Did a 2004 (non-Z) come from the factory with red GM wires, or black? Trying to figure out if mine have ever been changed. Got the car with 69k miles and runs great.

 

Anyone know how long these are good for? I have a feeling if I start pulling them off if they are original that they will come apart. Just changed the ones in my 2009 Avalanche today and broke three of em. And its a lot newer then the Vette.

 

$60 = peace of mind.
Pretty darn good chance you will ruin a few.

 

Unless you're doing work (heads, headers, etc) and the car's running fine, I'd just leave them. My 03 had black wires from the factory, and when I went to remove them for my header install, the boots were practically welded to the plugs. I destroyed 5 of the 8 wires getting them off. Car ran perfect before, and I would have left them if I wasn't doing the header install.

 

If you plan on doing ANYTHING with the wires,,, I would have a set of new ones on hand just to be safe. A Stock GM wire measures 250-750 OHMS end to end.

Gene Culley (CULTRAG PERFORMANCE ) has a new set of GM RED PERFORMANCE wires for around $65..

As much work as I do on C5s, I always keep a new set handy.. For the price, quality and proper FIT,, there the best wires I've found..

Do NOT purchase wires for a PERFORMANCE UP-GRADE.

Bill

 

Thank you for the referral Bill. I can't say enough to back up Bill's statement on spark plug wires. We have so many customers who buy aftermarket plug wires to upgrade and then end up with a ton of misfires.

Sticking with the GM wires is the best. If you're interested the red wires Bill recommends you can order them at the link below.

http://www.cultragfactoryparts.com/oe-gm/12495519

 

My '03, built about half way through the model year, has red spark plug wires on it and I did not put them on. The previous owner did not mention that he changed them either, so perhaps the car came that way from the factory.

 

My '03 Z which I bought new had black wires. When I installed LG headers, I also bought their wires. They have woven heat shielding built into the wires. They have worked well, but unfortunately they are a little on the expensive side. I paid around $120 for the set. They come in red orblack.

 

im using just basic replacement Bosch wires on my '03 Z for $30.. runs the same

 

You could run $19.99 Walmart special wires on it and it would run just as good. I not making fun of you. Its just the facts.

Ths SAD part is,, lessed quality wires:

- Wont fit on the plug and coil tower properly. Ive seen them POP OFF the coil tower and cause a misfire.
- The boots, wire outer covering and metal terminals inside the boots wont be the best quality. (see the fitment statement above)
- The conductor in the center of the wire usually is NOT a wire. Its either a carbon coated/empregneted ribbon or a spirial wound core. - On a higher quality sparkplug wire its a nickel plated or nickel wire that is spiral wound over a kevlar core.

If you have a lesser quality wire, it just wont stand up to the heat it usually wont fit the metal shields that the OEM wires come with.

There have been TOO MANY TO COUNT post and debates on spark plug wires. The OEM Red Performance wires are a really good bang for the buck and will last a long time and perform very well.

If you like the discount wires, Im not one that will berate you.

I just hope you report their OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY and your opinion on how durable they are during the long haul.

Bill

 

I'm running these as well. I just added them on an order since I needed to replace mine due to one of the many hacks of the previous owner. I'm satisfied with the quality and fitment of them.

 

04 Red Wires...

 

Thanks! No running issues, so I will sit tight. Reason I bring it up in the first place is the plugs in my 2009 Avalanche were toast at 75k miles. Vette is at 71k now. As I stated earlier, I broke a few of the Avalanches wires when changing plugs. Went with a Premium brand via Rockauto for $30. Fit like a glove (heat shields as well). I'll put the Reds on this one, but am in no hurry.