Time to replace plug wires?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 1
From: Port Charlotte FL
Time to replace plug wires?
Today I removed the Corvette fuel rail covers to check for a head casting number on my 97' which I believe to be 806. I noticed on the passenger side front coil pack the wire was hanging half off. I pulled the wire out from the coil and there was something plastic or ceramic around the metal that was crumbling and falling out. I stuck the wire back on and started the car, it seemed to run as always. I pulled the 2nd wire off and same thing happened, the insert fell apart. Stuck it back on and it still seemed to run the same. I know it's time for new wires, who has the best price on the red MSD wires either in store or online? Are these the best wires to get, or what should I purchase? Also is it okay to still drive the car for now with the wires like this? It has never thrown any codes, so my guess is it is still firing on all cylinders? It would throw a code if not right? Thanks guys....
Last edited by 1sickz51vette; Jul 28, 2013 at 05:23 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Ummm... Yea... Regardless, it's time to replace the wires. At best - that is corrosion that you are seeing fall out. (not sure what insert there is to drop out). Could come out as white powder or chunks.
Summit's a great place to get a good deal.
You wont necessarily have a code if your not completely missing. Most every one of us have had plug wire issues/loose at some point and it mainly just causes a rough idle and some lag in power.
Summit's a great place to get a good deal.
You wont necessarily have a code if your not completely missing. Most every one of us have had plug wire issues/loose at some point and it mainly just causes a rough idle and some lag in power.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 1
From: Port Charlotte FL
Hmmm the stuff that came out appeared to be a white plastic piece around the metal prong that was dry rotted or whatever. Hope that wasn't all corrosion lol, it felt like old brittle plastic that I tapped out from the boot literally.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,385
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
When I get home tonight, I'll look for a pic of my coil, sort of the same thing happened. I replaced my coil cause it looked like crap also. The plug wire has 2 layers of metal making the connector and the inner one went away. Was thinking it was not secured correctly for long time.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The GM Red Performance wires are OUTSTANDING and fit and perform flawlesly. They are extremely will constructed and will last a very long time if proper care is used when removing them.
You will find that plugs and wires will NOT increase performance. Purchase wires for quality, fit and longivity. The GM Performance Red wires fill that bill 100% They also utilize the factory heat shields on the plug boot!
They are around $56 at GM Parts House.
www.gmpartshouse.com Contact Gene or Patrick
Bill
You will find that plugs and wires will NOT increase performance. Purchase wires for quality, fit and longivity. The GM Performance Red wires fill that bill 100% They also utilize the factory heat shields on the plug boot!
They are around $56 at GM Parts House.
www.gmpartshouse.com Contact Gene or Patrick
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 243
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The OEM coil-wire terminals are constructed in a similar manner. Best I can tell, they are to assist in the insertion into the coil (nylon has a natural lubricity) and they also help retain the terminal inside the coil. That (and the metal snapping over the end of the plug) is where the "double-click" comes from when snapping the coil end of the wire into the coil.
The Chevrolet Performance Parts (formerly "GM Performance Parts") red wires are good wires for the money.
HTH
Last edited by LoneStarFRC; Jul 29, 2013 at 06:09 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 243
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
GM part #12495519
A LOT less expensive elsewhere, like less than $60.00/set
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...rts-house.html
If you look at the :Genuine GM C5 Tune-Up Items: in the link you will see GMPP red spark plug wire set – $60.88
||--Genuine GM C5 Tune-Up Items--||
12495519 – GMPP red spark plug wire set – $60.88
12621258 – GM AC Delco Iridium spark plugs – $6.43 each
10287788 – 97 & 98 fuel filter – $13.09
19239926 – 99 – 04 fuel filter/pressure regulator – $81.88
25042562 – 97 – 04 air filter – $13.04
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 319
Likes: 13
From: Macomb Michigan
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Bill Curlee, your knowledge of C5 is fantastic. I have had this ? for a long time. I have a 99 6mm with 142,000 miles. I am the original owner. Car is total stock. My ? is, I have 100,000 miles on the second set of AC Iridium plugs and still have the ORIGINAL plug wires installed. Previously you stated that you will probably not notice any increase in performance or mileage. Why then is there so much attention to replacing plugs and wires? Further, my car starts on the first hit. runs great and gets great mileage. My ? is should I replaced plugs and wires ? If yes, why. I am not arguing, but really looking for a reason. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
THE BIG GUY !
THE BIG GUY !