Plug wires does size matter
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 111
From: If your not the lead dog the view never changes Boise, Id
Plug wires does size matter
I have a basically stock 04 A4. The only mods are: cold air intake, cat back exhaust and performance tune ( Diablo tuner) I am going to change the plugs and wire in the next week or so. 7MM, 8.5MM, 10.2 MM, does size matter? Is there a draw back in going too big? Is there any benefit to thicker wire? Is there a size or brand I should stay away from?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Lots of C5 owners use the GMPP (GM Performance Parts) red wires. You can get them
or from other sources.
I've used AC Delco plugs in all of my GM cars; so for a basically stock engine, you can go with a AC Delco platinum plug or Iridium plug.
I've used AC Delco plugs in all of my GM cars; so for a basically stock engine, you can go with a AC Delco platinum plug or Iridium plug.
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
Lots of C5 owners use the GMPP (GM Performance Parts) red wires. You can get them here or from other sources.
I've used AC Delco plugs in all of my GM cars; so for a basically stock engine, you can go with a AC Delco platinum plug or Iridium plug.
I've used AC Delco plugs in all of my GM cars; so for a basically stock engine, you can go with a AC Delco platinum plug or Iridium plug.
You will gain ZERO HP for any wires that you buy. Look for QUALITY vs HYPE! The GM Performance RED wires are excellent quality and the hardware used to connect the wires to the plugs and coil towers fits properly.
There only $60 ish dollars for a set. You can go wrong with them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,834
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From: Brighton MI
The thicker plug wires are designed to handle the higher (significantly higher) voltage output of some aftermarket ignition systems. These systems are needed to fire the plugs in engines where cylinder pressure is so high that OEM ignition systems would struggle (or fail entirely) to fire the plugs. Typically you will find this on high hp FI or nitrous engines. Check out a top fuel nitro burner to see some serious plug wires! Completely unnecessary for a NA stock or mildly modified engine.
And that the red GM performance plug wires are a good choice...those are the wires I run. 
And
that the red GM performance plug wires are a good choice...those are the wires I run.
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
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 111
From: If your not the lead dog the view never changes Boise, Id
Thank all for the replies. Looks like I'll order the GMPP wires. Car is still running fine but it does have over 50000 on the plugs and 120000 on the wires.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Redondo Beach CA
I second the red GM wire.
Interestingly, electrons flow on the surface of the conductor, not through the middle, so it would appear a bigger wire would have to be, as mentioned, far different from stock to have any noticeable current advantage.
Interestingly, electrons flow on the surface of the conductor, not through the middle, so it would appear a bigger wire would have to be, as mentioned, far different from stock to have any noticeable current advantage.