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Prevent spark plug wires from burning up

Started by rdf, February 17, 2022, 07:46:35 AM

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rdf

I've got a 493 stuffed in my 73 'Cuda and had it out the other day and noticed it running choppy then it finally died on the road.  Wasn't far from home (thank god) so I was able to get it back to my house and when I looked around the engine bay, I noticed the 7 & 5 wires had melted from the headers (Headman Headers) (see attachments).  I did have Titanium heat shield boots (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HDY9KHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 on all of them but I'm guessing these two slipped out of position.

So I'll have to either get a whole new set of wires or get a kit where I can make the wires myself (I have the tools as I've done this before).  Is there a wire out there that can withstand all that heat from the headers?  What about wrapping them in heat shield tape?  Not sure if there's any issues with doing that though.  :dunno:
If we never drown we'll never know how well it tastes...so tell me how it tastes and I'll know just how well you drowned.

Filthy Filbert

I used these on a big block (low deck stroker) that I put into a 98 Dakota that had a very tight engine bay.

https://www.amazon.com/Ucreative-Fiberglass-Protector-Insulating-Sleeve/dp/B092HH94VN


They worked ok and I never had a wire melt through.   They're ugly though, and definitely not very stock looking. 



Wayne

#3
The key is figuring out if you need straight, 90 or angled plug boots and on what wires.  The most sure way is to make your own and buy a good crimper.  Another option is contacting firecore wires.  He builds them for exactly what you need and is perfect length and not drooping onto your exhaust. But....his are not cheap.  I have his and am very happy.
1970 Cuda 383 4spd red on red
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Filthy Filbert

Quote from: Wayne on February 17, 2022, 09:56:23 AM
The key is figuring out if you need straight, 90 or angled plug boots and on what wires.  The most sure way is to make your own and buy a good crimper.  Another option is contacting firecore wires.  He builds them for exactly what you need and is perfect length and not drooping onto your exhaust. But....his are not cheap

But Rick's wires are THE best.  Period.  Don't care what anyone else says.

I had gone through a couple sets of "name brand" wires...you know, blue ones, red ones, etc.   my plugs would load up and foul out at idle, and at night time, I could see the spark starting to jump the boot.  Blip the throttle and the engine would clear out, and the spark jump would go away for 30 seconds or so. 

Finally tried a set of his wires and changed nothing else--that all went away.