Topic: 390 FE Spark Plug: BF32 Autolite/Motorcraft???

[Angela]

Guys, the '67 shop manual lists a BF32 for the 390 GT application. However, I cannot find any BF32s anywhere. If someone knows of a source, please let me know!

Otherwise, what are 390 FE folks using for plugs? The Autolite 45 (or platinum or double platinum APP-45) cross-references to the old BF42, used for non-GT 390 applications (according to the ford mustang shop manual). I don't think I should be using the Autolite 45.

I suspect the BF32s have been discontinued. The Motorcraft web sites lists a SP-420 (BSF42C) for the 1967 390, which I suspect is the same as the old BF42.

Anyone have a source for BF32 or have an alternative?

[carlite65]

have you tried green sales company in cincinnati? they stock a lot of plugs. www.greensalescompany.com

[J_Speegle]

BF32's with stars and without pop up on Ebay from time to time.

[Bob Gaines]

Another question is are you driving your car much or is it a trailer show car. The reason is many of us have learned over the years that the BF32 plugs although good for a little extra performance will foul much easier in street driving . It doesn't take much. The slightly hotter BF42's(or equivelent) run cleaner in street driving and don't foul.

[Bob Gaines]

The star marked plugs were phased out in late 67. They are much rarer and conseqently more expensive . You do not want to drive with them .The last set of BF 32 star plugs I sold on ebay went for 350.00 .

[Angela]

Thanks for the help guys. I do intend to drive the car, hence I'm especially interested in Bob's comment about the BF32s being easier to foul.
My 390 is a smog-car and I do have the smog tubes installed, further complicating what is already a nearly impossible task: changing plugs with the engine installed. As a result, I strongly wish to avoid changing plugs often. Based on Bob's comment, perhaps I'm better off using plugs readily available for this engine. It appears to me that all plug options are equivalent to the BF42s (hotter plug). Has anyone experience
with any of these options?

(1) Autolite APP45 (double platinum 45s... I tried these and several appear to have failed)
(2) Motorcraft SP-420 (alt. PN=BSF42C)... I don't know how these differ from the Autolite APP45s but this is what the motorcraft web tool says to use for the 390 mustang application

[Brian Conway]

     The Autolite BF-32 was the OE plug for my 69 428 motor.  I am using the readily available Autolite 45 gaped at  32-34. This plug is carried by most all the parts stores and costs about $2.00 each.  No problems on the street or the occasional trip to the track.  Brian

[Angela]

Thanks for the info Brian. Sounds like the std Autolite 45s will work just fine.

I don't know if they're any better or worse, but any parts vendor (Advance, autozone, Napa) I've checked with also lists the Motorcraft SP-420 as the standard OE replacement for the 67 390 application. Prices is about the same, but then again I really don't care very much about the cost of the plug. I want the best plug I can reasonably afford, given it's so insanely difficult to replace the plugs without removing the engine & trans from the car.

[Bob Gaines]

Keep a sparkplug socket with the swival made into it and a extension and it will save some grief next time . Many brands sell them . Mine is about the only snap on tool i own  .