Anyone in here use the Callaway wires??? how is the quality?


Trev

 

Apparently, Trev, Callaway UHC-8 ignition wires are one of those "best kept secrets". We're much better at engineering than at marketing. We've never advertised these wire sets.

Working from the inner core out, the wire is manufactured with a Kevlar core for high tensile strength. Then, a metallic conductor is helically wrapped around the core. The conductor is engineered with the proper combination of resistance and inductance to provide maximum spark energy transmission with minimum electromagnetic radiation. EMI can raise havoc with electronics. Next, a layer of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is extruded over the conductor for its exceptional protection against high voltage leakage. A layer of fiberglass braiding is woven over this insulation to increase mechanical strength, then a layer of high temperature blue silicone is extruded over the braid. Most ignition wire designs call it quits here. We go on to install a length of silicone impregnated fiberglass sleeving to increase temperature and high voltage performance. The sleeving is sealed at both ends with Callaway branded shrink sleeve. High temperature silicone boots cover the corrosion resistant stainless steel locking terminals.

The picture below was taken before we started printing "CALLAWAY" on the shrink sleeve.

 

That looks like its sold me, when I need a new set, I guess I know what I'll be getting.

 

Nice looking wires. Think I have found my next set too.

 

Spark Plug wires WILL NOT add any HP or TQ. Doesn't matter what or who builds them! PERIOD! Your OEM wires are just as good as $1000 wires as far as Horsepower is concerned if they are working as designed. The only thing aftermarket wires should offer over OEM wires is quality! For the money, the GM high performance red wires are an excellent choice and don't cost much. I think there like $40. a set.
Another good choice are MAGNACORE's. There more expensive but fit and quality are excellent and have all the built in goodies that are advertised by the Callaway wires. Look for heat rejection outer covers, boots that fit well and metal connectors in the boots that snap tight on the plug and coil tower. Most all of the wires offered for LS series engines are spiral wound wires. Even the stock OEM wires.

I have LT Stainless Works headers and find that the OEM heat shields work well to protect the boots. The GM red wires and magnacores both fit in the OEM heat shields.

How much are these new Callaway wires??

BC

 

BC,
You're absolutely correct: As long as the OEM wires are functioning properly, there is no horsepower advantage to replacing them in a stock Corvette.

However, when you modify your engine, increasing cylinder pressure by supercharging or increasing turbulence in the combustion chamber by modifying port design (ported heads) or changing valve timing (cam change), you effectively increase the voltage required to initiate an arc at the spark plug gap as well as the current required to sustain the arc.

As the engine modifications get more radical, the conditions at the spark gap become more demanding on the entire ignition system. This is one reason why the OEM ignition wires aren't used in racing applications. The "quality" difference you mention provided by the materials and construction used in aftermarket wires, boots, and connectors serves to maximize combustion quality and prevent horsepower loss. Some also install aftermarket wire sets on stock or mildly modified as insurance against spark energy loss. Still others install them for their non-OEM appearance.

Also, not all spiral wound wire conductors are created equal. Wire material composition, conductor diameter, pitch angle, turns per inch all affect the wire's electrical properties, and performance.

The Callaway UHC-8 wire sets are priced at $95.

 

Well thanks for the info i will be buying a set this week can i call and ask for you? name please thanks talk to you soon.

Trev

 

860-434-9002
Mike V.