Series of Questions
 

ok guys got a series of questions for you?i just ordered some headers,mufflers and pipes from summit racing a little while ago to fix the screwed up exhaust system on my truck.my questions are what would you recommend in a good but shorter spark plug to use with headers?any recommendations on a cheap but good cure to keep the spark plug wires off the headers?im open to suggestions but im also on a budget so MSD stuff is at the time out of the question.thanks guys

the bosch platinum's i just bought were only 2 bucks each...i dont know about the length though. i dont think they were much of any shorter than the delco's it replaced

I installed new plugs when I installed my headers and they are standard AC Delco ones. The length is fine on them. Any standard plug should work well. Sorry I can't help on the short ones.

A/C makes a short plug but I believe it only comes in the platinum series (expensive). Accel also makes a shorty plug that's not too much $$ but not as widely available. Invest in some plug wire heat shielding if you think your going to be that close, but first put it all together & see if it's actually needed.

accel makes shorties, see em at checkers all the time. But I will never suggest an accel product to anyone.

As for in-exspensive wire holders, break out the safty wire bro.
What do you need MSD stuff for just to hold wires? MSD wires stink in terms of durability too.

Tell me why you think MSD wires stink. Have you ever had a set of them?

I have had a set of MSD wires on my truck since august, and they are holding up fine. The only thing I didn't like about them, is I got the cut to fit ones, and to get the terminals to stay on the wire, you have to buy their $75 crimping pliers. I tried the thing that came with the wires, but it didn't work well enough for them not to just come apart after a while. But, other than that I reall like them, and I wouldn't think twice about buying another set.

Larry,

I also have a set and wouldn't have any other wire. I used the little crimper/stripper tool that came in the set. Worked like a charm for me. Although, I do wish I had a set of their crimping pliers. They are nice indeed, but pricey as all get out. I may buy them one day just so I can say I have them. :)

I was only picking at Tom about the stinking thing he said. I bet he's never even owned a set of MSD wires.

i have a set of those spark plug boot boots that seem to be an asbestos material, on my truck. but you said inexpensive and unfortunately they cost about $80 or so for a set of 8. you can get them at Napa or in Summit racing. they are really nice though, thick, and do an xlnt job. Sometimes they are laying on the header and the wires dont burn. With a SBC w/ headers, I think you will always have a problem, due to the design and location of the spark plug and exhaust port


mike

i have never had a problem with headers and plugs interfering with each other, i've been through 3 sets of FlowTech headers, a set of Dynomax, and the Edelbrock TEMS on my TA.

I don't have a problem either, but of course the Edelbrock TES headers don't lend to running the wires over the top like normal. The A.I.R. tubes are in the way for one thing, and the header design won't let you. I run my wires under the headers. I have to say it's one of the cleanest looking setups I've ever had.

http://www.73-87.com/photos/engine/engine20.jpg

Just buy stock wires jeeez. :p Accels do suck btw.

When I put the new motor in my 79 I did a tune up too, new plugs, cap, rotor, etc. but I ran out of money to replace the wires. So I pulled the big $$$$ MSD's off my 78 and put them on the 79. In my haste I missed the fact one wire was lying on the manifold. 2 days later I had a wire with no insulation what so ever. Several other that wernt touching the manifold were lossing the rubber too. I couldnt belive it.

Now Ive had two sets of borg-warner wires, and on both sets several wires have been touching the manifolds/headers. None of the wires ever went bad from the heat. They never lost their insulation. They will get a small black spot, but remain bendable and un broken. Thats all I needed to concinve me.

To add to all that, one of the guys on CT posted a topic a while back. He bought several sets of wires and tested them at home. The accel wires were absolute junk [in terms of conductivity at least] the MSD's were good, but the cheapo borg-warners were at the top.

Well, IMO, it's not good to have a wire touching anything hot. If you can't keep them off the header, they will burn.

I'll keep my wires off my headers and also keep my MSD's, although they may be inferior to the Borg-Warners. :D

I say run whatever makes you happy.

Oh, and I do agree with you on one thing at least. The Accel wires are junk.