Should I stay away from 2005 to 2008 (spark plugs)?

[2019Chieftain-no-more]

I've been on the hunt for a S197 GT, but doing my research on common problems. The thing that is really bothering me is the spark plugs! I'm no mechanic but I can turn a wrench and like to do the simple things myself like breaks, oil changes and spark plugs (or so I thought).

One thought I have is if I find that perfectly priced and number of miles pre 2009 just have a Ford shop change the plugs from day one then deal with it again in a few years (not likely I'll be putting more than 3000 to 5000 miles a year on the car). The other thought is to pay a bit more and stay away from the earlier years.

Just looking for the thoughts of real-world owners. Am I over thinking this?

 

[skwerl]

Back in 2005 Ford came out with engines using a new spark plug design. The spark plugs failed. So the spark plug manufacturers figured out the problem and fixed the defective plug design. That was 20 years ago. If the car you buy has the original plugs (unlikely) then it could be an issue. If the plugs have EVER been replaced it is no longer relevant.

 

[StockishS197]

I bought a 2007 a few years back that had the original plugs at 50k miles.

I pulled them and only one broke. The revised plugs don’t break anymore, so it’s a non issue.

It’s more of a mild inconvenience than anything.

 

[GriffX]

You just need a left-hand torque wrench (or make it yourself) and you will not brake a spark plug. Of cause from year to year the cars got better, I would buy a later model.

 

[08TorchRedShelbyGT500]

Roughly speaking:

 

[JC SSP]

It has been discussed on this forum several times. There is even a Ford TSB (Attached)

Several schools of thought on removal too... from zipping them out with impact gun, to quarter turn then lube creep overnight, etc. Either way, have the broken plug extractor tool handy just in case. If you in S. FL I will gladly lend you mine.

 

[08TorchRedShelbyGT500]

My Mar 2007 built Mustang Roush 427R had the 2-piece plugs, and within 1000 miles I pulled them and installed the Brisk one-piece plugs.

My May 27, 2008 built Mustang GT500 had already had the issues fixed, so when I pulled the plugs(out of precaution) and replaced them. They were already the one-piece plugs. Having owned 2 S197s, one had the plug and fuel tank filler issues, I vowed to buy a later model year so some of the early bugs got worked out.

My GT500 has been great so far without any issues. It was one of the last 4 GT500s built in the 2008 model year.

 

[Forty61]

Don't sweat it. It's a known issue with known fixes. If you're not confident in doing it then just pay a shop and make it their problem.

I changed what I believe were my cars original plugs at like 70k miles, took my time, got every one out in one piece.