above - I have a 1977 USA 308GTB with Pertronix Ignition, am running with .027in gap NKG BP5ES (hotter) spark plugs over a year now with out a foul....car used to foul a plug approx every 2 months with the original breakers ignition and NGK BP5ES plugs....

 

I use NGK Iridium plugs in my 79 308. Easier starting and they don't foul.

Mike

 

James, did you notice a big diff. by using the Iridium plugs?

 

Well, I noticed ALOT of difference, but I cannot attribute that just to the iridiums. At the same time I did the plugs, I replaced the spark plug wires (originals were cracking) AND extenders (to correct red?). The wires are what I believe to be zero resistance (wire core) and the extenders are the red ones so I'm hoping they are correct.

But, its NIGHT and DAY difference in the car. It no longer backfires, it idles smooth, GREAT acceleration, no stumble at 5K.

I also noticed a difference in the exhaust note, I posted about it but no one could specifically say why that way expect some were hypothesizing that I now was getting better combustion and therefore a deeper exhaust note.

James in Denver

 

Where did you guys get the correct iridium size. Just checked Napa autozone and advanced auto. None had the NGK BPR6EIX.



Nor did any one of the three have a 4 inch extender or a 12mm hex drive socket to change the oil.

 

Sears has the best selection of tools.

 

Good ole Sears..hadn't even thought to check there.

Is the BPR6EIX right for the iriduims??? where to get?

 

If you buy the BPR6EIX plugs locally, don't pay more than the prices at www.clubplug.net or www.sparkplugs.com

 

What is the different between the NGK Iridium and the Denso Iridium?

 

I got my Iridium plugs thru Advanced Auto. They didn't have them in stock, but I got them the next day.

Mike

 

It looks like you are getting a good response. Try this, too. Search for 'Dino Saga 060326' (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99252&highlight=dino+iridiu) & you'll find that John Corbani shared his experience with different plugs in his 246 (check out his pics). He's tried several & has zeroed in on the iridiums. Since he's owned his daily driver Dino for over 20 years & has logged 140K of its 190K miles (!!), I took his word & tried them in mine: Marked improvement! According to his chart, the N7 Champion crosses to a BP7 heat range NGK. It sounds like the consensus for the 308 is the hotter BP6, to avoid fouling; however, I like the idea of running the colder plug with NO fouling. The best of both worlds!

Check out Advance Auto Parts in your area. It seems that they either stock 'em or can get them (as was Mike's experience in NJ).
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=NGK&MfrPartNumber=4055&PartType=960&PTSet=A

I know this is the eight cylinder forum, but a segway into the six cylinder arena may be helpful. I've owned Dinos of all three persuasions, & recall similar issues...regardless of the plug count!

Cheers,
Coop