Melting Spark Plug Wires....

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Oct 12, 2009 | 03:42 PM
  #1  
So I have an 89 camaro, lb9 with edlebrock headers w/ air tubes. I bought cheapo wires while being broke. However, I keep melting through them. Now I havent really gotten that creative yet with running them, just using zip ties trying to keep them out of the heat. But they just keep melting through (especially on the pass side.)

Anyone have suggestions? DO higher temp wires help? Anyone have pics of any way they have theirs set up? I dumped all my A/C and AIR **** (except on the headers). Its just a PITA...
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Oct 12, 2009 | 03:50 PM
  #2  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
are you burning the wires themselves, or the boots?

if it's wires themselves, you just need to do a better job of pulling them away from heat.

if it's the boots, you might want to consider factory type wires, and possibly, shorty spark plugs. factory 7mm stuff is perfectly fine up to quite a bit of horsepower, and usually have smaller plug boots, allowing more clearance. You might also be able to find aluminum boot protectors from an LT1 engine, say 94-96 or so camaro, impala, etc, they snap onto the boots and provide some protection.

otherwise, some companies offer aluminum/fiberglass sleeving that can add some protection.
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Oct 12, 2009 | 03:56 PM
  #3  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
I run the edelbrock headers with air tubes and melted several sets of wires. Then I got a set of quality spark plug wires and some fiberglass sleeves (type: ACCEL 170081 Pro Sleeve Fiberglass Spark Plug Boot Guard into google and you will find them for about $50 from amazon). I installed the sleeves over the ends of the wires near the spark plugs then used zip ties to route the wires as far from the headers as possible. I have not melted my current set of wires since doing this.
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Oct 12, 2009 | 03:56 PM
  #4  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
Had the same issue with MSD 8.5's, cut to fit kit with 90* boots with edelbrock headers on my sister's GTA. They kept hitting the header back by the air box. After trashing part of the first set, buying a second set and messing up half of those, we ended up running the pass under the primaries all the way to the front of the block and up behind the A/C compressor then along the valve cover with the wiring harness back to the distributor. Haven't had an issue in about a year now. Driver side is ran normally.

We also tried the spark plug boots and wrap and all that jazz, it only prolonged the inevitable. The wires were actually touching the header though that is why the were burning through no problem with melting though.
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Oct 12, 2009 | 05:15 PM
  #5  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
i run Borg Warner from Kragen. THey have a unlimited warranty. I just take the old set and exchange for free, forever. I recommend getting the INfared sleeves, they will insulate the wires. route them away from headers. at least 2 inch. and if you get creative, build a heat shield, the orginal exhaust manifolds have heat shields, Peace
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Oct 12, 2009 | 05:42 PM
  #6  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
Another solution is to use header wrap in the problem area.
Running 1 3/4 SLPs with AFR heads and had a problem in a couple
areas.

Get the stainless header wrap ties for them.
ALSO HAD TO RUN THE AUTOLITE HEADER PLUGS.

Cured that problem.

Later
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Oct 12, 2009 | 05:48 PM
  #7  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
that works too. some situations it will void the warranty on the header, if they are dipped i wouldn't do it. but if they are black, then defiantly do it, i would. because 60% of the heat under the hood is from the headers. even do a TB bypass.wrapped headers can melt a cat some cases
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Oct 12, 2009 | 05:58 PM
  #8  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
I agree on coated headers as it will blister but only wrap
a couple inches below port exit which is usually the critical area.

Also removes a little heat and if using stainless ties does not look
half bad.

Use to fully wrap our race headers but thats horse of a different color.

Later
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Oct 14, 2009 | 12:41 PM
  #9  
Re: Melting Spark Plug Wires....
Well I just bought my 3rd set of wires (still cheapos for now), header tape, and sleeves that are meant for the boots. I'm going to tape the headers, run the wires through the sleeves, and zip tie the **** out of everything. Thanks for all the advice, and wish me luck!
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