Can't keep sparkplug wires off headers
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 47
From: Noblesville, IN
Can't keep sparkplug wires off headers So I just replaced my spark plug wires due to the number 5 cylinder boot contacting the header. Switched back to the standard 135 degree spark plug boots and number 5 clears just fine. Of course, now my number 2 boot is making contact.
It's only making contact on the flared end, right where the boot ends and the wire begins. What is the recommended fix? Just cut away some of the boot?
It's only making contact on the flared end, right where the boot ends and the wire begins. What is the recommended fix? Just cut away some of the boot?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 47
From: Noblesville, IN
Actually the whole reason I'm doing this is I had a set of MSDs before. Went away from them because half the time I couldn't be sure if I got the damn terminal on the spark plug, one of them straight up refused to "click" onto the terminal.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 635
Likes: 329
From: Missouri
When I put headers on many ls engine's f-bodys and trucks. I always click the option on tsp order for there fire boots. Then order a set of Taylor thundervolt 40/50 wires. Hasn't failed me yet. And yes some of them have had direct contact with a primary pipe for quite some time and have been fine.
Last edited by Kjduvall; Jul 23, 2021 at 03:48 AM.
I run the bendable msd wires..no issues. I have a hard time getting the lovely snap on #8. I have headers and it’s still a PITA. Idk how big your toolbox is, but they sell pliers made for spark plug wires. Ive had to use them a time or two to get a manhandle on #8 and got it to snap. Also, a bit heavy handed on the grease can make them not audibly snap..Sometimes I give them a tug and if they don’t slide back off I know they’re on. Sometimes you gotta sweet talk it until you feel the spark plug tip sit onto the snappy head inside of the boot, after I figured that out I can usually get all of mine to snap besides the aforementioned #8 lol. Don’t be afraid to give that metal retainer a slight squeeze or pry open with some needle nose if it’s not snapping, or not snapping positively enough. I’ve had to do this on a few peoples cars. But I’ve never had any complaints with my MSD wires.
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 663
Likes: 384
From: South Carolina
I run the bendable boot MSD's also.
Number 8 on the GMT-800 Silverado and Sierra's aren't as tough to get to as the f-body's but still a pain to get a good grip for the audible & and tactile *click. I always pull the oil dipstick tube out on the trucks to make it easier dealing with #8. I did have one MSD wire crimp failure and the connector stayed on the plug. Bought a identical set so I have 7 spares. I found you can get a little extra header clearance twisting the coil side boot to steer the wire away from the primaries as the MSD 32829 wires are a little long.
Started to re-crimp then said eff it lol
Attachment 712809
MSD 32829 wires are a little long but easily managed by twisting the coil boots to steer away from the headers.
Attachment 712810
Number 8 on the GMT-800 Silverado and Sierra's aren't as tough to get to as the f-body's but still a pain to get a good grip for the audible & and tactile *click. I always pull the oil dipstick tube out on the trucks to make it easier dealing with #8. I did have one MSD wire crimp failure and the connector stayed on the plug. Bought a identical set so I have 7 spares. I found you can get a little extra header clearance twisting the coil side boot to steer the wire away from the primaries as the MSD 32829 wires are a little long.
Started to re-crimp then said eff it lol
Attachment 712809
MSD 32829 wires are a little long but easily managed by twisting the coil boots to steer away from the headers.
Attachment 712810
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
Likes: 236
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
I sent them back and went with a MSD set from Ton's Performance (Google or find him on ebay). Cost a little more, but fit and performed perfectly once again.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 47
From: Noblesville, IN
My issue with the MSDs may have come from the fact that I had relocated my coils to underneath the cowling. Now I've got a set of Edelbrock wires and I think the only reason they were hitting was because the end of the boot where the wire starts has a big flared end. If it was as narrow as the MSD boots were it probably wouldn't have been an issue.
Didn't have issues installing my plug wires with the usual LS spec angled boot. For heat insulation I tried the cheap metal looking sleeve and could watch arc to primaries. Switched to the fiberglass type sleeve and no issues since. Even got them situated so the sleeve doesn't touch anything else.
Getting wires to fit under turbo headers was an adventure.
Getting wires to fit under turbo headers was an adventure.