"Cut to fit" plug wires a bad idea???

[Steve Cole]

I bought a set of billet wire looms for my SBC 350 and now my plug wires are too short. I noticed the "cut to fit" wires come with a stripper/crimper included and is supposed to give good results but I am very skeptical. If I can't get "factory like results" then I'll pass. Does anyone have experience with these do it yourself spark plug wire kits? What were your results?

Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Bill Houghton]

I haven't used them for years - the kits I got back when I used them didn't come with crimpers. The ones I used...well, I don't use them anymore if that gives you any idea. Ask about warranty. I'm on my second set of "lifetime warranty" plugs on my little Volvo because the insulators fell apart. It took a little, but minimal, discussion with the parts house to get the replacement set free. That's worth spending a little more for.

[cdowns]

i have been using taylor cut to fit for many years and quite a few different types of motors// having good tools to do the job and planing everything well b4 cutting anything and you can end up with a nice clean troublefree job that lasts and looks great for years and years

[Lee H]

With a quality set of cut to fit like Taylor or MSD you can get very good results that fit your set up correctly. The last few years I've been buying MSD wire, boots, and terminals in bulk and making my own. A quality crimper is a must.
Posted via Mobile Device

[prostreetC-10]

Just bought a set of Taylors. It really IS the ONLY way to go. The manufacturers really don't know what your exact engine config is. The only way to mount them really clean and out of harms way is when you decide each length.

[elf w/capital T]

Oh wow, I've never noticed that they come with the crimpers, maybe thats why they where so pricey for the 8mm...??

[Longhorn 70]

I just installed a set of cut to fit MSD wires. It took about 45 minutes to measure, cut, and install. Haven't run them through the hops, yet.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Lattimer]

Cut to fit is the only way to go. Otherwise you always wind up with a bunch too long and at least one way too short and it looks like hell.

[Chvy2NV]

Where are the available in bulk?

Originally Posted by Lee H

With a quality set of cut to fit like Taylor or MSD you can get very good results that fit your set up correctly. The last few years I've been buying MSD wire, boots, and terminals in bulk and making my own. A quality crimper is a must.
Posted via Mobile Device

Posted via Mobile Device

[Steve Cole]

Who sells the Taylor wires? Do they come with a crimper or do I need to buy one? If so, any recommendations on brands? Thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Who sells the Taylor wires? Do they come with a crimper or do I need to buy one? If so, any recommendations on brands? Thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

I just bought a set of the Jegs branded 8mm wires. They don't come with a crimper, but I already have one. Nice wires, look good, and came in various configurations. I like how they came with some extra ends and wire numbering tabs to put on the wires.

I've used the no-name auto parts store brands several times with zero issues as well.

If you are not building a race engine, I don't see the need for high $$$$ wires. Mine will get changed every few years anyways, and will probably have less than 30k miles on them by then.

[68gmsee]

I've used them before with no problems after I installed. I did have a little trouble pushing the cable thru the rubber boot. Dielectric grease makes it easy to push through.

As cdowns mentioned, a good set of crimpers and cutters are helpful.

[Steve Cole]

Sounds like I need a good set of crimpers; any recommendations?
Posted via Mobile Device

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

I bought a set of billet wire looms for my SBC 350 and now my plug wires are too short. I noticed the "cut to fit" wires come with a stripper/crimper included and is supposed to give good results but I am very skeptical. If I can't get "factory like results" then I'll pass. Does anyone have experience with these do it yourself spark plug wire kits? What were your results?

Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

If you have an HEI you might try the '76 Corvette wire set. They are longer.

LockDoc

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Sounds like I need a good set of crimpers; any recommendations?
Posted via Mobile Device

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-35051/

These are the ones I have Steve. They are pricey but work great.

[JointTech]

use dish soap on the boots. they say to use some dialectric grease to help them slide over the ends. BS!! my fingers still hurt from that nightmare. I used dish soap on the last 3 and they tool about 2 minutes vs 45.

[Darren MagooGardner]

what color wires came on a 72 c10? black?

[CC69Rat]

Here's my 'Cut to Fit' wires. This is the first set I have ever done and honestly I will never buy another pre-fit kit. This is the only way to go. Just take your time and a nice set of crimpers / razor blade and you'll be fine.

Billet Specialties wire looms btw..

[Lee H]

Originally Posted by Chvy2NV

Where are the available in bulk?

Posted via Mobile Device

Summit Racing.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ulakovic22]

Cut to fit is the only way to go, very easy. You just need a vice for the kits that come with a crimper. Very easy to install, I used a little WD and it was easy. Hardest part is trying to figure out how to route them so they look great.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Here's my 'Cut to Fit' wires. This is the first set I have ever done and honestly I will never buy another pre-fit kit. This is the only way to go. Just take your time and a nice set of crimpers / razor blade and you'll be fine.

Billet Specialties wire looms btw..

That is very nice and I like the wire looms. Very clean work.

I have a question about the photo. On the fuel line to the carb, it looks like there is teflon tape around the nuts to the carb? If that is true, you don't need teflon tape there. Those are flare nuts and don't require any additional sealer. This will give you a major headache in the future if the teflon tape works it way into the carb. I may be wrong in what I see but thought I would mention it.

Sorry to hack the thread and get off subject.

[CC69Rat]

^^ Not sure actually. The line was in the carb when I bought it, I'll definitely check it though. Good eye Thanks man.

[Bill Houghton]

Glad to hear the cut to fit wires have improved so much since I last bought some. I'll withdraw my earlier comment.

[Chvy2NV]

I picked up a set of MSD 8mm Street Fire CTF. $50 bucks at PepBoys and they brought some type of plastic crimper. I haven't open the box yet. Get some pics in a few.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Darren MagooGardner]

Originally Posted by Chvy2NV

I picked up a set of MSD 8mm Street Fire CTF. $50 bucks at PepBoys and they brought some type of plastic crimper. I haven't open the box yet. Get some pics in a few.
Posted via Mobile Device

I bought the same set today from Auto Zone that were only 29.00. First thing I noticed was they had been previously bought and returned and put back on the shelf. Someone had started crimping then returned them. I will be returning them tomorrow.
How else do you use a HEI upgrade and still route the wires factory style?? I assume you cant buy a set for a 72 c10 with both ends correct and the correct length??