LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

spark plugs for headers?

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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 05:09 AM
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Default spark plugs for headers?

Need a little help deciding what to do about my headers burning my wires. I only have 1 wire that keeps melting, the other 7 are fine. It is the 3 plug from the front on the passenger side. I was going to but accel header plugs but i saw the header plugs are not much shorter than the regular ones. i have those thermic sock things on the boots but it doesnt help much because it is too close to the header i think it is actually touching it so it burns it. Any advice on what plugs to get or how to fix this other than dimpling the headers? Oh and my wires are the summit brand and right now i have pretty new NGK iridium plugs with pacesetter LT

Thanks in advance
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 06:10 AM
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You have to get creative on how you route your wires. I personally advocate the stock routing and plenty of zip ties/brackets.

Or you could go the OTVC route.
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 06:28 AM
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Post a comparison pic of the shorter plug that you have. I'm curious to see how much shorter it is. I'm in the same boat as you. It doesn't matter how I route the wires, eventually it will burn through even with a temp sock on it. I have 2 cylinders where this is becoming a problem.
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 07:36 AM
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I had a set of headers designed for the straight plug iron heads when I swapped to aluminum, without the header gasket the plug itself touched the #6 primary. did some hammering on the tube. I looked at the Accel plugs but $12 apiece was not going to happen.
I ended up using NGKs with the screw on tip and taking some off the inside of that tip, the end that goes against the ceramic. Then I use a stock wire in that location because being thinner and the boot in particular being thin gave me more clearance.
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 07:49 AM
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Don't have any problems with my pacesetters and tr55's but one or two are really close. On my elco with 441 iron heads the accel shorty plug is the only one that will work,there is no room at all. I have used them with no problems. Are they really that expensive now ? Used to get a set for like $40 ? They are short,shorter than you might think.
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 07:54 AM
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Have you looked into HP Boots? Here is a description.

insulation Type: Heat shield, stops radiant heat
uses: Spark plug boot heat shield Rated To :Heat shield exhaust header wrap
Why take chances with a spark plug boot failure in the heat of competition? Use the ultimate spark plug boot heat shield and protect your motor and expensive plug wire sets! Featuring a 304 stainless steel and ceramic insulator construction, our HP Boots™ stop heat in its tracks. Put these on your race car today and forget about ever replacing your plug boots from heat damage again. Capable of withstanding 1800°F continuous these heat shield boots can handle all your extreme heat protection needs. Our spark plug boot heat shields come in three different configurations: straight, 45° and 90°.

* Rated for 1800°F continuous use.
* Reflects and dissipates heat
* The ultimate spark plug boot heat shield
* 304 stainless steel construction
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 03:18 PM
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I think the accel plugs are like 1/16 or 1/8 inch shorter than stock. Its only a little bit. And they sell for About $18 each here at oreillys
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 03:30 PM
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I have pacesetter and hooker style lt's on my cars and i have had zero issues with burning plug wires since ive carefully zip tied them together and away from the headers. On both cars before i zip tied them off i burnt through a couple wires. Again creativity and alot of zip ties will go along way!
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 03:32 PM
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I did the OTVC wire routing with my new combo; no more burnt wires!
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:53 AM
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OTVC is DEFINITELY the way to go. I also used the DEI heat sheilds on mine, no more burnt wires! That has got to be the BEST money Ive spent on the car yet.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 05:29 PM
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i have pacesetter LT, Ngk tr6, and msd 8.5 mm with hi temp boots. I also wraped heat tape on them and never had a problem.
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