Why MSD wires suck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
I ran the MSD 8.5s for 3 years with KOOKS LTs and never had an issue, burn, crack, failure.However I use the stock heat sheild boots. As a matter of fact I used the GM red wires in my most recent rebuild becuase I figured why not get new wires for the new motor, and a friend had a new set for sale on the cheap. After two years I had one of the GM red wires split and crack on the top side...nowhere near the headers. I ended up throwing my now 5 year old (about 30k miles) MSD wires back on the car and they still perform and look great after another 3 years and 20k miles. The MSD 8.5 wires are great wires when installed correctly...period.
It's probably time to replace mine after 8 years and 50k miles. Looks like I have another car product to put on my Christmas list... a few items down from the supercharger.
It's probably time to replace mine after 8 years and 50k miles. Looks like I have another car product to put on my Christmas list... a few items down from the supercharger.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,781
Likes: 14
From: Phoenixville, PA
An update - the GMPP boots cracked too. The track is harsh.
So, when running either of these wires on a road course, but sure to use some type of heat shielding around the boots (at least w/stock manifolds).
So, when running either of these wires on a road course, but sure to use some type of heat shielding around the boots (at least w/stock manifolds).
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
I just ordered a set of the MSD wires. I have a totally stock set-up.
Don't you re-use the metal heat shields that go over the plugs??? or do they get distroyed when you remove them for the first time. Do I need to order the 700 deg heat shields as well --- I didn't thinking I would re-use the metal cans.
Don't you re-use the metal heat shields that go over the plugs??? or do they get distroyed when you remove them for the first time. Do I need to order the 700 deg heat shields as well --- I didn't thinking I would re-use the metal cans.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,781
Likes: 14
From: Phoenixville, PA
I should clarify - the wires are fine, it is the regular boots.
There are now higher temp boots available, including ceramic.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral Florida
I ran the factory wires for 60k. Now on my second set of autolite 7mm wires with zero problems. I changed them at 60k and then 100k. might not be the best but lifetime warranty so 2nd set was free. never noticed any differance in power or idle after new wires installed. ran iridiums plugs for 100k just changed them havent started up car yet. Just my .02 I reuse the metal sheilds seems like a good idea.
Last edited by superjet701k; Aug 29, 2012 at 10:32 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
I just ordered a set of the MSD wires. I have a totally stock set-up.
Don't you re-use the metal heat shields that go over the plugs??? or do they get distroyed when you remove them for the first time. Do I need to order the 700 deg heat shields as well --- I didn't thinking I would re-use the metal cans.
Don't you re-use the metal heat shields that go over the plugs??? or do they get distroyed when you remove them for the first time. Do I need to order the 700 deg heat shields as well --- I didn't thinking I would re-use the metal cans.
I Cant believe there's a thread on MSD wires sucking! Mine do not contact the stock manifold or the BBK headers I put on recently. MSD has been great quality for countless vehicles I have messed with.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 911
Likes: 27
From: Southern IL
I ran the factory wires for 60k. Now on my second set of autolite 7mm wires with zero problems. I changed them at 60k and then 100k. might not be the best but lifetime warranty so 2nd set was free. never noticed any differance in power or idle after new wires installed. ran iridiums plugs for 100k just changed them havent started up car yet. Just my .02 I reuse the metal sheilds seems like a good idea.
Right now I am running MSD 8.5mm wires and they have been great so far.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral Florida
This is probably fine for a stock set up with the heat shields. When you get aftermarket headers installed...all of a sudden it becomes a big deal with what wire set up you go with. I tried 2 different brands (I think 7mm Autolite was the first one I tried) and each one didn't last 500 miles with my Kooks headers.
Right now I am running MSD 8.5mm wires and they have been great so far.
Right now I am running MSD 8.5mm wires and they have been great so far.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,439
Likes: 405
From: Portland OR
Ron
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
