I have not fired up the car with fear some wires might be ruined. What is the safe distance between the actual headers and plug wires, O2 wires and other misc wires? I have the Pacesetters mids and they are coated if this matters. My oil dip stick touches it and the air pump metal tube is also touching. Any help would be appreciated. I see there is high temp wrap on some thing from the factory. Would this be necessary for any of my concerns?

 

I wouldn't worry about it, as long as the plug wires don't touch the headers you will be fine.

 

Just make sure the electrical wires are not touching the headers. Also, with coated headers, there is a chance that the 02 sensors can get damaged upon the break in period.

 

I have already purchased new ones and will install them later. Does anybody know the length of time for the breakin period?

 

I'd probably drive around with them for a week or so.

 

You may or may not have to move some of the misc wires. I moved a whole bunch when i did my LT. If you think they are to close they probably are. Headers get very hot.

~Jim~

 

How does it damage the O2's? I never knew or heard this before.

 

I'm not sure of the "scientific" reasoning behind it, but it is not an uncommon problem. After installing my coated Pacesetters, an SES light was soon to follow for slow sensor reponse. That is why it is good insurance to swap in an old pair of 02 sensors if you have a set handy or keep the current ones and hope for the best.

 

From looking at the old set with 100K miles they almost look like they are plugged. There is some serious residue on they. The coating must make a nasty gas that reeks havoc on the sensor tips. I had a bad exhaust leak so i assume the fuel ratio was rich keeping the sensors from doing there job correctly.

 

I would want 3/4" of clearance for plug wires, and the heat might still eventually burn them up. I burned 2 wires then went to a over the valve cover wire set-up, looms, with 2500 degree heat sleeves from Thunder Racing.
The whole deal cost about $180 to my door.

 

I assume they make heat resistance covers for the wires that keep them safe from heat. I used tie wraps and they are 1" away at the closest spot.

 

They do make thermal sleeves. The cable tie method has worked well for me though.