I was told I need heat resistand wires cause I have headers. What dictates that? Is it the insulation? If so what do you recommend? Motor is stock other than headers. Budget is tight but would like to get a name brand. Thanks.
CK5
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sparkplug wires?
- Thread starter digity
- Start date
Eh, headers really don't make a difference. Even with manifolds you want a good set of wires.
I always used to buy the yellow Accel 8.8 wires, but the last time I went into Jegs they did not have them. But they did have the Jegs brand 8.5's for 35 bucks so I tried those. They have been good so far except the boots got brittle and I had to replace them.
I always used to buy the yellow Accel 8.8 wires, but the last time I went into Jegs they did not have them. But they did have the Jegs brand 8.5's for 35 bucks so I tried those. They have been good so far except the boots got brittle and I had to replace them.
If the boot is too close to the primary, just buy a heat boot. Don't waste your money on aftermarket plug wires. They're no better than standard replacement wires.
Martin
Martin
That's the way to go. They're cheaper than plug wires and more resistant to heat.
Plus you can use them on the next set of plug wires as well.
Martin
Martin
I strongly disagree, most standard type replacement wires are low quality garbage. The ones that actually do perform OK often live a short life before there are issues. The only stock type wires I like to use are AC Delco or the blue NAPA wires. Only reason I don't normally run those on my trucks is because I've got headers and like the wires going up and over the valve covers, the stock wires are usually extra long.
As a mechanic, I often found ****ty "performance" wires and other ignition parts to be the root of many problems.
Martin
Martin
I agree with you there, but I've often seen customers cars come into the shop with misfire issues due to a brand new set of garbage wires from the parts store.
Jason, are you having any kind of issues right now or someone just told you that you need new wires because of the headers? I have been running MSD wires for years now and will NEVER run anything else.
They run 8.5:1 smog head small blocks in top fuel too!
Martin
Martin
I understand your point..
my point being that you can certainly buy better wires than what autozone sells ya 1/2 the time.. it's the luck of the draw with chain store wires, sometimes it's decent, sometimes it's cr@p... it's where ever they're getting a deal that qrter..
stock rig, sure.... hopefully the brand they're carrying is decent... hi performance vehicle? some motor mods, headers, cd box, etc? nothing wrong with stepping up to a high end 10mm or similar when the wires need to be done... less resistance, tougher casing, etc...
my point being that you can certainly buy better wires than what autozone sells ya 1/2 the time.. it's the luck of the draw with chain store wires, sometimes it's decent, sometimes it's cr@p... it's where ever they're getting a deal that qrter..
stock rig, sure.... hopefully the brand they're carrying is decent... hi performance vehicle? some motor mods, headers, cd box, etc? nothing wrong with stepping up to a high end 10mm or similar when the wires need to be done... less resistance, tougher casing, etc...
I guess I've just fixed too many problems by throwing Accel and MSD products away and replacing them with stock replacement parts.
Martin
Martin
I think you just have to make a call based on your situation. If using headers, there is a potential for a lot more heat transfer to your wires. Mine are ok (Accel 8.5mm), but after the header install they were practically touching the primaries. Since I didn't want to risk having to spend 80+ on a new performance set, I spent about 20 bucks on plug boots and now I never have to worry about it. I think they're a good way to protect your ignition regardless of how good the plug wires claim to be.
chulisohombre
1/2 ton status
I've been using the same msd high heat 8 mm wires for 7 years now no problem with headers. The stock replacement silicon ones melted after a few months. The heat shield wire covers help a lot though. I just haven't needed them since running the msd.
Thanks guys for the feedback. Scott, I heard that a few years ago. I just did a tune up and wanted to change the wires. I currently run the blue Napa wires about 3 yrs old now.
