Which Spark Plug Wires?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Which Spark Plug Wires?
I need to replace my wires on my 76. It has chrome headers and I want to go under them. I just had the heads cleaned and the valves replaced with 2.02/1.60 stainless steel, new rockers, springs, push rods and lifters, new Cyclone intake manifold and Crane camshaft, 262 int./268 exh, 0.446 int./0.459 exh. lift. I'd like some that are already made, but I can buy a crimper if I need to make some. Do the wires need to be shielded under the headers? Any suggestions and places to buy would be appreciated. Thanks. 
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
Taylor makes a darn good set of wires. I bought some of their red 90* 8mm wires. You can get them from Summit or any other performance parts place. They come pre-made for any size motor and for over or under the headers.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Buy a high grade of make your own wire set with 90 degree plug boot ends already installed to go down the back and under the headers. Never buy a pre cut set for header usage. Just dont cut any wires until you have them all satisfactory routed around the engine and only then cut and apply the distributor ends. A really good set of crimpimg pliers is beneficial at this stage and the one we use is in the forty dollar price range. Pricey, especially for one time users but the wires look just like OEM when finished. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by Ironcross
Buy a high grade of make your own wire set with 90 degree plug boot ends already installed to go down the back and under the headers. Never buy a pre cut set for header usage. Just dont cut any wires until you have them all satisfactory routed around the engine and only then cut and apply the distributor ends. A really good set of crimpimg pliers is beneficial at this stage and the one we use is in the forty dollar price range. Pricey, especially for one time users but the wires look just like OEM when finished.
Fubba,
Were yours precut and complete and did you have any trouble getting them to fit under headers, if you have headers.
Anyone have pics of the best way to route the wires under the headers?
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Why not buy some OEM plug wires from Delco? They are cut the proper length, work extremely well, fit all of your original connectors, and at under $40 are pretty darn cheap. I bought Delco 508N (I think that is the correct number) at Advance Auto and they look and act great.
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 48
From: westland mi
Originally Posted by Ironcross
Buy a high grade of make your own wire set with 90 degree plug boot ends already installed to go down the back and under the headers. Never buy a pre cut set for header usage. Just dont cut any wires until you have them all satisfactory routed around the engine and only then cut and apply the distributor ends. A really good set of crimpimg pliers is beneficial at this stage and the one we use is in the forty dollar price range. Pricey, especially for one time users but the wires look just like OEM when finished.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
Originally Posted by Buzzardz_vette
Fubba,
Were yours precut and complete and did you have any trouble getting them to fit under headers, if you have headers.
Anyone have pics of the best way to route the wires under the headers?
Thanks.
Were yours precut and complete and did you have any trouble getting them to fit under headers, if you have headers.
Anyone have pics of the best way to route the wires under the headers?
Thanks.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I bought a set of MSD 8.5mm custom fit wires for mine. Cut to fit and used their tool to crimp the ends on. Been on the car for around 3 years now and still look and perform great. I have a few pics in the my photos links at the left.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
I bought a set of MSD 8.5mm custom fit wires for mine. Cut to fit and used their tool to crimp the ends on. Been on the car for around 3 years now and still look and perform great. I have a few pics in the my photos links at the left.
i have Moroso Blue Max wires and am very happy with them. MSD makes good wires too (so do Mallory, Taylor, etc.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I am about to buy a set ... based on recommendations from
forum members ... I'm looking at the Accel Armor shield sets.
They are alloy braid-covered - and trim one end to fit.
$57 or so at Summit.
We have a Craftsman multi-crimp tool at work that does plug wires.
Yeah - not the ultimate crimp tool - but it should be adequate.
forum members ... I'm looking at the Accel Armor shield sets.
They are alloy braid-covered - and trim one end to fit.
$57 or so at Summit.
We have a Craftsman multi-crimp tool at work that does plug wires.
Yeah - not the ultimate crimp tool - but it should be adequate.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
I run MSD 8.5's on the 383 from the top and Napa brand on the L48 that were mounted below, but now I have them over the top. Both motors have the same headers. The ones from NAPA were less than $25, look good and work GREAT!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 4
From: Smile, it's just the internet.
MSD 8.5s here, as well. They are available in several colors and come with all the fittings and tools (yes, the crimper, too). Kinda pricy, but nice. I also got a set of fiberglass plug/boot insulators, as the headers were charring the previous set of wires. I can't hack those pre-cut deals. I NEVER want to route them the same way they need to be in order to fit. Just me.
Ironcross gives excellent advice. I'd add that you need to be DOUBLE sure that you've got the firing order right before you cut.
Ironcross gives excellent advice. I'd add that you need to be DOUBLE sure that you've got the firing order right before you cut.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 10
From: Scottsboro Alabama
Originally Posted by Ironcross
A really good set of crimpimg pliers is beneficial at this stage and the one we use is in the forty dollar price range. Pricey, especially for one time users but the wires look just like OEM when finished.
One good thing about that tool besides being a plug wire crimper is that you can buy interchangeable crimp dies that will fit it such as GM weatherproof connectors, small gauge wire strippers, coaxial cable connectors.........etc