Hooker headers and burned spark plug boots
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
Hooker headers and burned spark plug boots
I've got a BB in my 73, with hooker super comp full length headers. I'm using an MSD distributor and 6AL box, with MSD wires. I have been dealing with shorted plug boots being burned through by the headers, on the right side of the engine, #'s 1, 3, 5. I don't believe I'm the only one with this problem, and am hoping one of you may have the answer. Just for the record, I have tried the boot heat socks, the extensions from Wrench Rat, and wrapping the boots in header wrap (too lazy to remove the headers and wrap them - which I will do this winter).
Any comments welcome.
Thank you
Any comments welcome.
Thank you
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
I just went through this same problem with my small block, Sanderson cast headers and brand new plug wires. I ended up replacing the rubber boots with Taylor High Temp silicone boots and also used the heat socks. So far so good but if the problem returns, I'll be looking into the Jacobs ceramic boots recommended by mrvette in the thread I started about the problem.
DC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
Thank you, I have ordered the shorty plugs. I spoke with a gentleman from DUI about their live-wires, hoping that might be the answer. He said no, but to try the shorty plugs and header wrap. I've also ordered a set of Taylor wires with the 135 degree plug boots.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
They're pretty neat actually, however, they plug onto the plug, then, about a half inch from there is a "joint". At this area the insulation is minimal if not non-existant, and, in my case, I had trouble with shorting in that area. I cured this, for the most part, by adjusting the extentions and ty-wrapping the plug wires to hold them tight.
I talked to the guy at Wrench Rat and suggested he make an extention w/o the "joint". That would work, I think.
I talked to the guy at Wrench Rat and suggested he make an extention w/o the "joint". That would work, I think.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
My Solution
I have found the best way to avoid problems with plug boots burning up is to use 90 degree plug boots on a universal performance set {8MM} and run them as the small block engines do, down the back and underneath the headers to the plugs. That by the way are full size AC R43TS not shorties. Whatever those are...
see pictures of super comp headers with the large 2 1/8 primary tubes on a LS7 454
Notice, and no fancy spark plug heat whichmethings..
see pictures of super comp headers with the large 2 1/8 primary tubes on a LS7 454
Notice, and no fancy spark plug heat whichmethings..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
[QUOTE=Ironcross
Notice, and no fancy spark plug heat whichmethings..[/QUOTE]
They are whatchamacallits. Hey, thank you Ironcross. I think I looked at that, but not sure. I'll give it a shot.
Notice, and no fancy spark plug heat whichmethings..
[/QUOTE]They are whatchamacallits. Hey, thank you Ironcross. I think I looked at that, but not sure. I'll give it a shot.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
I know whatchamacallits, but wanted to invent a new word for those band-aids or so called exhaust heat spark plug fixeruppers.
I dont recall the part number of the headers except there the biggest set that Hooker retails for early Camaros. Super Comps, with 2 1/8 equal length primaries into 3 1/2 collectors. There is very little ground clearance and on a Vette I believe even tighter in the clearance department..
Now where is that other hooker forum? .
I dont recall the part number of the headers except there the biggest set that Hooker retails for early Camaros. Super Comps, with 2 1/8 equal length primaries into 3 1/2 collectors. There is very little ground clearance and on a Vette I believe even tighter in the clearance department..
Now where is that other hooker forum? .
