Custom Length Spark Plug Wires
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill NC
Custom Length Spark Plug Wires
I would like to install a set of wires that are shorter than the oem sizes.
I do not run my wires under the headers... I prefer to run them up and above.
So in general, I need much shorter wires.
What advice do you have?
Can you buy them individually at specified lengths... or is there a set made just for this application?
Stock 1977 4 speed manual.
I do not run my wires under the headers... I prefer to run them up and above.
So in general, I need much shorter wires.
What advice do you have?
Can you buy them individually at specified lengths... or is there a set made just for this application?
Stock 1977 4 speed manual.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I bought a set similar to this: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-31193/
You route like you want and cut to fit. I've had them for about 4 years with no issues.
You route like you want and cut to fit. I've had them for about 4 years with no issues.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 297
Likes: 9
From: Holiday Shores IL
The MSD Super Conductor wires are great.
I've used them on several cars.
You can prevent headaches by buying a crimping/striping tool.
I've got one very similar to this one.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilmar-CRIMPIN.../dp/B000N31ZEE
They make some really expensive crimper/strippers, but the one above works fine.
You will notice the wire in the MSD wires is spiral wound. When you go to strip the silicone insulator off, be careful not to allow the spiral wire to start unraveling. I mainly noticed this when doing a coil wire. It seems like if you strip off the one end, everything goes smooth, but the other end the spiral wire can start coming off. It's been a few years since I made a set, so details are sketchy.
I've used them on several cars.
You can prevent headaches by buying a crimping/striping tool.
I've got one very similar to this one.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilmar-CRIMPIN.../dp/B000N31ZEE
They make some really expensive crimper/strippers, but the one above works fine.
You will notice the wire in the MSD wires is spiral wound. When you go to strip the silicone insulator off, be careful not to allow the spiral wire to start unraveling. I mainly noticed this when doing a coil wire. It seems like if you strip off the one end, everything goes smooth, but the other end the spiral wire can start coming off. It's been a few years since I made a set, so details are sketchy.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Those custom fit sets never fit how you want them to anyway. Just get a set that you cut to your own size. I have done this on multiple cars and they work just fine. As said above just be careful stripping the wires.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Grants Pass Oregon
I would like to install a set of wires that are shorter than the oem sizes.
I do not run my wires under the headers... I prefer to run them up and above.
So in general, I need much shorter wires.
What advice do you have?
Can you buy them individually at specified lengths... or is there a set made just for this application?
Stock 1977 4 speed manual.
I do not run my wires under the headers... I prefer to run them up and above.
So in general, I need much shorter wires.
What advice do you have?
Can you buy them individually at specified lengths... or is there a set made just for this application?
Stock 1977 4 speed manual.
Good luck
Last edited by 78 silver 78; Feb 16, 2011 at 12:46 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
I got a set of Taylor cut to fit wires and they are really nice. Get a set of looms from a place called made for you, summit or jegs sells them, can't remember which one. Very nice looms and wire seperators. Just make sure when you cut the wires you only cut the insulation and not the wire core, I used a razor blade. And, what ever you do, do not assemble the ends like they tell you in the instructions. You will, I repeat will, go through every 4 letter word in the book and probably invent a few new ones. Cut the wire to length, strip the insulation, crimp on the end and then slip the boot on over the assembly. Have a can of WD-40 handy. Takes a couple hours but they turn out nice.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i got mine from Summit and they are the MSD red ones and they are over the valve cover type and they fit fine. i cant recall but one was either too short or too long so i called MSD and they sent me another one the size that i needed.
