Spark Plug Wire Issues With Headers

[ghjedi]

Hi,

I could use some advice from members on spark plug wires. I have a 440 engine in my Challenger with headers and this doesn't leave much clearance on many of the cylinders for standard spark plug wire sets.  I have burned through several boot covers from the heat of the headers.  Despite tying the wires back and adding on heat sleeves to the boot covers, I still am having issues with melting boots.

I'm considering replacing my regular wires with angled spark plug wires, flexible (i.e. bendable) wires, or even ceramic boot covered wires, but I'd appreciate advice from others who may have struggled with these issues.

What would you recommend?

[brads70]

I have these on mine , so far so good, no problems yet!
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-14260/

[ghjedi]

I have these on mine , so far so good, no problems yet!
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-14260/

Hi, I looked at those but I'm wondering if they can actually rest right on the header itself?  It seems like over time, that would be a problem with the heat weakening the cover.  Unfortunately, in a few spots, my clearance is about a thumb's thickness.

[brads70]

Hi, I looked at those but I'm wondering if they can actually rest right on the header itself?  It seems like over time, that would be a problem with the heat weakening the cover.  Unfortunately, in a few spots, my clearance is about a thumb's thickness.

What brand of headers are you using? SB? BB?  I'm using MSD wires and you get to choose 90 degree or straight boots , the straight boots you can bend up to about 45 degrees to help with clearance? Some wires drop in from the top some from the bottom. I'm running a 440 with Headman headers.

[Grec]

I've got a 440 with headers and am using angled plug wires. No problems.

Since they are angled, you can turn the plugs to get clearance and route the wires out of the way.

I can't see how the straight boots would work very well as they would be right up against the tube on a few cylinders.

[dodj]

I'm using MSD 8.5mm super conductor wires. Mixture of 90 degree and straight boots. I did burn one 90 degree boot last year but it was my fault - I didn't pay close enough attention after replacing plugs and left one touching the header tube of cylinder 5.

[ghjedi]

What brand of headers are you using? SB? BB?  I'm using MSD wires and you get to choose 90 degree or straight boots , the straight boots you can bend up to about 45 degrees to help with clearance? Some wires drop in from the top some from the bottom. I'm running a 440.

Hi,

I'm using MSD wires but they are all straight boots and that is my issue (not enough clearence for a few plugs).  The angled ones would seem to be the answer, but I'm wondering if there is a better option.

[brads70]

Hi,

I'm using MSD wires but they are all straight boots and that is my issue (not enough clearence for a few plugs).  The angled ones would seem to be the answer, but I'm wondering if there is a better option.

You can buy just the boots in 90 degree or straight. If I remember right they were sold in pairs?

[74challenger03]

on my 440 had same problem, so my wires were strait and angled to solve the problem that is the joy of headers good luck and god bless

[ghjedi]

on my 440 had same problem, so my wires were strait and angled to solve the problem that is the joy of headers good luck and god bless

You're right-- the burned wires are truly a joy right now (not) 

[ghjedi]

I'm using MSD 8.5mm super conductor wires. Mixture of 90 degree and straight boots. I did burn one 90 degree boot last year but it was my fault - I didn't pay close enough attention after replacing plugs and left one touching the header tube of cylinder 5.

I have a straight boot MSD set, so for your set, do you recall the part #?  I think the angles are the way to go.

[dodj]

I originally bought the angle set. When some didn't work out so well, I bought a couple packages of the straight boots. Here in Thunder Bay they cost me $12.95 per package and each package had two boots and two crimp on spark plug connectors.

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Spark_Plug_Wires/Accessories/3301_-_Silicone_Straight_Boots___Terminals.aspx

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Spark_Plug_Wires/Accessories/3311_-_Silicone_90%C2%B0_Spark_Plug_Boots___Terminals.aspx

[MEK-Dangerfield]

All of my plug wires are straight except for the 3rd plugs back on each side. I used 45* boots there.

I have a 440 with Hedman headers, so your results may be different.   

[ghjedi]

All of my plug wires are straight except for the 3rd plugs back on each side. I used 45* boots there.

I have a 440 with Hedman headers, so your results may be different.   

As always, I appreciate your expert advice!

[ShelbyDogg]

I have big block Hooker 1-7/8 headers.  I had to use a straight bendable boots too. I then had to use a bunch of plug wire holders, bolted to the valve cover bolts to hold everything in place.