Spark Plug Connectors other than springs...

[Egon Spengler]

I have tested my coils and they are all firing on the head cover bolts. I still have a firing issue and I have done a ton of maintainance to eliminate it, but though is has dwindled, it is still there. I will be doing a compression test in the near future. I heard somewhere on mm.net about different connectors between the coils and the spark plugs. Can anyone tell me where I might be able to obtain the different style plug connectors in lieu of the springy ones? Also, any feedback both positive or negative.

Thank you guys!:beer:

[musclemerc]

LFP performance. Thanks is not required.

[fastblackmerc]

Granatelli coil connectors.

http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/ignition_cat.php?cat=2

http://www.jegs.com/i/Granatelli/467/28-1697S/10002/-1

Which one would you want in your car?

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/COP/COP090.jpg

[Egon Spengler]

Granatelli coil connectors.

http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/ignition_cat.php?cat=2

http://www.jegs.com/i/Granatelli/467/28-1697S/10002/-1

Which one would you want in your car?


Why is everything so friggin expensive?!?!? haha

How do you like them? Do the had a better grasp on the plug than the springs? When I plug the springy ones on, they just don't seem to get a good grasp.

[fastblackmerc]

Why is everything so friggin expensive?!?!? haha

How do you like them? Do the had a better grasp on the plug than the springs? When I plug the springy ones on, they just don't seem to get a good grasp.

Exactly. They grip much better. You can barely bend these. Much better than the oversized ball point pen spring.

In fact I think there was a case where someone had a plug blowout and the GMS coil wire held the plug in place.

[Egon Spengler]

Exactly. They grip much better. You can barely bend these. Much better than the oversized ball point pen spring.

In fact I think there was a case where someone had a plug blowout and the GMS coil wire held the plug in place.
I always liked those type connectors that give you that little click sound, so you know it is on there SECURELY! These springs seem a little ridiculous to me. I am really thinking it could be the reason for my miss fire, because it only happens every so often and some times are worse than others, so I think one of these springs just isn't cutting it!

How is the install of these? Looks to be fairly easy...

[fastblackmerc]

I always liked those type connectors that give you that little click sound, so you know it is on there SECURELY! These springs seem a little ridiculous to me. I am really thinking it could be the reason for my miss fire, because it only happens every so often and some times are worse than others, so I think one of these springs just isn't cutting it!

How is the install of these? Looks to be fairly easy...

If you can change spark plugs you can install these.

[Egon Spengler]

If you can change spark plugs you can install these.
I figured as much!

[greggash]

There is a reason for the springy connector

Less heat transfer to the coil

[Blackened300a]

Why is everything so friggin expensive?!?!? haha

How do you like them? Do the had a better grasp on the plug than the springs? When I plug the springy ones on, they just don't seem to get a good grasp.

Lightning force performance sells the exact same connectors for only $99. Heres the good news, smoother idle, more direct spark. Heres the bad news, if a plug backs out, they will hold it down for a little while then start to bend and rub against the sides of the cam cover, which will wear away the boot and cause a dead short in the cylinder.
Yeah I been there and just returned.

[Zack]

What are the problems you are having with the car?

[Egon Spengler]

What are the problems you are having with the car?
Car runs rough at idle and the performance doesn't seem 100% there at times. Sometimes the car reacts awesome and others seem kind of doggish. I cleaned the MAF and IAC with MAF cleaner, replaced the fuel filter etc... Seems to be coming from the passenger side exhaust tip, so I have narrowed it down to FOUR cylinders.

[LeoVampire]

do you use any dielectric grease when placing the coils onto the spark plugs to seal the connection and it helps to keep the spark at the plug and not arc.

[fastblackmerc]

do you use any dielectric grease when placing the coils onto the spark plugs to seal the connection and it helps to keep the spark at the plug and not arc.

Plus it makes the rubber boot easier to take off.

[ctrlraven]

Seafoam...

[Egon Spengler]

Just figured out how to multi quote after 3 years! WIN!

do you use any dielectric grease when placing the coils onto the spark plugs to seal the connection and it helps to keep the spark at the plug and not arc.
I am going to do that. I have said I would and totally forgot that I haven't done that yet

Seafoam...
I have it in my glove box, just need to find a barren location and a friend to keep the car running while I pour it in.

[fastblackmerc]

I have it in my glove box, just need to find a barren location and a friend to keep the car running while I pour it in.

Better to do it in your driveway......

[Egon Spengler]

Better to do it in your driveway......
I really don't want to piss anyone off by doing this nasty procedure. I figure I would go to a lightly traveled road in my town and do it. If I have an issue with the car afterwards, I can always use my AAA membership. I was thinking of doing it on a back road and hanging around in case people come and just let them know. Also, I am on the fire department, so if someone calls them I can warn them that it is only my clunker marauder smoking up and down the road...:P

[LeoVampire]

I really don't want to piss anyone off by doing this nasty procedure. I figure I would go to a lightly traveled road in my town and do it. If I have an issue with the car afterwards, I can always use my AAA membership. I was thinking of doing it on a back road and hanging around in case people come and just let them know. Also, I am on the fire department, so if someone calls them I can warn them that it is only my clunker marauder smoking up and down the road...:P

I go to the industrial park to do the seafoam never a problem that way.

[ctrlraven]

I go to the industrial park to do the seafoam never a problem that way.
I guess I am lucky, my shop is in a industrial park with a nice mile long road right next to it.

I need to Seafoam my MM and Taurus sometime soon.

[fastblackmerc]

I really don't want to piss anyone off by doing this nasty procedure. I figure I would go to a lightly traveled road in my town and do it. If I have an issue with the car afterwards, I can always use my AAA membership. I was thinking of doing it on a back road and hanging around in case people come and just let them know. Also, I am on the fire department, so if someone calls them I can warn them that it is only my clunker marauder smoking up and down the road...:P

Just tell them your fogging for mosquitoes.

[ctrlraven]

Just tell them your fogging for mosquitoes.
:lol: Good one!

[Marauderjack]

There is a reason for the springy connector

Less heat transfer to the coil

WHAT????:eek: :shake: :bs:

[281MERC]

i agree, makes sense jack

[fastblackmerc]

WHAT????:eek: :shake: :bs:

That's what I thought......

[LeoVampire]

That's what I thought......

What is easier to push voltage through with the least amount of resistance?

Just remember resistance creates heat when it comes to electricity.

Don't you think Ford would have used a solid heavy connector if they thought it was needed and the coils would have been heavier duty to make up for the extra push needed.

[fastblackmerc]

What is easier to push voltage through with the least amount of resistance?

Just remember resistance creates heat when it comes to electricity.

Don't you think Ford would have used a solid heavy connector if they thought it was needed and the coils would have been heavier duty to make up for the extra push needed.

No, Ford went the cheapest route.

[Blackened300a]

No, Ford went the cheapest route.

Agreed, just looking at the coil connector compared to the spring and its obvious what the better design is.

[musclemerc]

+1........


no, ford went the cheapest route.

[Zack]

Stock coils/springs power my 10 sec MM and Im pretty sure Marty's as well.
They are just fine IMHO.

[babbage]

Stock coils/springs power my 10 sec MM and Im pretty sure Marty's as well.
They are just fine IMHO.

Bet you could increase gap with the GMS connectors - what would that do to power?

[Marauderjack]

Stock coils/springs power my 10 sec MM and Im pretty sure Marty's as well.
They are just fine IMHO.

A little corrosion increasing resistance and the coils go Bye Bye!!:shake:

The springs are much cheaper and will last through the warranty period...maybe??:confused:

Another benefit of solid connectors is.....spark plugs cannot back out!!!:beer:

[Egon Spengler]

I am going to use the grease first and see where that gets me. Hopefully it will be a easy solution. Going to also do a compression test when I can get ONE minute to do it! Busy boy!

[babbage]

Another benefit of solid connectors is.....spark plugs cannot back out!!!:beer:

That is interesting - didn't think of that. cool.

While we are on the benefit list: the black iron-ferrite core in the middle soaks up EMI/RFI so no noise gets in or out. Factory springs don't have that.

[CBT]

If your spark plugs are backing out, you are doing it wrong.

[Zack]

Ive had 5 Marauders in my garage over the years...not a one ever had a coil/spring problem.

I dont fix what aint broke :up:

[LeoVampire]

Stock coils/springs power my 10 sec MM and Im pretty sure Marty's as well.
They are just fine IMHO.

Thanks Zack!

Anyways electricity fallows the least amount of resistance path and if the rubber boot is getting weak it will jump through the boot to the inside of the coil and spark plug chamber before fallowing it's normal path.

Why because electricity hate's resistance so putting in a solid connector like you guys are sugesting adds a lot more resistance to the equation and can cause a loss in spark down the road as the coil gets weaker. With the spring the coil dosn't have to work as hard.

So I would not change to a solid connector unless you change the coil to a higher output one to go with it.

Great example is a dirty trick we did to guys in the old days we were not fond of.
Took oposing wires off of a distributer cap and drew a line with a pencil down the side of the cap on a high energy ignition system from the top of the wire poles down the side's of the cap. When you go to start the car the spark will travel down the side's of the cap instead of going through the wires and split the distributor cap in half.

[Marauderjack]

Why because electricity hate's resistance so putting in a solid connector like you guys are sugesting adds a lot more resistance to the equation and can cause a loss in spark down the road as the coil gets weaker. With the spring the coil dosn't have to work as hard.

Where in the heck did you come up with this??:eek:

[LeoVampire]

Why because electricity hate's resistance so putting in a solid connector like you guys are sugesting adds a lot more resistance to the equation and can cause a loss in spark down the road as the coil gets weaker. With the spring the coil dosn't have to work as hard.

Where in the heck did you come up with this??:eek:

Check the resistance of both the spring and the solid connector then come back and make a comment.

[Egon Spengler]

Check the resistance of both the spring and the solid connector then come back and make a comment.
Them sound like fightin' words!:P

[Marauderjack]

I threw the springies away years ago but the solid connectors should have virtually ZERO resistance as should the springies....my argument is corrosion at the plug and coil connectors...the sprigies are not SS...they rust and corrode readily!!!:shake:

New part to new part there should be no advantage to either except PRICE!!!:cool:

As time goes on the SS connectors will perform better.....I have about 170K miles on my SS solids without as much as cough........I had serious problems with the OEM's!!:argue:

[Blackened300a]

Another benefit of solid connectors is.....spark plugs cannot back out!!!:beer:

Untrue, They just take longer for them to back out completely. When they do back out, it will apply upward pressure and then bend the wire against the inside of the boot which will rub against the side of the wall and wear the boot away. When the boot wears away, it will arc and short out the coil.

[LeoVampire]

I threw the springies away years ago but the solid connectors should have virtually ZERO resistance as should the springies....my argument is corrosion at the plug and coil connectors...the sprigies are not SS...they rust and corrode readily!!!:shake:

New part to new part there should be no advantage to either except PRICE!!!:cool:

As time goes on the SS connectors will perform better.....I have about 170K miles on my SS solids without as much as cough........I had serious problems with the OEM's!!:argue:

If you use the dielectric grease to make a nice seal they do not corode and if there is a good seal around the coil covers no moister should get in there in the first place.

[LeoVampire]

Them sound like fightin' words!:P

When making the choice in wires for race engine's we tested each wire we were trying to chose from to make sure we got one that would let the spark flow through them as easily as possable. Least amount of resistance.

When it was sugested a while back about using the solid connectors for our spark plugs and coils I found a local place with them and brought one of our stock coil springs and did a check. Hands down our stock coil springs were the best for least resistance.

[Egon Spengler]

Boy did I open up a can of worms! I think I am going to use the grease.

Is there any way to get the rubber boots around the spring? I could have an issue where there is a crack in the rubber causing the current to hop over to the valve cover...???

[Blackened300a]

Boy did I open up a can of worms! I think I am going to use the grease.

Is there any way to get the rubber boots around the spring? I could have an issue where there is a crack in the rubber causing the current to hop over to the valve cover...???

Just pull the boots off. They pop off then pull on the spring.

[LeoVampire]

Just pull the boots off. They pop off then pull on the spring.

Beat me to the punch LOL

[Egon Spengler]

Beat me to the punch LOL
Anyone know how much the rubber boots cost?

[LeoVampire]

Anyone know how much the rubber boots cost?

Nope sorry but I will take a look on-line BRB

F7LZ12A402AA $19.98 and it comes with a new spring

[Blackened300a]

Anyone know how much the rubber boots cost?

I dont think you can buy just the boots.

[Egon Spengler]

I dont think you can buy just the boots.
That was my other thought...

[LeoVampire]

Nope sorry but I will take a look on-line BRB

F7LZ12A402AA $19.98 and it comes with a new spring


Here you go

[Egon Spengler]

Here you go
Is this a OEM part #?

[Marauderjack]

You guys would argue with a damn lamp post!!!:argue:

Do what the HELL you want with your cars and don't listen to facts or reason.:shake:

FORD (all manufacturers) does the least expensive thing on production cars to get them safely through warranty....PERIOD!!!

I have had this car since November 2003 and learned a HELL of a lot on this site......you guys are spouting pure nonsense!!

Flame away.....I'm outta here....for now!!:flamer:

[LeoVampire]

Is this a OEM part #?

Ford part number now being used.

[Egon Spengler]

Ford part number now being used.
These are not cheap solutions for my problem! hahaha

I would feel compelled to replace all 8... Kind of pointless to go hunting for one and then have another one go and go hunting for that one... would have to replace all 8 and forget about it!

[Egon Spengler]

You guys would argue with a damn lamp post!!!:argue:

Do what the HELL you want with your cars and don't listen to facts or reason.:shake:

FORD (all manufacturers) does the least expensive thing on production cars to get them safely through warranty....PERIOD!!!

I have had this car since November 2003 and learned a HELL of a lot on this site......you guys are spouting pure nonsense!!

Flame away.....I'm outta here....for now!!:flamer:
I'm sorry, did you say something?:P

[babbage]

Check the resistance of both the spring and the solid connector then come back and make a comment.

http://www.modularfords.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36930&page=26
Old news!

Stocker = 9 Ohms
GMS solid ropes = 0.1 Ohms

The GMS connectors offer FAR less resistance. Anyone know what Ohms are? :rolleyes:

Would you rather be shocked by bare wire that is thin like a paper clip or thick like a jumper cable? -- Both hands gripping it tightly, then lightning hits the other end.

[Egon Spengler]

http://www.modularfords.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36930&page=26
Old news!

Stocker = 9 Ohms
GMS solid ropes = 0.1 Ohms

The GMS connectors offer FAR less resistance. Anyone know what Ohms are? :rolleyes:

Would you rather be shocked by bare wire that is thin like a paper clip or thick like a jumper cable? -- Both hands gripping it tightly, then lightning hits the other end.
Food for thought... I took many electrical courses and do a lot of electrical work on bikes and cars for friends and family

[LeoVampire]

http://www.modularfords.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36930&page=26
Old news!

Stocker = 9 Ohms
GMS solid ropes = 0.1 Ohms

The GMS connectors offer FAR less resistance. Anyone know what Ohms are? :rolleyes:

Would you rather be shocked by bare wire that is thin like a paper clip or thick like a jumper cable? -- Both hands gripping it tightly, then lightning hits the other end.


He is talking about a differnt coil and measuring from the coil to the end of the connection not what we have in the car. and as time and wear and tear kicks in yes the coil loses it's ability to work properly and show a better reading. Go onto the next page and keep reading.

"1) the ohm resistance on the stock cop is the same as faststang Or at least close(i tested two older cops i had).Both tested at 9.05 ohms vs the GMS which tested at .01 ohms..

2) the ohm value is higher on the GMS coil pack from the B+ side to the spark plug end (gms is 6.5k ohms vs the stock 5.4k ohms).

I can not find ANYTHING on the proper way to ohm the coil pack.Even my buddies at ford didnt have a sure fire method.In my world toyota we always did the ohms test with the coils at certain temps.
But like with anything electrical the ohms will change with heat.So the real test ,to me will be in the car."

2) the ohm value is higher on the GMS coil pack from the B+ side to the spark plug end (gms is 6.5k ohms vs the stock 5.4k ohms).
The reason why you are measuring more resistance across the coil is simple - it outputs 3 times as much energy as the factory part.

[babbage]

I thought we were talking about "Spark Plug Connectors other than springs... "

Both the GMS Connectors and Coils are better than stock.

[LeoVampire]

I thought we were talking about "Spark Plug Connectors other than springs... "

Both the GMS Connectors and Coils are better than stock.

When combined together yes it works out fine.

But adding the solid connector to a stock coil takes power away from the spark plug.

The stock coils in the car do not work as well with the solid conectors.

[babbage]

But adding the solid connector to a stock coil takes power away from the spark plug. The stock coils in the car do not work as well with the solid conectors.

Does not compute. Where is your logic or proof for this statement?

GMS ropes offer 0.1 ohms resistance. Factory springs offer 9 ohms resistance. This is proven on a standard multi meter.

So by adding them you allow the electricity to flow more EASILY to the plugs. (Less resistance -again as measured on a mulit-meter)

[Blackened300a]

The stock coils in the car do not work as well with the solid conectors.

I disagree. My idle really smoothed out when I installed the connectors and Im making great power with them.

[LeoVampire]

okay sorry I wil keep my opinions to myself.

I don't care about what anyone runs on their own car I just state findings and facts and I will admit when I am wrong but I do not like to back off when I know I am right.

But arguing is a waste of time when people are happy with what they have and how a car runs and feels to them.

I am just saying you can and eventualy will burn up a STOCK coil faster with a solid connector.

[Paul T. Casey]

I thought we were talking about "Spark Plug Connectors other than springs... "

Both the GMS Connectors and Coils are better than stock.

I wasn't very happy with the GMS coils. Maybe they've improved.

[Egon Spengler]

This is the most torn I have been on this site... Usually everyone likes a certain mod... I guess everyone will have to agree to disagree.

As for me, I think I am going to buy some new springy ones if the grease doesn't change anything.

[LeoVampire]

This is the most torn I have been on this site... Usually everyone likes a certain mod... I guess everyone will have to agree to disagree.

As for me, I think I am going to buy some new springy ones if the grease doesn't change anything.

Find someone on here that has a new stock coil unused and have the do an ohms test on it and give you the reading.

Then do an ohms test on your own coil and compair it.

[Egon Spengler]

Find someone on here that has a new stock coil unused and have the do an ohms test on it and give you the reading.

Then do an ohms test on your own coil and compair it.
Can you pull on the spring so that it gets a little long and make a better contact with the plug? Could the spring have contracted causing a bad connection to the plug?

[Blackened300a]

I am just saying you can and eventualy will burn up a STOCK coil faster with a solid connector.

Your argument was that the springs provide less resistance then the coil connectors. How does that shorten the life of a coil? :confused:

I hear the same arguments when I brought up the EMP waterpump. Its still a on-going debate.

[Blackened300a]

Can you pull on the spring so that it gets a little long and make a better contact with the plug? Could the spring have contracted causing a bad connection to the plug?

Its its making contact on the plug, then the length has nothing to do with it. It just sits over the top of the plug and that is all. The connectors actually clip onto the plug.