What brand and type of spark plugs seem to work best in our trucks? Have a 1994 with the 302 engine. Have heard platinum plugs may not be the best and regular copper core plugs are the way to go? Anyone have input on this?

 

Autolite or Motorcrafts, cheap, reliable and just plain work!

 

Basic plugs, platinum or expensive plugs not necessary in our engines. The claim is expensive plugs last longer but reg plugs last just as long if they are maintained, such as cleaning and regapping. They dont increase mileage or give a better burn, its all a marketing scam. 50,000 volts go through a spark plug regardless if its a standard plug or a platinum plug.

 

Is side gapping worth it?

 

Yes, side gapping is still worth it. Cheap Autolites or Motorcrafts is what works. Some have had success with NGK and Champion. I've had the best success with Autolite.

 

well I picked up motorcraft plugs. May or may not get those in this weekend, we'll see what all I feel like doing. I am putting new radius arm bushings on, got new Moog..their top of the line heat resistant ones, they are blue in color, I imagine they are good and a Bosch oxygen sensor. Certainly wont hurt with any of this. Hasnt been running bad or anything, however over the past years it does just seem like it doesnt have the power it used to. I have kept the plugs changed, added new wires and a coil last year along with distributor cap and rotor, engine temp sensor, throttle position sensor, just never did the oxygen sensor. Maybe it will surprise me!! Oh yea, got a new 180 degree thermostat, I KNOW my current one will stick every now and then, so need to get that swapped out before it gets stuck. I think I have a new one in my shop, but got a new 180 anyway. What does everyone think about a new oxygen sensor after 257,000 miles? I certainly would "think" I should see an improvement. But I suppose its possible that the original one is still functioning exactly how its supposed to and I wont see any difference whatsoever. We'll see.