Solid Core Spark Plug Wires

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Oct 13, 2008 | 06:04 PM

benito

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From: Key Largo Florida

Solid Core Spark Plug Wires

I'm thinking about going to solid core spark plug wires on my 69 350/350. Now the wires are run over the top of the engine. I'm also considering installing the chrome distributor cover and the chrome wire covers that route the wires to the plugs from the bottom (original). I have all the chrome parts.

I heard many years ago, that having the wires run together out the chrome cover and inside the chrome wire covers causes one wire, when firing, to induce a current in a wire parallel and next to it to try to fire because they are touching each other in side the covers.

Does anyone have an experience with this problem?

If I go to solid core wires which are best.?

(I only use my ipod attached to an after market radio for tunes, so I don't think interference will be an issue.)

Oct 13, 2008 | 06:56 PM

billsfan

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From: Buffalo New York

Wires are like asking which oil to use. Everyone has a favorite. I installed Taylor spiro pro wires on my '76. Not a solid core, but only 350 ohms/ft resistance. It's a universal kit, you cut the distributor end and crimp the terminals. It makes it easy to fish the wires under, and you can cut each wire to the exact length needed. I got mine from Jeg's. It comes with distributor terminals for HEI and points distributors.

Oct 13, 2008 | 07:20 PM

benito

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From: Key Largo Florida

Thanks for the info. Taylor spiro is new to me.

Oct 13, 2008 | 08:16 PM

toddalin

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From: Santa Ana CA

I use Mallory copper core solid core wires with no arcing problems. I run the top shield, but not the lower shields.

I also run a Mallory HiFire IV ignition box, a Mallory high voltage chrome coil, and non-resistor plugs. (Everyone around gets to enjoy my ignition system.) I do run a short spiral core wire between the distributor and coil per the Mallory recommendation. Be prepared for a noisey AM radio. Also, many electronic devices will not function within the car, even those with their own power sources (e.g., my Vericom).

Last edited by toddalin; Oct 13, 2008 at 08:20 PM.

Oct 13, 2008 | 09:31 PM

benito

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From: Key Largo Florida

Great looking engine! Thanks for the info.

Oct 14, 2008 | 01:06 PM

benito

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Instructor

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 207

Likes: 2

From: Key Largo Florida

I heard many years ago, that having the wires run together out the chrome cover and inside the chrome wire covers causes one wire, when firing, to induce a current in a wire parallel and next to it to try to fire because they are touching each other in side the covers.

Does anyone have an experience with this problem?

Oct 14, 2008 | 03:24 PM

BarryK

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From: Newark DE

Quote:

Originally Posted by benito

typically the only time that MAY be a problem is with the #5 & #7 cylinder ignition wires. The problem is that these are consecutive firing cylinders plus adjoining cylinders so the two ignition wires run almost continuously together almost the entire length of the ignition wire runs. The voltage of one during firing can than affect the other one can.
If you look carefully at the factory diagrams such as in the shop manual on the ignition wire runs you will see that they deliberately have the #5 and #7 ignition wires routed as far apart as possible (not that it is much) and in the wire loom holders those two wires are positioned at opposite ends of the holders to attempt to keep them as far from each other as possible.

Other than these two particular wires, as long as you have a high quality set of ignition wires, in good condition, running them next to each other isn't a problem