Exhaust Post your questions and suggestions about stock or aftermarket exhaust setups. Third Gen exhaust sound files and videos!

Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Old 08-23-2017, 08:14 AM
  #1  
Member

Thread Starter
 
kfsullivan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 359
Received 76 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am w/ WS6
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-Speed
Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Hi All -

Just finished removing stock manifolds and exhaust and installing Dyno Don's headers plus Magnaflow cat and cat-back exhaust. I will be installing Accel shorty spark plugs and new 90 degree boot plug wires which leads to my question.

For those of you that have installed shorty headers, particularly Dyno Don's, what have you found to be the best set of plug wires for clearing the header tubes but also of a good length so as to not have wires that come up too short or with too much excess slack? Accel, Taylor, etc.? Specific series or model number would be helpful. As always, greatly appreciate any information you can share!

Thanks,
Pete
Old 08-26-2017, 09:45 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

 
tom3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: So. Ohio
Posts: 2,251
Received 84 Likes on 77 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Probably not what you're looking for but I just bought two sets of stock wires, used the ones that got me down the back and under the exhaust and with the angled ends. Actually used 6 of the rest of the wires on my V6 truck engine. No more expensive than the high dollar performance wires to go this way.
Old 08-26-2017, 09:51 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (15)
 
Tibo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Desert
Posts: 5,025
Received 76 Likes on 66 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: 383 single plane efi
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 with 3.73s
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Buy a DIY spark plug wire kit. You can buy them in straight, 45* and 90* boots and the wires are cut to length. You can route them any way you desire. I don't know why anybody spends their money on anything else.
Old 08-27-2017, 03:08 PM
  #4  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
Abubaca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: JAMESTOWN, NC
Posts: 8,366
Received 348 Likes on 275 Posts
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Hawks 8.8 - 3.73
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

I'm with Tibo, get a DIY kit. I've used MSD 8.8 Superconductor wires in the past, but there are plenty of options.

....as for clearance...I can speak to Don's headers, but I know my SLPs are TIGHT with my RHS heads. Went with some short Autolites. By dumb luck I happened to have installed Remflex gaskets, which I'd day gave me an extra 1/32 to 1/16 of clearance. Doesn't sound like much, but it made the difference for me. ....my SLPs with stock heads had room for days. Ran stock length AC Delco RTS45 plugs. Again, don't know about Dyno Don's set up.
Old 08-29-2017, 07:45 AM
  #5  
Member

Thread Starter
 
kfsullivan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 359
Received 76 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am w/ WS6
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-Speed
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Thanks guys for the replies. Great advice!
Old 09-04-2017, 01:27 PM
  #6  
Member

iTrader: (4)
 
zya5point0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: pa
Posts: 472
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 350
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

I have Don's headers on my 91. I also used MSD. After experimenting with the different lengths in the set I was very happy with how they turned out. No clearance problems. Of course I have no idea what the heads are on my motor, lol! But they have perimeter valve covers, so I used a summit wire loom kit. I can take a pic later if you want.
Old 09-05-2017, 08:58 AM
  #7  
Member

Thread Starter
 
kfsullivan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 359
Received 76 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am w/ WS6
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-Speed
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Originally Posted by zya5point0
I have Don's headers on my 91. I also used MSD. After experimenting with the different lengths in the set I was very happy with how they turned out. No clearance problems. Of course I have no idea what the heads are on my motor, lol! But they have perimeter valve covers, so I used a summit wire loom kit. I can take a pic later if you want.
Pics would be great. Thanks.
Old 09-05-2017, 09:20 AM
  #8  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
Tootie Pang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,972
Received 124 Likes on 91 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

TTIWWOP
Old 09-05-2017, 11:07 AM
  #9  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (7)
 
Dyno Don's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Orange, CA
Posts: 5,674
Likes: 0
Received 106 Likes on 65 Posts
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

I always chose the BW Nascar select but they have been disco (like everything else) they were reasonably priced and the right length.

So, now the best option would be the MSD red or GM high performance.
Both are pricey. That said, try to find the ones with the small 90 degree boots. (more clearance)


These have the least resistance 1k to 2k per wire, stock are 8k to 10k.

Here is a nice set HEI dizzy end but will work ok:

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...40210/10002/-1

Or....w/reg dizzy ends black

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...02013/10002/-1

Last edited by Dyno Don; 09-05-2017 at 06:20 PM.
Old 09-06-2017, 07:20 AM
  #10  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
sofakingdom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,027
Received 1,662 Likes on 1,261 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

I've always used Taylor "Spiro-Pro", like these. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-73051/overview/ They have em in about a dozen colors and with various connectors both for the plugs and the dist ends. They're somewhat less than 500 ohms/ft if memory serves, can't recall exactly.

I've also always had good luck with running them in the stock location, underneath everything, with 90° boots. I prefer that when possible rather than having them draped on top of everything else. Might take 2 sets to get enough long ones though, it depends on how you'd end up having to route them.
Old 09-07-2017, 06:02 PM
  #11  
Member

Thread Starter
 
kfsullivan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 359
Received 76 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am w/ WS6
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-Speed
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Great info guys. Thanks
Old 09-08-2017, 07:33 PM
  #12  
Member

iTrader: (4)
 
zya5point0's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: pa
Posts: 472
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 350
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Plug Wires for New Shorty Header Install

Been busy this week, but here's my setup...




Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:45 AM.