Custom Wires

[Chief Brody]

Ya'll know me...know how I earn a livin'....errr...wait...that's Quint

When it comes to making your own custom spark plug wires, what's the best type of wire and tools to get...and where do you get them.

How "tight" do you cut them...for example I might need to rotate the distro a touch.

 

[rebelgregory]

I've always cut my own. I basically only used a razor blade or wire strippers. And crimped them with regular crimpers or pliers. I know they make a special tool for crimping them, but I've never had a problem.

As far as length, you should be able to turn the dizzy a fair amount without worrying about length, but if you're concerned, just leave them a little long. You can always shorten them again...unless you crimped them with the specialty crimper.

You can get Accel/MSD/etc just about anywhere, including Autozone. But I'd imagine you're probably looking for something more stock-appearing. In that case, I don't really know.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I use nothing but MSD wires and I buy the universal make your own length type and then use this crimper. http://www.msdignition.com/Products...s/35051_-_Pro_Crimp_Tool,_Ratchet_Action.aspx

This crimper uses replaceable jaws and they offer different types for even crimping electrical connectors such as Deutsch connectors and Weatherpac.

 

[rebelgregory]

Man, you had me interested until I saw that the crimper was $80. I'm sure they do a better job, but I've never had a problem.

 

[85 Jimmy]

I use the 25' MSD make your own wires. Then buy the boots and terminals. I don't use the crimper that 4X4HIGH uses, I use this one.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-3503/overview/

When it comes to extra length, when you turn the dizzy to adjust timing, it doesn't effect the wires that much. Just don't make them so they are pulled tight to begin with and you should be fine.

 

[ryoken]

yup, doesn't matter if there's a couple extra inches at the dizzy, as long as they are routed and separated nicely back TO the dizzy...

if your not gonna pop for the proper crimpers, at least get the oldschool 2-piece hammer bash crimper one (Accel used to put em in with universal sets back in the day).. I used it when I was younger and it's at least the right profile, unlike pliers, channellocks, etc give...

 

[Blue85]

If this sparks (get it?) any ideas for you, I have disassembled standard wire ends and recrimped to other wires to get a combination I needed. For example, a wire with a burn in it can be shortened or you can change an end between straight or right-angle. I lube the end of the insulation with black silicone before putting the boot on and it seems to keep moisture out fine.

 

[dhcomp]

Ya'll know me...know how I earn a livin'....errr...wait...that's Quint

When it comes to making your own custom spark plug wires, what's the best type of wire and tools to get...and where do you get them.

How "tight" do you cut them...for example I might need to rotate the distro a touch.

What's your motivation to make custom wires? I've never seen the need.

Am i missing something?

Are they cheaper?

Every custom set i've used works fine....?

 

[Chief Brody]

What's your motivation to make custom wires? I've never seen the need.

Am i missing something?

Are they cheaper?

Every custom set i've used works fine....?

The set I bought when I put the engine back in is like an XXXL when it should be a L.
Way too much slack on all wires...can't keep them off the manifold without zip ties and I am not doing that

 

[dhcomp]

The set I bought when I put the engine back in is like an XXXL when it should be a L.
Way too much slack on all wires...can't keep them off the manifold without zip ties and I am not doing that

Got it. I've had good luck with standard specific fit wires.

But don't ask me how many sets Ive been through since started running headers....

 

[4X4HIGH]

Got it. I've had good luck with standard specific fit wires.

But don't ask me how many sets Ive been through since started running headers....

Buy the MSD wires and never look back when it comes to running headers.

 

[chulisohombre]

I've never tried making custom but I've had my msd high heat small block wres with headers for ten years no problem.

 

[Bowtie85]

Plug boots are the Shiz for headers, after cooking a couple sets of wires I learned

 

[dhcomp]

Plug boots are the Shiz for headers, after cooking a couple sets of wires I learned

I've burned a few sets of MSD's, some part store cheapies in a pinch, and how back to MSD's with plug boots.

The plug boots were a pain, but add a bit of security to the configuration.