Spark Plug Recommendations?

[Prowlen]

What is the Best spark plug to run in a stock Prowler?

I installed the Bosch Platinum+4 #4428 several years ago that were highly recommended and very popular at the time. Seems like there should be something newer out that out performs these?

NGK #7781 ??? Chanpions???

Thanks...

[halicat]

this is a great question...

i've got about 38,000 miles on mine now and was wondering what is the best plug to go with when i decide to change them out...

any help would be appreciated..

[AC-INXS]

i've got about 38,000 miles on mine now and was wondering what is the best plug to go with when i decide to change them out...

any help would be appreciated..

The Viper tech I chat with says:

Stock Prowler motor, change @ 30,000 miles,,,,which I did,,,,and use ONLY Champion plugs:

1999 3.5L = #3412 > .035 gap

2000 & newer 3.5L = #3034 > .050 gap

corrected gap data for the ole man in Florida,,,lol

[halicat]

Thanks AC....


:tu:

[pumpkin]

Good info, thanks AC.:bows :bows

[Prowlen]

The Viper tech I chat with says:

Stock Prowler motor, change @ 30,000 miles,,,,which I did,,,,and use ONLY Champion plugs:

1999 3.5L = #3412 > .35 gap

2000 & newer 3.5L = #3034 > .50 gap

Did you mean :

1997 3.5L = #3412 plug number?

If not, I sure would like to know the difference between 1999 and 2000 Prowler engines. I have never heard of this before, being under the understanding all Prowler engines are the same after the origianl 1997 3.5 cast iron engine?

Thanks...

[halicat]

Thats a good question...

I know there were a number of changes in the 2000 model from the 99.... but I thought that the 97 was the only one that had the deifferent engine...

someone will have the answer....

[pumpkin]

The major change for Prowler in 1999 is the engine. The new standard engine is the 3.5-liter High-output SOHC 24-valve aluminum block V6. This new power plant boosts horsepower by 18 percent to 253 bhp (from 214 bhp in 1997), and torque by 15 percent to 255 lb. ft. (from 221 lb. ft.)


I don't know if this helps or not. Just a little info.:roll:

[halicat]

Maybe AC just did a typo....

[AC-INXS]

No typo,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,right out of the Carquest parts index book.

'97 used the cast iron engine,,,,I didn't list what plug works for it,,,,didn't check. '99 motor called for the plug and gap listed above,,,,,,'00 and newer, called for different plug and gap.

Also,,,from 99 to 00,,,,alternator brand was changed. And I notice our '01 has a different radiator from our '00 cat,,,,neither have had a radiator changed.

[BLEW BUYOU]

A/C wouldn't that gap be 50 thousandths as in .050? Isn't 0.50 a half an inch. I have gotten sooo old I can't remember and most of my cars didn't require plug change until 96,000 mile so I don't know when I last pulled a plug. If this question makes no sense it will self destruct in 10 seconds.:mrgreen:

[Prowlen]

I went online to the Champion website and found more information on recommened spark plugs for the Prowler.

Their top two choices are their:

Premium Gold # 2412,

and their:

Single Platinum # 3034 (RC12PEC5)

1997-2000 Gap .035

2001-2002 Gap .050

Reference these links:

http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1357017 (http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1357017) 1999

http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1364295 (http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1364295) 2000

http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1374678 (http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1374678) 2001

http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1384398 (http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1384398) 2002

For NGK, they recommend one spark plug number, their:

Laser Platinum # 7781 (ZFR5LP-13G)

.050 Gap for ALL years.

I find the gap issue between the year models interesting and wonder if it breaks down further to your Vin number or date your car came off the assembly line? At what point did the newer engine mods kick in?

I think this information about the spark plug gap is something a lot of owners do not know?

Anyone with both a service manual for a 1999, say vs a manual for a 2002 have the factory recommended gap?

thanks.. :burnout

[AC-INXS]

A/C wouldn't that gap be 50 thousandths as in .050? Isn't 0.50 a half an inch. I have gotten sooo old I can't remember and most of my cars didn't require plug change until 96,000 mile so I don't know when I last pulled a plug. If this question makes no sense it will self destruct in 10 seconds.:mrgreen:

Ole man - :mrgreen: ,,,,, I assumed everyone knew I was talking thousandths of an inch,,,,I stand corrected. Don't believe that crap about 100K mile spark plug changes,,,just ask any quality tech about that. Good techs will tell you to change 'em at 30K,,,,,,besides, they are tough to remove at 100K

[BLEW BUYOU]

When I was drag racing at Detroit Dragway I would stop at the Champion factory in Toledo and they would set me up with 20 sets for a Sunday. Their tech would check, for free, any plug from any cylinder after each run. Could return the unused sets on Monday. Plugs are tough to get out after 30,000 miles, I would hate to think about 96,000. :tu:

[TooHipCat]

No typo,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,right out of the Carquest parts index book.

'97 used the cast iron engine,,,,I didn't list what plug works for it,,,,didn't check.


Gee thanks buddy!:rolleyes:

When you get a chance please look up my 97. Thanks!;-)

When I changed them out after I first bought the Prowler...I think I used A/C...A/C!:tu:

[TooHipCat]

Plugs are tough to get out after 30,000 miles, I would hate to think about 96,000.


Not if you lightly coat the threads of the plugs, in addition to the tip of the plug at the point where the spark plug boot (internal) connector snaps on...with a little dielectric grease! :tu:

http://www.caswellplating.com/permatex/images/perm22058.jpg

I've been doing this for years and have NEVER had a plug problem.

[halicat]

great tip Brian....

Thanks...:tu:

[AC-INXS]

Gee thanks buddy!:rolleyes:

When you get a chance please look up my 97. Thanks!;-)

When I changed them out after I first bought the Prowler...I think I used A/C...A/C!:tu:

:oops: I went back and checked into Carquest's computer banks,,,instead of their master reference paper books. There was an error in the books,,,,,which stated the 1999 engine was a F code [from the VIN]. I believe the 1999 and newer 3.5L is the G coded motor,,,as in our VIN #. 1997 motor must be the F coded 3.5L?

F coded motors take a #3412 Champion plug,,,,gap @ 35

G coded motors take the #3034 plug ,,,,,,,,gap @ 50

Bri - since I work for AC Delco Factory Motor Parts,,,,,,,,I reckon' I better say those plugs are acceptable, lol. :rolleyes:

[TooHipCat]

You better plug A/C plugs...A/C...or I'll rat you out to your boss!!!:lol:

Thanks for the info my friend.;-)

Brian:tu:

[AC-INXS]

:) Brian - if those plugs fire,,,run smooth,,,and you get 20mpg,,,,,then they are quality plugs.

I'll have you rat me out in two years,,,,,when I'll be ready to quit working.
If I only had my silver cat and ole Dakota to take care of,,,,,I'd already be retired. Too much extra insurance/plates/maintaining four cars, truck, and a boat are a burden on my bank accounts,,,,lol.
:beer: