Rant: Spark Plug Wires

vodapas · February 13, 2006

So,

I thought I'd show my baby some love this weekend. (My truck that is, the wife's on her own. lol.) I went all out got the tranny flushed, changed the diff. to Redline synthetic, Seafoamed the top end/old oil/gas tank, put in some fresh Mobil One 10W30, checked the EGR valve, put in a new PCV valve, cleaned the gunk out of the TB, checked the air filter, and installed some new NGK TR55s. Pretty good for a weekend's work I thought.

While buying everything I needed I thought about picking up some new plug wires. But, I figured "Hell, those are supposed to be good for 100,000 miles and I'm only a little over 50K." Well, I'm sure they're still good. But, the d**n things seem to be made to self destruct upon removal. I used spark plug boot pliars and everything. But, every time I finally wrestled one off the friggin metal piece that connects to the plug would stay firmly attached to the plug and pull clean out of the boot. I was able to determine the terminal could be forced back into the boot and remain working. Not really happy about it, but hey it worked.

However, on the last plug (of course) the wire ripped where it connected to the terminal. It took me another five minutes with a pair of needle nose to get the terminal off the plugs. I sear you'd think the coils had welded them to the plug.

I realized early in the job that these wires have two little balls at the end of the terminal that act somewhat akin to the ball on a socket wrench. Man, they do the job.

So, looks like I'll be getting those new plug wires after all. Of course the only set the local Checkers has is the Borg Warner Selects for $70 and the Napa is closed. I'm sure glad I've got a few other cars.

I'm gonna call Napa tomorrow and see if they have a basic set of NGK wires for less. But, since it's Napa I'm kind of doubting they will.

Anyone tried out the Borg Warners? Are they worth the extra cost? I've basically become a believer that wires are wires. All you can really do is change the color and diameter. Maybe I'm just getting skeptical in my old age.

Ok, enough out of me. Sorry for the rant on what I am sure is well covered territory. Just thought I'd share.

Elwood 2000 · February 13, 2006

I just put MSD wires on my truck last week and I really like them.

http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?...ch.asp&N=400122

I got them from Summit Racing.

BTW, shipping may be free, but the "handling" charge is $9.50!

vodapas · February 13, 2006

I just put MSD wires on my truck last week and I really like them.

http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?...ch.asp&N=400122

I got them from Summit Racing.

BTW, shipping may be free, but the "handling" charge is $9.50!

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Yeah and you should see what they charge to ship and handle to Hawaii. I tried to order a $13 part from them. After all was said and done it was a $60 order.

We've got a local "speed" shop out here that sells MSD. I'll give them a call and see if they have any MSD wires for my truck in stock.

hoorders · February 14, 2006

So,

I thought I'd show my baby some love this weekend. (My truck that is, the wife's on her own. lol.) I went all out got the tranny flushed, changed the diff. to Redline synthetic, Seafoamed the top end/old oil/gas tank, put in some fresh Mobil One 10W30, checked the EGR valve, put in a new PCV valve, cleaned the gunk out of the TB, checked the air filter, and installed some new NGK TR55s. Pretty good for a weekend's work I thought.

While buying everything I needed I thought about picking up some new plug wires. But, I figured "Hell, those are supposed to be good for 100,000 miles and I'm only a little over 50K." Well, I'm sure they're still good. But, the d**n things seem to be made to self destruct upon removal. I used spark plug boot pliars and everything. But, every time I finally wrestled one off the friggin metal piece that connects to the plug would stay firmly attached to the plug and pull clean out of the boot. I was able to determine the terminal could be forced back into the boot and remain working. Not really happy about it, but hey it worked.

However, on the last plug (of course) the wire ripped where it connected to the terminal. It took me another five minutes with a pair of needle nose to get the terminal off the plugs. I sear you'd think the coils had welded them to the plug.

I realized early in the job that these wires have two little balls at the end of the terminal that act somewhat akin to the ball on a socket wrench. Man, they do the job.

So, looks like I'll be getting those new plug wires after all. Of course the only set the local Checkers has is the Borg Warner Selects for $70 and the Napa is closed. I'm sure glad I've got a few other cars.

I'm gonna call Napa tomorrow and see if they have a basic set of NGK wires for less. But, since it's Napa I'm kind of doubting they will.

Anyone tried out the Borg Warners? Are they worth the extra cost? I've basically become a believer that wires are wires. All you can really do is change the color and diameter. Maybe I'm just getting skeptical in my old age.

Ok, enough out of me. Sorry for the rant on what I am sure is well covered territory. Just thought I'd share.

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I just replaced mine with Taylor 'Thundervolt' wires. They are 10.4mm thick and less than 50ohms resistance. They cost me around $100 which isn't way off the mark compared to some cheaper wires. My truck runs great...idles smotthly and everything...........I highly recomment Taylor wires....

67ChevyRedneck · February 14, 2006

I just replaced mine with Taylor 'Thundervolt' wires. They are 10.4mm thick and less than 50ohms resistance. They cost me around $100 which isn't way off the mark compared to some cheaper wires. My truck runs great...idles smotthly and everything...........I highly recomment Taylor wires....

Where can you get those from? My wires have 84 K on them. I changed the plugs at 65K and I think it's time for new plugs.

gmcjoe · February 16, 2006

My GM wires came off just fine at 80K or so. Just grab, twist and pull.

I replaced them with Red taylors

hoorders · February 18, 2006

I just replaced mine with Taylor 'Thundervolt' wires. They are 10.4mm thick and less than 50ohms resistance. They cost me around $100 which isn't way off the mark compared to some cheaper wires. My truck runs great...idles smotthly and everything...........I highly recomment Taylor wires....

Where can you get those from? My wires have 84 K on them. I changed the plugs at 65K and I think it's time for new plugs.

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You should be able to get them at PartsZone, I would imagine......I live in Canada and got mine through PartSource......which is kinda like the USA PartZone.

desrtrat · February 19, 2006

i found putting a little dielectric grease on the inside if the plug boots keeps them from sticking to the plugs/coil. makes it so much easer next time you pull the plugs...

hoorders · February 19, 2006

i found putting a little dielectric grease on the inside if the plug boots keeps them from sticking to the plugs/coil. makes it so much easer next time you pull the plugs...

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