MSD Build your own spark plug wires

[FLcustom10]

I bought a set of MSD spark plug wires 'cut to fit' part # 5553 because I wanted to run them and make it look as tidy as possible. Afterwards I read on the forum where most guys prefer Taylors, but I already had these so I gave it a try. I was shocked to see that there was no instruction booklet with them.

I did find this youtube video, but it went kind of fast for me.

Build your own MSD Spark Plug wires - YouTube

This thread is to help other people like me that might be struggling with it, and also for you to offer any advice on what I may need to improve on.

They come with two sets of terminals for the distributor and you have to choose between a large standard terminal and small dual crimp terminal. Best I could tell the dual crimp version is for HEI. They also come with two sets of boots. I used the smaller boot for the dual crimp terminal.

[FLcustom10]

They also come with this mini-stripper-crimper device. Once you've cut your wire to fit, you insert it in the device to the first mark for HEI, all the way for standard and cut while rotating the wire. Use some dielectric grease to put the boot on the wire first, then for the dual-crimp terminals go ahead and bend the corners in a little bit with some needle-nose pliers and then position it over the wire.

[FLcustom10]

Tighten them with needle nosed pliers just enough so they will fit inside the supplied crimper tool and put the tool in a vise so that the tabs are on top. Press just until the plastic pieces come together snugly. The neck area also gets crimped around the wire. My ratcheting crimpers were too thick to fit in this area so I had to use a small set. I hope I did it right. I did not want to over-crimp. MSD sells a set of special crimpers for $80.00 but I wasn't going to pay that for one time use.

[eldogg]

I have a pair of ratcheting crimpers.(best money I ever spent) I like to spray WD40 in the boot before I put it on, then stretch it out with some needle nose pliers. I have a custom set to build tomorrow. I will take some pics and maybe some video if I have time.

[FLcustom10]

WD-40 would have helped! That boot was hard to slide even with the dielectric grease. I'll look forward to your pictures eldogg.

[FLcustom10]

Please let me know if you see something I've done wrong. I was 'winging' it.

[hayhauler71]

They look perfect You took your time and did a great job

[eldogg]

I've been slammed in the shop. Its hard to take pics and build wires at the same time lol, but I will have some help tommorrow. I was thinking I would do a how-to on my blog. What do you guys think???????

[FLcustom10]

Thanks hayhauler. Sounds good eldogg. I'll subscribe.

[eldogg]

How-to is up on my blog. Be sure to subscribe or comment. Link in sig.