Header problems

[sterbenz]

I put thorley headers and flowmaster exhaust on my 93 454.  The spark plug wires cracked and the rotor was ruined.  the dealer said it was the headers fault, the header store said that headers shouldn't cause any problems.  Which is true?

[Guest Friz]

Headers can put out an awful lot of heat real close to the plug wires. The wires have to be carefully routed to avoid the heat damage. If you are having a hard time finding a way to route the wires, you can get heat sleeves for them or heat -wrap the headers.

[HiG4s]

Have the headers been coated? If not there IS a lot of heat there.

[76BBSub]

You might also have to switch the type of wires you use.  If you have straight boots you might need 45 degree or 90 degree boots instead, or vice-versa.  And make sure the wires themselves are route away from the headers.  I am running stock AC delco wires on my '76 454 with ceramic coated headers and have had no problems.  I have Accel 300+ race wires on my '74 Corvette 350 with ceramic coated headers and no problems.

If you can't get the wires away from the heat buy some high-temp wires, like the Accel 300+, and/or use the sleeves mentioned here by someone else.

Jeff