Spark Plug Change DIY

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rocket

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I'll be doing mine again soon as the weather breaks.
 

hptechnician

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Does this improve MPG?

In my 2008 5.7 quad cab, I get about 11.5 mpg around town, 13 or so highway. My truck is all stock except for the toolbox in the bed, but there isn't much in it.

My truck has 48,000 miles and I've never changed the spark plugs. Do you think changing the spark plugs would help the fuel economy? I'm not expecting 20 mpg, but I'd like to see it closer to 15 mpg. Also, when towing my 5,500 lb camper (with weight dist hitch) the mpg drops to around 9. I do live in WV so I don't expect towing my camper through the mountains to get great gas mileage. but I would think 10 - 11 would be normal while towing.

Lastly, can anyone suggest the best plug for my application?
 

justin13703

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In my 2008 5.7 quad cab, I get about 11.5 mpg around town, 13 or so highway. My truck is all stock except for the toolbox in the bed, but there isn't much in it.

My truck has 48,000 miles and I've never changed the spark plugs. Do you think changing the spark plugs would help the fuel economy? I'm not expecting 20 mpg, but I'd like to see it closer to 15 mpg. Also, when towing my 5,500 lb camper (with weight dist hitch) the mpg drops to around 9. I do live in WV so I don't expect towing my camper through the mountains to get great gas mileage. but I would think 10 - 11 would be normal while towing.

Lastly, can anyone suggest the best plug for my application?

Yes, change your plugs. They're supposed to be changed every 30k. And just use regular champion or ngk coppers. Don't use the iridiums. Coppers run best in a hemi.

Just for reference, we have basically identical trucks. Mine is an 08 5.7 quad cab 4wd with 45k miles. And when I had my stock wheels on, I've averaged 21mpg on highway road trips. Even with my 35s now I still get around 17-18 highway.
 

snakepitt1

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E3 Plugs

Anyone ever figure out how to gap the E3 plugs??? The tip is actually contained within the lattice of the framework and no feeler gage or gapping tool I have ever owned will fit. I'm to the point of just hoping that they come gapped at .040ish
 

Redtruck-VA

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Anyone ever figure out how to gap the E3 plugs??? The tip is actually contained within the lattice of the framework and no feeler gage or gapping tool I have ever owned will fit. I'm to the point of just hoping that they come gapped at .040ish

Haha you're trolling aren't you...

;)
 

Redtruck-VA

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No, seriously, none of my feeler gages fit inside the E3 cage that surrounds the tip. I guess I need one of the wire style gap tools.

They are magical, what kind of horsepower are you expecting to gain?
 

snakepitt1

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Not really looking for HP, but gaining any is always a bonus. I am looking for a more complete burn of the fuel/air mix. That's also why I was thinking about replacing the stock coils with MSD units. I have used them in the past on muscle car projects but never on one of these motors.
 

Redtruck-VA

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IMO, the E3 plugs are just a sales gimmick. I wouldn't recommend using them in a hemi. The MSD coils may be better than oem coils, but I don't believe you will notice a difference. I swapped to 06 coils a couple of years ago aND didn't notice a performance change. Now Imy using SoS coils which are advertised as the strongest coil available and I still haven't noticed a difference. So give the coils a try and let us know what you think. Good luck..
 

Cwmgr

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I’m about to replace my 05 plugs copper champions. Should I do wires as well ? Anything else I need t9 replace ? The boots are good?
 

Redtruck-VA

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Fresh wires would be good or the 6.1 coil conversion even better.
As for removing the plugs this socket works for me. Got it from local parts store.20140412_103651.jpg
 

Hylander

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Getting ready to do my plugs.
What is this 6.1 wire conversion and does it help?
 

Redtruck-VA

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Replaces the 03-05 coils that uses a high tension waste spark wire with the 06 (6.1) coil. Requires the newer coils, newer valve covers and electrical plug ends. Can be done on the cheap using salvage yard parts or with a kit for a few hundred dollars. Check with Moe's.
 

HemiLonestar

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******* almost $600....I sourced all of mine used but good for so much less money....remember when that kit used to be like $400ish lol?

And if you don't feel like or hate futzing with terminals: https://www.modernmusclextreme.com/...-pack-conversion-adapter-plug-kit-by-mmx.aspx
Easy peasy, plug and play, this is on an 05 Magnum (the only year a car hemi came with that wasted spark ********)

IMAG2912.jpg
 

Hylander

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Replaces the 03-05 coils that uses a high tension waste spark wire with the 06 (6.1) coil. Requires the newer coils, newer valve covers and electrical plug ends. Can be done on the cheap using salvage yard parts or with a kit for a few hundred dollars. Check with Moe's.

So this does not apply to an 07 ?
 

Bill Knight

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I always do the driver's side first, starting right at the brake booster. That way it gets easier as you go instead of becoming more challenging. I run the platinum plugs not copper, I find the copper ones don't last as long and I get bad fuel mileage.
 

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