Plug wires

MountaineerTom · May 27, 2001

1.) Anyone know the size of the stock plug wires on the new body style Silverado's (5.3 L)?

2.) What are the advantages of using a bigger plug wire (such as the Magnacore 8.5mm wires, or other brands)?

3.) Is it any advantage at all on a stock engine if you change to only the bigger plug wires, or do you really need to change other things for it to make a difference?

Thanks.

Kania2k1 · May 29, 2001

I'm not sure of the size of the stock wires. The benifit of using larger wires is for less resistance. It's kind of like using a larger diameter hose for water. As far as adding wires to the truck, I've heard the in order to see and real gains you need to replace all of the ignition components (e.g. coil, wires, etc.). Probably not what you wanted to hear, huh?

Pastmaster · June 4, 2001

I doubt you would notice much of a difference. The difference size of wires is only the shielding around the wire itself. So you might less am radio noise if you went with larger wires. I really don't think it would be worth it unless you go with an aftermarket ignition or the original ones were worn-out.

MountaineerTom · June 5, 2001

Thanks for the replies guys. I was just curious obout it after seeing where some people had changed to that size wires. I didn't know if that was all they did and if there were any advantages to just the wires.

Thanks again.

76BBSub · June 7, 2001

On an engine with stock or nearly stock ignition, don't bother, they other guys are right.

If you put an MSD or other hot ignition you may want something a little more substantial, but as they mentioned it is mostly, if not all, insulation to keep the extra amps/volts in.

Jeff