Correct plugs for headers.

[veinbar]

I bought Accel plugs model: 576S... (appx 3/4'' shorter then oem)

I have added Flowtech Longtube headers to my 350ci and have managed to burn two wires and ruin two plugs. I'm hoping that these plugs with new wires will solve the problem. Anyone else have this problem? How did you remedy the issue?

[PRattenbury]

I used 45 degree plugs. Hard to find, and expensive. But worth it. Gotta have the 45 degree socket to put em in. Snap-On.

[veinbar]

Are you serious? I can't even find a picture of a 45 degree plug. Is this a product that actually exists? Is this like "Changing the Horn Fluid" and "replacing the muffler bearings"? Ha ha...

[HTX86chevy]

lol, u guys are hilarious...... I believe they make some sort of sleeves for the wires that prevent them from burning/melting. I think they are a bit pricey though.
I am also in need of a solution to this because I've noticed that mine are getting a bit burned also.

[PRattenbury]

Actually the best I've done is use 90 degree boots on the ends of the plug wire to direct the wire away from hot header tubes. That's what I have on my engine now if I recall correctly. And using those clips to group the wires together where necessary helps. But honestly headers sometimes cause more problems than the gains they provide. That is to say they aren't worth it. But I have them on my truck. They are a pain to get the exhaust hooked up right with good clearances, they wreck starter motors and plug wires. They are more prone to leak exhaust and cause strange noises. But they help the engine breathe. And they look cool. It's a trade off. Not sure it's all that good, though.

[85sierraclassic]

im not sure what headers i have, thinking older headmans/ mr gaskets and havent had any problems running stock plugs and 90* wires and there really pretty close in spots like within 1/2 inch and no problems so far.

[RandyP]

They make a little boot you put on the end of the wire to keep them from burning against the headers. They are not cheap, but you won't be dropping wires every few days either.

[veinbar]

I have 90* plug wires, shorter plugs, and i'll invest in the heat sleeves. That should do the trick. I'll install it all tonight and take a pick. Plugs in Cylinders 3 and 4 w/ 90* wires and stock plugs are phyicall touching the headers. These are the wires I burned up and the plugs that fowled out. I hope I can put this to rest, I have a lengthy road trip this weekend.

[hotrod_991]

i just use header plugs and 90*boots. I( use autolight plugs) Do not refomend the accel header plugs because for some reason they use a removable conductor on the boot end that always comes un screwed

[Pyrotechnic]

I haven't found a perfect set of headers for these trucks. I've tried the cheap ones, they all use the same design no matter what company you buy them from. The collectors point out at funny angles. The flanges are thin and warp easily. Plug #3 clearance is awful. Best thing you can do is dimple the tube there but even then you might still burn the boots. I made a heat shield for the boot out of old beer cans, made it several layers thick.

I got a set of Headman Elite headers later, these are much better and have their own unique design. The collectors are bigger and are located just right. Thick flanges, good plug clearance. The only issue that is plug #5 access and clearance is not awesome, but it's a better situation than the cheap headers, I use a combination of the fabric boot guards and a heat shield I made out of sheet metal for #5.

For any set of headers, I recommend the fabric boot guards/sleeves to help the wires last longer because headers throw out way more heat than manifolds.

[veinbar]

Originally Posted by hotrod_991

i just use header plugs and 90*boots. I( use autolight plugs) Do not refomend the accel header plugs because for some reason they use a removable conductor on the boot end that always comes un screwed

Do you remember the part number for the Autolite header plugs? Does AC Delco make a header plug for our year trucks?

[hotrod_991]

i think so ill go out to the garage and take a look at em

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Yea I just am running 90* boots and regular plug wires no major problems yet thank god! I might look into the boot protectors those are cool. I got some random headers on my '79 and nice set of hooker comps on my '88 they are awesome

[slugish]

Wrapped my wires with header wrap >secured with cable ties > lot cheaper than those pricy boots. Also wrapped my starter with header wrap , but that was a pain in the xxxxxxx.