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Plug wires are getting burned

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Old Sep 12, 2002 | 09:40 PM
  #1  
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Default Plug wires are getting burned

I have a problem with the header coming into contact with plug wire boot on the front cylinder on the drive side.

I just installed the MSD Super Conductor 8.5 with the variable angle boot. I also bought the DEI heat shield (6 inch heat resistance fabric) that goes over the boot.

With the new wires and variable angle boot, I can get some clearance from the header, but not much. If I put the heat shield on the boot, the shield is bulky and will rest against the header. According to the directions, this is a no no.

I put them all on and let it idle from a cold start for 5 minutes or so. I pulled off the boot and the heat shield is browning a little already. I pulled it off and looked at the boot and the boot is looks like it is browning as well.

My question is this. Am I better off without the heat shield since there is some clearance? Since the heat shield is resting against the header is it just going to transmit heat to the boot and melt it away as well?

The heat shield is supposedly good up to 1200 degrees. How hot does that header get?

Thanks
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Old Sep 12, 2002 | 09:44 PM
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (hudman)

Many of us have had to dent in one or more of our header tubes so that this doesn't happen. just enough to allow the air flow oaver and around the tubes ie. 1/4" or so.


[Modified by gdh, 8:46 PM 9/12/2002]
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Old Sep 12, 2002 | 10:15 PM
  #3  
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (hudman)

:seeya I use "Jacob Electronics" 8.8 Hi-Performance Ignition Wires. :yesnod: They have Ceramic Boots :D :yesnod: :cheers: :cool:
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Old Sep 12, 2002 | 11:20 PM
  #4  
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (gdh)

This header has been dented. Obviously, just not enough. It is OK for the stock style small boots. It kills these bigger boots though.
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Old Sep 13, 2002 | 12:05 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (hudman)

I am going to ditch the heat sleeve. Without it, it looks like I have 1/4 inch or so.

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Old Sep 13, 2002 | 12:14 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (hudman)

use bosch platinum sparkplugs...

they are smaller than acdelcos and others and allow more clearance for headers...

along with dynomax ceramicoats, the heat is reduced...

i am running the above setup with NO heat shields and i NEVER have any toasty plug wires.

:cheers:
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Old Sep 13, 2002 | 01:24 AM
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (hudman)

It sounds like you went through all the steps that I did to make the wires work. Now, I also use the Jacobs ceramic plugs. Not cheap, about $190 per set. But I replaced two sets of MSD wires within a couple months, that's not cheap either. The Jacobs have worked perfectly and if you buy through them, they are guaranteed for life no matter what.

The MSD wires do have a little less resistance, but I still made 483rwhp with them. Burned insulators will cost you more power even if the wires are slightly better!

Chuck
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Old Sep 13, 2002 | 09:34 AM
  #8  
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Default Re: Plug wires are getting burned (daily_driver)

Accel also make a short plug...every little bit helps :cheers:
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