Help with my headers

[pomai]

I installed a set of JBA shorty headers part # 1830-5JS into my 88 full size blazer and have had nothing but problems with burning the # 5 spark plug wire and boot 6 times and this last time I used ceramic spark plug boots. The second time I replaced that wire I installed a Accel header type spark plug which was no help.

The headers came with a heat shield that was supposed to slip onto the # 5 plug, but the heat shield wouldn’t fit because the header tube was in the way. The tech at JBA said that people don’t use it anyway. However on the 3rd burned wire I forced the heat shield on. The coating in the heat shield separated from the shield and burned again.

I spent a pretty penny for those JBA headers and I think I’ve tried everything I can do to protect the spark plug wire and boot. I also used Thermo Tech heat shield wire sleeves and even doubled on the sleeves w/ the ceramic boot and still it burned.

Now I don’t know which way to go, do I purchase another set of headers?
Any suggestions on another set of shorty headers?

What headers have you guys used without any issues with the wires.

Is there a spacer that I can use between the head and header to give me more clearance for the spark plug wire?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Ed

 

[throttleissues]

Wow, that's sounds like a pain in the ass. I've used Hedman headers with very little trouble, but they sometimes make the starter very hard to get out. If you wanted to shim the headers out a little, you could probably use an aluminum gasket set as a shim to gain a little space. That's still not gonna move it very far though, maybe a 1/4". Not sure what else to tell ya on that one unless you feel like dimpling the tube with a ballpeen hammer for extra clearance, too. That would really require taking that one off to do it, I would imagine.

 

[dyeager535]

Only things I can think of, is are you using 90* boots? If not, will it help?

Second, are your wires supported so that the wires are run as far from the headers as possible? It sounds to me like if where the wire of the boot is already routed away from the header tube, and the boot is still burning, the headers are the issue, not your routing.

 

[pomai]

the header is the problem, the #5 tube is in the way and the 90 degree boot wont fit. what type of header are some of you using?

 

[dyeager535]

Search out the thread for hedman that has a few pages of responses and is fairly current. It's got the part number for some hedman's that tuck up a bit better, but aren't quite shorties.

I'm using hedmans, and while #5 and #6 (I believe) need a wrench to pull the plugs, I've not burned a wire in years.

But the part number in the thread I'm talking about keeps the headers up higher, and away from the spring shackles. Mine are "made" for our trucks, and hit.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Can you post a pic of the header tube/wire in question so we can better help you. I have a set of Flowtech shorties on my 89 that are for the 88-95 (new body style) and i don't have any problems. I use MSD wires and they have 1200* boots and i've had them touch the header tube and not even a hint of burning or melting.

 

[dhcomp]

Try and talk to JBA. See what they will do for you . Sounds like a poorly designed product if they give you a heat sheild that doesnt' fit .

 

[Thunder]

I dont know what to do about the JBAs. I have heard about the problems they have burning wires and boots.
If you end up getting another set of shorty headers. Get the Edelbrock TES system. It is well designed with plenty of room between the pipes and plugs.
Had mine for 10 years and have never burnt a wire. The headers are good quality stainless steel like the JBA only they are black instead of polished. Mine still look pretty much new. Not quite as much $ as the JBLs but close. They also come with a redesigned Y pipe for better flow.

 

[digity]

I have edelbrock shorties(ti tech coated) and have had no issues.

 

[cdoggwsu]

@Thunder and Digity: Do you guys remember the part # for the kit you got? I was looking on Edelbrock's site and they show (for an '88 Blazer) a Ti-Tech coated part #68583 and a ceramic coated part #68582, but I see no option for stainless available in either category (according to the footnotes).

 

[Thunder]

Hmm.. I went on their site and checked it out. You are right. I guess they dont make them in stainless for K5s anymore. Must be because they coat them now. When I bought mine all they had was stainless. They did not have any coated headers.
Mine are about 10 years old. No rust, leaks, or gasket problems.

 

[pomai]

Can you post a pic of the header tube/wire in question so we can better help you. I have a set of Flowtech shorties on my 89 that are for the 88-95 (new body style) and i don't have any problems. I use MSD wires and they have 1200* boots and i've had them touch the header tube and not even a hint of burning or melting.

Do you remeber the part # of the headers you have? was it 91830-1FLT?

Street/Strip Chevy/GMC, C/K Pickup/Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon, 5.7L, Kit​

Flowtech 91830-1FLT Shorty smog headers
Fits 1988-1995, Chevrolet/GMC 1500/2500, 1992-1995, Suburban,
1995, Tahoe, Yukon with 5.0L or 5.7L V8FlowTech's emissions legal exhaust headers deliver top performance plus increased efficiency. These shorty style headers can be installed quickly and easily and retain all of your vehicle's factory emission equipment. The heavy duty 16 gauge steel tubing is computer mandrel bent for unrestricted flow and the flanges are precision die cut for a leak proof seal. Like all of FlowTech's products, these headers are made right here in the good old USA and gaskets and mounting hardware are included. Tube diameter: 1.5"
Ceramic coated


Thanks,
Ed

 

[K85 Octane]

would header wrap not fit in this area?