Series of Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1974ChevyC10 · 12-27-2002, 04:20 PM

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

c10scotty · 12-27-2002, 04:46 PM

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

BigRed · 12-27-2002, 05:39 PM

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.

SCOTI · 12-27-2002, 05:58 PM

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.

Tom · 12-27-2002, 11:10 PM

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.

**swervin ervin** · 12-27-2002, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom
MSD wires stink in terms of durability too.

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

neonlarry · 12-28-2002, 01:42 AM

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.

**swervin ervin** · 12-28-2002, 02:00 AM

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.

*mike reeh* · 12-28-2002, 01:52 PM

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

*1FaastC10* · 12-28-2002, 02:52 PM

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.

**swervin ervin** · 12-28-2002, 05:55 PM

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.

Big Paul · 12-28-2002, 06:34 PM

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

Tom · 12-28-2002, 07:46 PM

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.

**swervin ervin** · 12-28-2002, 08:01 PM

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.

I say run whatever makes you happy.

**swervin ervin** · 12-28-2002, 08:02 PM

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

12-27-2002, 04:20 PM	#1
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	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 __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

12-27-2002, 04:46 PM	#2
c10scotty ~THE SILVER BULLET~ Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYOMING Posts: 285	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 __________________ ~1980 c10 chevy scottsdale~ ~2.5/4 drop 305/th350c~

12-27-2002, 05:39 PM	#3
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	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. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

12-27-2002, 05:58 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	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. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-27-2002, 11:10 PM	#5
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	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. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

12-28-2002, 01:42 AM	#7
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,745	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. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

12-28-2002, 02:00 AM	#8
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	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. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

12-28-2002, 01:52 PM	#9
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 683	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

12-28-2002, 02:52 PM	#10
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	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.

12-28-2002, 05:55 PM	#11
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	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. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

12-28-2002, 06:34 PM	#12
Big Paul Iamnotanofficerofthelaw Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Turlock, California Posts: 352	Just buy stock wires jeeez. :p Accels do suck btw. __________________ ~Paul~ '96 C1500 Silverado- Vortec 5.0L/Exhaust/Stock '87 S-10 Ext Cab- 2.8L/700r4 KIA Caught fire 12/7/03

12-28-2002, 07:46 PM	#13
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	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. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

12-28-2002, 08:01 PM	#14
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	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. I say run whatever makes you happy. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

12-28-2002, 08:02 PM	#15
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Oh, and I do agree with you on one thing at least. The Accel wires are junk. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10



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