1995 spark plug/ignition wire questions

[Manchas]

I'm in the process of getting my 1995 4.6LThunderbird back into shape after being out of the country for several years. I am sure it needs new ignition wires, and while I'm doing that I am going to replace the plugs as well.

There are so many different and new products out there, I'm really not sure what to get. Ignition wire sets for this car range from $30 to over $150. I have been to performance shops that sell different types of wires, and I get a different answer from each one. One place says all wires basically are the same and you are just paying more for the brand. The place next door says always buy the most expensive one since the cheaper ones don't last long. I replaced wires on a different car a few years back. I bought the most expensive wire I could find, and 2 weeks later the car broke down because the wires were defective. What to do...

So, my question is...What do you all recommend for ignition wires? This car is a daily driver, not a race or performance car. Also, what do you think about spark plugs? Are platinum+4 any better than Platinum 2 or regulars? Are they worth the money? I'm just trying to get the best value for the dollar.
Thanks!

[Mike75]

You can't really go wrong with motorcraft...

[intrcptrbird]

I agree with Mike I bought the motorcraft wires and they are the good 8mm wires and they last too. Go with the motorcraft.

[thunderbird muscle]

Yeah go with motorcraft, Since Ford uses this to build the cars you know it is got the right specifications.

[Manchas]

Thanks for all the advice on Motorcraft. I did buy motorcraft plugs and wires, but not from the dealer. They wanted $180 which is outrageous. I bought the wires from TSE truck supply on line and they were about $70 - not a bad deal.

All said and done, the car still runs like crap. Maybe it is the tranny after all.

[KimMG]

Have you done any other maintenance? Has the car been sitting while you were out of the country? Did you check for vacuum leaks? Have you tried some fuel injector cleaner? Have you used a fresh tank of gas? What are the problems you are having? "the car stills runs like crap" is a little vague. With some good details of the problems you are having, someone maybe able to provide with some better help with getting your car in tip top shape.

[Manchas]

Sorry for my vagueness. The car actually has been running badly for a number of years and I had it diagnosed by a mechanic who said I need new wires. It mainly does the infamous shaking and vibrating when it is hot and/or working under a load (going up hill between 35 and 60 mph). The only other thing left to do is change the tranny fluid. Everything else apparently checked out ok.

Thanks for the info.
M

[Blacky72]

Hi there!!! just a question, again by the way, which its better then the copper type spark plugs or the platinum plugs???

[Decipha]

damn 4 days and the thread would have been a year old, nice digging

go with oem plugs, the bosch plugs aren't worth it. I wouldn't use them if they were given to me, i use autolite, nice cheap plugs and recommended oem replacement

[Blacky72]

Thanks man!!!

[Loaded NightraiN]

Go with autolite platinums.. If youre not sure compare them to the motocraft.. The motocraft have changed... The replacements are cheese