Spark plug wires - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stepsider · 12-25-2013, 10:44 AM

I have a 350 motor, Headers & HEI. I have yet to find wires that are the right length for all the plugs. Most sets are for the factory setup. I don't want to cut, shorten, fit or what ever. I have went to a few stores to ask if I could buy single wires with a certain length, no luck. Any suggestion out there ? Would like to see some pictures how nice your wires look with headers.

**LockDoc** · 12-25-2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepsider

I have a 350 motor, Headers & HEI. I have yet to find wires that are the right length for all the plugs. Most sets are for the factory setup. I don't want to cut, shorten, fit or what ever. I have went to a few stores to ask if I could buy single wires with a certain length, no luck. Any suggestion out there ? Would like to see some pictures how nice your wires look with headers.

Read through this thread and see if it helps.... (read the whole thread)

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=387485

If you type the words "plug wires with headers" into the GOOGLE search box at the top of this page, click on the circle in front of "67-72chevytrucks.com" and click on the GOOGLE button you will find lots of threads on the subject. Just make sure the thread you are looking at refers to your style of truck. (Hits will include all years)

LockDoc

Lattimer · 12-25-2013, 11:03 AM

Best thing to do is suck it up and buy the "cut to fit" kit. Otherwise, nothing ever fits right.

68gmsee · 12-25-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lattimer

Best thing to do is suck it up and buy the "cut to fit" kit. Otherwise, nothing ever fits right.

Agree. With older vehcles and all the changes that are made to customize them, I doubt you're going to find what you're looking for unless you do it yourself (I've been there).

If you go this route be sure and get the proper tool to crimp the ends. Some crimping tools I've seen are less then $25 but there are better ones for less than $50. It's the way to go for a custom fit.

BugzC10 · 12-25-2013, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lattimer

Best thing to do is suck it up and buy the "cut to fit" kit. Otherwise, nothing ever fits right.

Agree...I went with Taylor cut to fit. Outstanding quality. They also sell a crimping block that makes the perfect crimp. As you can see in this picture I routed all the wires before cutting any to lenght.
Edit: the PO put on a decent looking set of Accel wires. With the 65k HEI the start up and performance of the Taylor wires was very noticeable.

Mt Airy · 12-25-2013, 11:38 AM

Motor is looking good !!!!!

pwdcougar · 12-25-2013, 12:11 PM

I've used Taylor wires on both of my Cougars and am really happy with the results. Summit has them for a pretty good price and they make lots of different colors from black to bright purple. This set has been on my modified Cougar for 16 years now.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1387987575

Sammy · 12-25-2013, 12:22 PM

Don't forget spending the extra bones for wire looms if you customize to fit. Sorta a pain at first but when you are done they stay neat and trouble free from then on.

DT1 · 12-25-2013, 12:43 PM

I went the Taylor cable, "Cut to Fit" route the last time I did my wires. Worked out pretty well but for some reason one of the boots burned after about a year. I just ordered a set of Moroso Mag-Tune wires. The distributor boots
come attached but you have to cut each wire to length and install the plug boot. I think this approach will work better because I can choose the type (Angle) of each plug boot and apply markers. All the boots are silicone so heat won't be so much of a problem and they're less expensive than Taylors.

Andy4639 · 12-25-2013, 12:53 PM

On my old 305 TPI motor I always asked for Camaro wires they seem to do pretty good. I always got the straight boot ones for HEI.

vidman · 12-25-2013, 01:54 PM

I ended up using the Taylor (cut to fit) wires. I used a friends crimper and i think they look good.

cool68 · 12-25-2013, 03:34 PM

search a site like summitracing.com - can find all types of plug wires, including individuals. when running headers I found Accel Extreme 9000 Ceramic Spark Plug Wire Set to work good.

watash · 12-25-2013, 04:29 PM

Look at www.magnecore.com. They are not cheep but they may fit your need.
Seems like the link is messing up, just type in magnecore wires.
try www.magnecor.com

airdale94 · 12-25-2013, 06:30 PM

Once you get the hang of cutting and crimping your own wires you won't want to use anything else.

hayhauler71 · 12-27-2013, 05:22 PM

taylor cut to fit

Lou Boffa · 01-01-2014, 05:22 PM

took the plunge and cut my own. Bought a good crimper. Worked like a charm

pwdcougar · 01-01-2014, 05:24 PM

What brand wires did you buy?

Paul

Lou Boffa · 01-01-2014, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

What brand wires did you buy?

Paul

bulk Taylor SPIRO PRO 8MM silicone..I believe from JEGS. I also ordered the 180 degree spark plug connectors (black) as well as the distributor jacks.
1 1 555-80570 CRIMPER W/SPARK PLUG DIE 41.99 41.99
1 1 895-46003 SPARK PLUG WIRE CONNECTOR 21.99 21.99
1 1 895-46057 90? SOCKET BOOT/TERMINALS 19.99

Loom came from Summitt.
Lou

pwdcougar · 01-01-2014, 06:11 PM

Looks great! Nice and neat.

Paul

BugzC10 · 01-01-2014, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lou Boffa

took the plunge and cut my own. Bought a good crimper. Worked like a charm

Wasn't so bad after all....came out looking great!

Longhorn 70 · 01-01-2014, 08:29 PM

Looks great!! Now I know where my gift card is going to.

I put mine under the headers and haven't had any issues. It just doesn't look....right.

burnin oil · 01-02-2014, 11:18 AM

I like them under the header. Depending one the headers it helps to keep from burning the wire. Also makes pulling the valve cover easy.

HSRACER · 01-02-2014, 11:34 AM

I run all mine in the Corvette position. They come up under the headers and alongside the block. GM made some nice cheap wire holders that bolt to the block that I use.

DT1 · 01-02-2014, 12:13 PM

I've been through this dilemma a few times before and I have to agree. The best way to get a clean fitting set of wires is to cut to length. A few months ago I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a good wire crimper. I got this one.

Amazon.com: ACCEL 170036 Wire Crimp Tool:...
I also got a set of Moroso 8mm cut to fit wires and last Saturday I finally built up my first set for the C10. It was actually quite a bit of fun building them with the proper tool. From now on, this is the only way I will ever do it.

12-25-2013, 10:44 AM	#1
stepsider Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 207	Spark plug wires I have a 350 motor, Headers & HEI. I have yet to find wires that are the right length for all the plugs. Most sets are for the factory setup. I don't want to cut, shorten, fit or what ever. I have went to a few stores to ask if I could buy single wires with a certain length, no luck. Any suggestion out there ? Would like to see some pictures how nice your wires look with headers.

12-25-2013, 11:03 AM	#3
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: Spark plug wires Best thing to do is suck it up and buy the "cut to fit" kit. Otherwise, nothing ever fits right. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881

12-25-2013, 11:38 AM	#6
Mt Airy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Mt Airy MD Posts: 59	Re: Spark plug wires Motor is looking good !!!!!

12-25-2013, 12:11 PM	#7
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,307	Re: Spark plug wires I've used Taylor wires on both of my Cougars and am really happy with the results. Summit has them for a pretty good price and they make lots of different colors from black to bright purple. This set has been on my modified Cougar for 16 years now. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1387987575 Attached Images __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

12-25-2013, 12:22 PM	#8
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Spark plug wires Don't forget spending the extra bones for wire looms if you customize to fit. Sorta a pain at first but when you are done they stay neat and trouble free from then on. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

12-25-2013, 12:43 PM	#9
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: Spark plug wires I went the Taylor cable, "Cut to Fit" route the last time I did my wires. Worked out pretty well but for some reason one of the boots burned after about a year. I just ordered a set of Moroso Mag-Tune wires. The distributor boots come attached but you have to cut each wire to length and install the plug boot. I think this approach will work better because I can choose the type (Angle) of each plug boot and apply markers. All the boots are silicone so heat won't be so much of a problem and they're less expensive than Taylors.

12-25-2013, 12:53 PM	#10
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Spark plug wires On my old 305 TPI motor I always asked for Camaro wires they seem to do pretty good. I always got the straight boot ones for HEI. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-25-2013, 01:54 PM	#11
vidman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Fitchburg,Mass Posts: 737	Re: Spark plug wires I ended up using the Taylor (cut to fit) wires. I used a friends crimper and i think they look good. Attached Images __________________ 62 Willys 4wd Pickup : 72 C-10 swb 504 stroker 09 Taco 3" lift 33" tires: 90 K-5 blazer (plow truck): RIP Ross Little brother

12-25-2013, 03:34 PM	#12
cool68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 475	Re: Spark plug wires search a site like summitracing.com - can find all types of plug wires, including individuals. when running headers I found Accel Extreme 9000 Ceramic Spark Plug Wire Set to work good.

12-25-2013, 04:29 PM	#13
watash Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Norfolk Va Posts: 18	Re: Spark plug wires Look at www.magnecore.com. They are not cheep but they may fit your need. Seems like the link is messing up, just type in magnecore wires. try www.magnecor.com

12-25-2013, 06:30 PM	#14
airdale94 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Topeka,KS Posts: 778	Re: Spark plug wires Once you get the hang of cutting and crimping your own wires you won't want to use anything else. __________________ 68' C20. 283CI w/55CC 305HO heads, NP435 Close Ratio, Corp. 14 bolt FF 3.21, 75' front end swap (everything but the X-member).

12-27-2013, 05:22 PM	#15
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Spark plug wires taylor cut to fit Attached Images __________________ Fuzzy

01-01-2014, 05:22 PM	#16
Lou Boffa Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 733	Re: Spark plug wires took the plunge and cut my own. Bought a good crimper. Worked like a charm Attached Images __________________ Figure out what you want--then figure out what you are willing to give up to get it.

01-01-2014, 05:24 PM	#17
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,307	Re: Spark plug wires What brand wires did you buy? Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

01-01-2014, 06:11 PM	#19
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,307	Re: Spark plug wires Looks great! Nice and neat. Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)



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01-01-2014, 08:29 PM	#21
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: Spark plug wires Looks great!! Now I know where my gift card is going to. I put mine under the headers and haven't had any issues. It just doesn't look....right. Attached Images __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

01-02-2014, 11:18 AM	#22
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: Spark plug wires I like them under the header. Depending one the headers it helps to keep from burning the wire. Also makes pulling the valve cover easy.

01-02-2014, 11:34 AM	#23
HSRACER Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Katy TX Posts: 1,268	Re: Spark plug wires I run all mine in the Corvette position. They come up under the headers and alongside the block. GM made some nice cheap wire holders that bolt to the block that I use. __________________ HSRACER Slammed 53 5 window Blown/Bagged 54 Pickup Patinaed 67 LS stepside Supercharged 67 Nova Bagged 69 Suburban Turbo'ed 5.3 LS

01-02-2014, 12:13 PM	#24
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: Spark plug wires I've been through this dilemma a few times before and I have to agree. The best way to get a clean fitting set of wires is to cut to length. A few months ago I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a good wire crimper. I got this one. Amazon.com: ACCEL 170036 Wire Crimp Tool:... I also got a set of Moroso 8mm cut to fit wires and last Saturday I finally built up my first set for the C10. It was actually quite a bit of fun building them with the proper tool. From now on, this is the only way I will ever do it.

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