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2005-2009 Saleen Mustang For all S281, S302, H281 and H302 models based on the Ford S-197 Mustang platform, with the exception of the S302 PJ (see below). Be sure to specify year, model and equipment if asking for help.

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  #1  
Old 11-13-2014
07SaleenS281SC141 07SaleenS281SC141 is offline
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Default Help: Misfire at low RPM - 2007 S281 SC

My car recently started misfiring. I get code P0300 (general misfire) and P0303 (misfire cylinder 3). I need to change the spark plugs anyway, so I'm going to start with that and have them check the coils, EGR valve (which looks fine to me), and a few other things.

Anyway, I have read lots of different posts on lots of different forums about what kind of plugs, and what gap to use. People seem to love or hate Iridium plugs, because they net good rwhp gains, but are easily broken if not very careful when gapping them, and are also quite expensive. Many other people recommend just going with a copper plug, and changing them more frequently. A commonly recommend brand/type are NGK TR6's.

My car runs 6 - 8 lbs of boost, depending on weather conditions, and has had zero upgrades that weren't made by Saleen. So it is "stock". Based on that amount of boost, I think a .035" gap is about right to avoid blow outs and avoid misfires.

So my questions are, has anyone used NGK TR6's? Have any other plug recommendations? Recommendations on the gap, based upon my "stock" set-up and boost levels?

Thanks in advance!
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  #2  
Old 11-13-2014
seethrough seethrough is offline
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Autolite HT0
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  #3  
Old 11-13-2014
seethrough seethrough is offline
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If you don't have the tool order them pregapped. JDM provided my last set but I am sure other vendors could do the same for you.
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2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 QC
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 RC
2006-1296 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281
2004-013 Ford Mustang Salween Extreme-FOR SALE
1999 Ford Mustang Cobra convertible SA-20 clone
2006 Dodge Charger R/T
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8-SOLD
2002 Big Dog Pitbull-SOLD
2005-1343 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281. Barricade replica-SOLD
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2007-300 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281-FOR SALE
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  #4  
Old 11-13-2014
07SaleenS281SC141 07SaleenS281SC141 is offline
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Thanks seethrough. So 16mm thread is the right size since it's based off of a GT? That was another thing I wasn't 100% sure about.

How the heck would you do the gap yourself on a plug like this? Is there a special tool?
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  #5  
Old 11-13-2014
seethrough seethrough is offline
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The plugs are the same as the GT for that year. Gapping requires a special tool so you can either invest in the tool or the easier way is to contact a vendor that offers pregapped plugs.
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2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 QC
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 RC
2006-1296 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281
2004-013 Ford Mustang Salween Extreme-FOR SALE
1999 Ford Mustang Cobra convertible SA-20 clone
2006 Dodge Charger R/T
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8-SOLD
2002 Big Dog Pitbull-SOLD
2005-1343 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281. Barricade replica-SOLD
2011 Ram Express
2006-016 Ford Mustang Saleen Extreme-FOR SALE
2012 Ford F150 FX2
2007-300 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281-FOR SALE
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  #6  
Old 11-13-2014
07SaleenS281SC141 07SaleenS281SC141 is offline
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Yeah, I found several of them. Looks like a vice of sorts. Do you also need a traditional gapping tool to get it right, or does it have a way of measuring the gap built in. I found several different types, I'm not sure if there is any difference in them. Seems like a worthwhile investment for the price.
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  #7  
Old 11-13-2014
seethrough seethrough is offline
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I use this one. You are correct about looking and acting like a vise. One end is threaded for the plug and once secured the setscrew is tightened which depresses the center of the ground electrode towards the center electrode. A thin feeler gauge is used to measure the gap.

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2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 RC
2006-1296 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281
2004-013 Ford Mustang Salween Extreme-FOR SALE
1999 Ford Mustang Cobra convertible SA-20 clone
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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8-SOLD
2002 Big Dog Pitbull-SOLD
2005-1343 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281. Barricade replica-SOLD
2011 Ram Express
2006-016 Ford Mustang Saleen Extreme-FOR SALE
2012 Ford F150 FX2
2007-300 Ford Mustang Saleen SC281-FOR SALE
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  #8  
Old 11-21-2014
Donald Campbell Donald Campbell is offline
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Do not forget the 9/16 spark plug socket with the flex extension to change the plugs. I believe Ford did not use antiseize on the plug threads so there is a high probability you will break a plug inside the block. Napa sells the spark plug extractor tool (like close to $100) to get the remaining piece out of the block. Research the change procedure especially the part using the special tool and do not forget to use antiseize on the new plug threads. I broke three out of eight and did not have the extractor tool so basically ended up adding a few hours to get the tool and remove the broken parts, and this was supposed to have been a straightforward job. Just do not want to see you having the same experience I did. Don
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  #9  
Old 11-23-2014
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06TorchRedGT 06TorchRedGT is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donald Campbell View Post
Do not forget the 9/16 spark plug socket with the flex extension to change the plugs. I believe Ford did not use antiseize on the plug threads so there is a high probability you will break a plug inside the block. Napa sells the spark plug extractor tool (like close to $100) to get the remaining piece out of the block. Research the change procedure especially the part using the special tool and do not forget to use antiseize on the new plug threads. I broke three out of eight and did not have the extractor tool so basically ended up adding a few hours to get the tool and remove the broken parts, and this was supposed to have been a straightforward job. Just do not want to see you having the same experience I did. Don
First of all ! Under no circumstances should you put nickel anti-seize anywhere on the plug threads, as this can cause over torquing of your new plugs..

According to the Ford TSB instructions, Ford recommends using a film coating of nickel anti-seize only on the ground electrode shield below the threads, but also make certain not to coat any portion of the electrode strap..

I changed my plugs just barely over a month ago following Ford's TSB instructions and not a single plug broke on me.. When re-installing your new plugs, make sure to put them in hand tight first, and then torque to 25 ft. lbs.

So do yourself a huge favor, follow the Ford TSB instructions and you won't have any problems..

The TSB number is.. 08-7-6
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Saleen series VI S/C - 39lb injectors - 3.6" pulley - Eibach pro kit springs - Borla ATAK mufflers - Pypes cut n clamp X mid-pipe to OEM cats - Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Tires 275/40/18" square - GT500 strut mounts - Hurst short throw shifter - CFM billet oil cap breather - UPR 4 chamber catch can - Eibach camber bolts - OEM GT500 18x9.5 wheels - Koni adj sport struts/shocks - BMR poly adj panhard bar - Saleen extreme 98mm stock airbox - Autolite HT0 spark plugs - JDM 91 oct performance tune.
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  #10  
Old 12-04-2014
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Meikol02 Meikol02 is offline
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What he said. ^^^

I change my plugs every year, or every 12-18k miles which ever comes first. The frequency of change is the most important thing next to the procedure. I have never broken a plug in 71k miles.

I think your gap is good for your application.

I use the FRPP Zero degree plugs which are very close the the HT0 plug in design and function. Many people like the Brisk 1 piece plug as is cannot break off like the others.

Plug size depends on your heads, as the design changed in mid 2008 partially due to these plugs. The later plugs are smaller. Your plugs should be the 16mm, not the 12mm IIFC.
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Last edited by Meikol02; 12-05-2014 at 02:51 PM. Reason: Plug sizes were reversed., Thanks Rocky
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  #11  
Old 12-04-2014
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My autolite HT0 plugs are gaped at 0032. as recommended by Brenspeed..

I also have the 16mm plugs and not the revised 12mm plugs, as my car is a 2006 GT.. Ford did not change the head design until 2008 !
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Saleen series VI S/C - 39lb injectors - 3.6" pulley - Eibach pro kit springs - Borla ATAK mufflers - Pypes cut n clamp X mid-pipe to OEM cats - Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Tires 275/40/18" square - GT500 strut mounts - Hurst short throw shifter - CFM billet oil cap breather - UPR 4 chamber catch can - Eibach camber bolts - OEM GT500 18x9.5 wheels - Koni adj sport struts/shocks - BMR poly adj panhard bar - Saleen extreme 98mm stock airbox - Autolite HT0 spark plugs - JDM 91 oct performance tune.
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  #12  
Old 12-08-2014
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I HIGHLY recommend you get the broken plug tool in case, I had 3 break and it would have been a complete nightmare without that tool. Even if I never need it again it was worth it, oh and get the extension Ford makes......also a good investment.
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01-001 SC, Tuned by Pro Dyno, 2.8 SC pulley, MoSaleen, CAI, Off road X pipe, Mcleod Super Street clutch, H&R Super Sport springs, shorty antenna.
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