A Guide to Spark Plugs for the 1975-1982 Ford Granada
Find the right spark plugs to keep your classic Granada's engine firing on all cylinders.
- Stick with standard copper-core spark plugs from brands like Motorcraft or Autolite for best performance in a stock Granada.
- Avoid expensive platinum or iridium plugs, as they offer no real benefit for these vintage ignition systems.
- Always check and adjust the spark plug gap to your engine's specific requirements before installation.
- Replacing spark plugs is an easy and inexpensive DIY job that can significantly improve engine performance.
Symptoms of Failing Spark Plugs
When your Granada's spark plugs are worn out, they can't create a strong, consistent spark. This leads to several noticeable problems. You might feel the engine sputtering, shaking, or running unevenly, a condition known as a misfire. This is often most obvious when the car is idling at a stoplight. Other common signs include sluggish acceleration, worse fuel mileage than usual, and difficulty starting the engine, especially when it's cold. In some cases, you might hear a knocking or pinging sound from the engine as the fuel ignites at the wrong time.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Spark Plug
For a vintage vehicle like the 1975-1982 Ford Granada, original-style parts are often the best choice. The ignition systems on these cars were designed for standard copper-core spark plugs. While modern platinum and iridium plugs are available, they typically don't offer a performance advantage on these older engines and are not worth the extra cost. Sticking with a quality copper plug is a reliable and cost-effective strategy.
Brand Selection
Not all spark plug brands are created equal. Based on owner feedback and brand history, here’s how they generally stack up for your Granada:
- OEM-Equivalent (Best Bet): Motorcraft is Ford's own parts brand, making it the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Autolite has a long history of manufacturing spark plugs for Ford, and many consider them to be identical to Motorcraft plugs. You cannot go wrong choosing either of these brands for a stock Granada engine.
- High-Quality Aftermarket: Brands like NGK and Denso are well-respected Japanese manufacturers known for excellent quality control. They are a solid alternative to Motorcraft or Autolite.
- Performance Brands: Accel and MSD offer spark plugs geared towards modified engines with upgraded ignition systems. For a standard Granada, these are unnecessary.
- Standard/Economy: Champion and Bosch are widely available. However, some classic Ford owners have reported mixed results, particularly with Champion plugs not performing as well in Ford engines.
Check The Gap!
No matter which brand you choose, you must check and set the spark plug gap before installation. The "gap" is the small space between the center and ground electrodes. An incorrect gap can cause misfires and poor performance. The correct gap for your Granada depends on the engine and year. For example, many V8 models with electronic ignition require a 0.044-inch gap. Always consult a service manual for your specific engine's specification.
🎬 See how to properly gap a spark plug before installationCost of New Spark Plugs for a Ford Granada (1975-1982)
| Category | Price Range (Per Set) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aftermarket (Standard Copper) | $15 - $40 | This is the recommended type. Includes brands like Autolite, NGK, and Motorcraft. |
| Aftermarket (Platinum/Iridium) | $40 - $97 | Generally not necessary for these engines and provides little to no benefit. |
| Shop Labor | $75 - $150 | Labor to replace the plugs, which is typically a quick job on these cars. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace the spark plugs on my Granada?
For standard copper spark plugs used in these older engines, a good rule of thumb is to replace them every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or every 2-3 years as part of a regular tune-up. 🎬 Watch this full tune-up walkthrough for Ford V8 engines This ensures your engine continues to run efficiently.
What tools do I need to change my own spark plugs?
Replacing the spark plugs on a Granada is a great DIY job. You will need a basic ratchet and socket set, a spark plug socket (which has a rubber insert to protect the plug), a socket extension, and a spark plug gapping tool to set the gap correctly.
My Granada has a V8. Is it harder to change the plugs?
It can be slightly more time-consuming than on an inline-6 because there are more plugs (eight instead of six) and some may be harder to reach, depending on accessories. However, the process is the same and is still very manageable for a home mechanic.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to changing spark plugs in a classic carDo I need to put anything on the new spark plug threads?
Some mechanics apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the plug threads to make future removal easier. While this is common practice, it's important to use it sparingly. Some modern plugs have special coatings and do not require it. TSB 08-7-6, while for a much newer engine, notes that Ford recommends a specific nickel anti-seize on the plug's ground shield, not the threads, for certain applications to prevent seizing.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: ASF-42C ASF-52C
The most important specification is the spark plug gap, which varies by engine and year. For example, a 1977 Granada with a 302 V8 and electronic ignition uses a preset gap of 0.044 inches. The thread size is typically M14 x 1.25. Engine options included the 200/250 I6, 302/351 V8 (1975-80) and 2.3L I4, 3.3L I6, 3.8L V6, 4.2L V8 (1981-82).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.