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

Testing Plug Wires

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 12, 2008 | 08:22 AM
  #1  
Lt1_93z's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Default Testing Plug Wires

I'm aware that using an ohm meter is the best way to test plug wires for resistance however I was wondering if you could simply put a 12v source on the opti side of the wire and then check the plug side for continuity? Would this be a sufficient test to ensure that all voltage makes it from one end of the wire to the other? I didn't look but do most volt meters have ohms testing as well? Sorry for the newbish questions I'm just trying to rule out wires on some testing that I'm doing.

Thanks in advance!
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2008 | 03:20 PM
  #2  
simple's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: N. IL
Default

the only thing that test would tell you is that there is indeed a conductive metal inside the outer jacket of the wire, thats it!

even if the conductor was broken and split apart into 2 pieces (or more), the voltage could jump the gap and continue on, leaving you where you began.

an OHM test is about the only way to tell if there is a conductor issue. if they are aftermarket wires, you need to find out the resistance rating for that wire per foot and measure your wire. a little bit of math and you'll be in the right direction.
if they are stock, then i dont know where you would find that info at.

yes VOM's aka: Voltage Ohm Meter, will give you the resistance.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2008 | 03:23 PM
  #3  
Fixxer99TA's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 0
From: Melrose, MA
Default

Originally Posted by simple
the only thing that test would tell you is that there is indeed a conductive metal inside the outer jacket of the wire, thats it!

even if the conductor was broken and split apart into 2 pieces (or more), the voltage could jump the gap and continue on, leaving you where you began.

an OHM test is about the only way to tell if there is a conductor issue. if they are aftermarket wires, you need to find out the resistance rating for that wire per foot and measure your wire. a little bit of math and you'll be in the right direction.
if they are stock, then i dont know where you would find that info at.

yes VOM's aka: Voltage Ohm Meter, will give you the resistance.
Yes, funny comparison too, but true

And even a cheap one from Sears will do.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:12 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE