Plug and Wire Questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,110
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From: Andover MA
Cruise-In I Veteran
Plug and Wire Questions
I just replaced the factory plugs/wires with the NGK TR55s and MSD wires on my '98 coupe. I gapped the plugs at .055 and used a little anti-seize to put them in. Hooked up the wires and everything seems fine. The engine runs very smooth.
The MSD wires don't have any heat shields like the stock GMs. Do they need any special shielding or will they be fine without?
Is it correct to use some anti-seize on the plugs?
What about dielectric grease on the wires?
Thanks guys!
The MSD wires don't have any heat shields like the stock GMs. Do they need any special shielding or will they be fine without?
Is it correct to use some anti-seize on the plugs?
What about dielectric grease on the wires?
Thanks guys!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,104
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From: "In a van down by the river" CO
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (mshipon)
You have done everything correct..........except:
The heat sheilds on the old wires pull off with little effort and you should be able to put them on the MSD's. Nice job and glad you're happy with the results.
The heat sheilds on the old wires pull off with little effort and you should be able to put them on the MSD's. Nice job and glad you're happy with the results.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Andover MA
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (lowdowndirty)
The heat sheilds on the old wires pull off with little effort and you should be able to put them on the MSD's.
Do you really need them with the MSDs? Do most people use coolsox (sp?) or something similar? Is this a non-issue and I shouldn't worry about it?
Le Mans Master
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From: Poway CA
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Re: Plug and Wire Questions (mshipon)
I don't have first hand experience, but from what I've read, you should be fine as long as you don't have headers.
I re-used the stock shields on my GM hotwires - they fit perfectly.
I re-used the stock shields on my GM hotwires - they fit perfectly.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,110
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From: Andover MA
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (SDVette)
I re-used the stock shields on my GM hotwires - they fit perfectly.
Pro
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 740
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From: Chelmsford, MA USA
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (mshipon)
Hi Martin:
Glad to hear that the plugs/wires went in ok. I have asked the same question regarding anti-seize on the plugs. I was told that you should not use anti-seize because since the heads are aluminum, there is a chance that the plug can be over torqued and actually "stretch" too far into the head. I'm not sure I really buy into this. I also was told buy a mechanic I trust that if you only use a small amount of anti-seize (don't over do it), and torque the plug correctly you will be fine. Anyone else?
Have fun tomorrow night at the final cruise night. See you Sunday (pls no rain) at the Harvest of Vettes show:auto:
Bob
[Modified by Bob Hovey, 3:51 PM 9/9/2003]
Glad to hear that the plugs/wires went in ok. I have asked the same question regarding anti-seize on the plugs. I was told that you should not use anti-seize because since the heads are aluminum, there is a chance that the plug can be over torqued and actually "stretch" too far into the head. I'm not sure I really buy into this. I also was told buy a mechanic I trust that if you only use a small amount of anti-seize (don't over do it), and torque the plug correctly you will be fine. Anyone else?
Have fun tomorrow night at the final cruise night. See you Sunday (pls no rain) at the Harvest of Vettes show:auto:
Bob
[Modified by Bob Hovey, 3:51 PM 9/9/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,074
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From: Marietta ga
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (Bob Hovey)
Ahem, idiot-boy here. I need to know what advantages these plugs and wires have over stock. Piece of mind? Extending the life of the engine? Real performance gains? Thanks.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,110
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From: Andover MA
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (Sparticus)
Ahem, idiot-boy here. I need to know what advantages these plugs and wires have over stock. Piece of mind? Extending the life of the engine? Real performance gains? Thanks.
I guess it's different strokes for different folks... some like all stock and others, like myself, try to replace stock with what's supposed to be slightly higher quality.
Martin
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,104
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From: "In a van down by the river" CO
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (mshipon)
1) You should be fine w/o the heat sheilds. Just check the boots every once in a awhile for "crisping." I have a stroked SBC in another car w/ headers and the MSD's and have yet to have a problem.
2) If you use a small amount of anti-sieze and snug the plugs, you will be fine; Just don't overtighten the plugs, this is what causes problems, regardless if you use anti-sieze or not.
3) Have fun. Chris
2) If you use a small amount of anti-sieze and snug the plugs, you will be fine; Just don't overtighten the plugs, this is what causes problems, regardless if you use anti-sieze or not.
3) Have fun. Chris
Le Mans Master
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From: Slave to the evil empire
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St. Jude Donor '04
Re: Plug and Wire Questions (mshipon)
What about dielectric grease on the wires?
You should be ok without the heatshields as long as you have the stock exhaust, if you put headers on the car then make sure you go with cool sox. :cheers:
