OK, I'm totally sick of having my plug wires either get brittle, wear out, melt to the exhaust manifold and so on. Last two times I did them, I was in a pickle (i.e. broke, and needed to get home) so I got the "Discount/Advanced auto parts" OEM special 30 day warranty craptacular wireset for $17.99. Last time I got the Autozone "Lifetime warranty" Double silicone 7MM.
all three times when I went to do anything with them afterwards the wires have just about fallen apart in my hands. Talk about crap.

What kind of plug wires are of better quality, and how do we get them? (store, online ordering, etc). I have an 89 2.8L V6, with just a homebuilt air intake, K&N Filter, TB water bypass, and exhaust. Not particularly looking for $350 9MM solid gold wires, but I do want something I can actually take on and off, and have confidence that I'm not losing any spark in the wires.

Also Autozone can get me a "Cordone" Mass Air Flow sensor. I'll eventually get that replaced as part of my MAF troubleshooting (Code 33). Are there any other OEM replacements? How is the quality and will that part stand the test of time? The MAF and the rubber snorkel hose are the only original parts on my air intake, and it fits perfectly. I'm not against redesigning the intake either if there is an electrically identical version of MAF that doesn't have that 45 degree bend in it.

As far as the MAF sensors (main and burnoff) they're my next goal to replace as part of my troubleshooting. GP Sorensen MR44 seem right as OEM replacements? Any others of better quality? Much as I like Autozone, there parts are sometimes funky. And I DON'T want to go to advanced auto parts anymore.

 

Try MSD or Accel plug wires. I've used them and never had any problems. You will have to buy a universal set and cut the wires yourself but its not too hard. They run between $40-$60 but they are worth it. How long do your old plug wires last. If they dont last very long (even the cheap ones) you might want to chack your exhaust manifolds for leaks beacause if it leaks onto your wires it could cause what you are describing. Also if your timing is set to far adavanced it will make your spark plugs heat up too much thus fusing it to the wire.