I guess the question I have is this: I'm going to be replacing plugs/wires this weekend, already have my new tr55s and was goign to get MSD wire - is there any other reason to get Over-the-valvecover wiring harness/kit versus just getting the newer wires and running them back where the stock ones already are currently? I know the new wires are a little thicker, and they run a little closer to the headers, but I see so many people with them I have to wonder if there's another reason? Ease of access? IMO it doesn't really clean up the engine compartment TOO much - it's still an LT1 after all. I have MAC midlengths (single cat) so plug access is already pretty nice.

 

I honestly think it looks better, I was doing the same thing you are right now...wondering if I should or not, I was glad I did in the end. Unless you have some nice valve covers, which I don't...so I think it looks nicer.

 

Go for a, in my opinion, better looking setup than OTV wires, get the sidemount looms that take them parallel to the header flange.

 

Yea.

I installed a set after my headers and it was well worth it. You are going to get replies about how you can still use stock length wires with any headers and yada yada but trust me, after trying both the over-valve cover wire looms and custom fit wires make life much easier, and they do sort of clean the engine bay up a tad.

 

I used to burn wires all the time in the stock location...Switched 2 years ago to an OVC set up and have never had any heat issues with wires and headers....Definitely worth it imho...I did mine in black with black looms so it looks more like a factory style set up...

--Alan

 

I absolutley love my otvc taylor setup. But the install is a pain in the ***.

My advice for the boots is dishsoap, no water, just dish soap.

 

i did the otvc wires and couldnt be much happier. i have yet to deal with a burnt wire and i do not use heat sheilds on the boots. the heat sheilds can be used for extra precautions but i have yet to have a problem

also i love the way they look

 

Got Taylors, love em. Sure beats putting melting stock routed wires.
They look nice too

 

I routed my wires in the stock location..it took some time but you cant see them and haven't had a burnt wire yet.

 

Manifolds = stock routing
Headers = OTVC

This is not universal, but as far as burned wires go I think most would agree.
And they are just so pretty.

 

Definitely go over the valve covers. It's not so much for cosmetics as it is for functionality, keeps the wires from burning and IMO an easier install.

 

I had Taylors on my 96 and they worked great but are a PITA to get the opti end boots on. I went with MSD cut to fit on my 97 and they also work great. Much easier to make up, you install the plug end and it comes with the crimping block. I would say its easier to route the OTVC wires than try and get them back in the stock location.

 

That summs it up.

 

I've got the MAC mids on my 94, stock wire routing, MSDs.
Clean look, fair plug access... but #6 is likely to burn. Took me a couple dozen zipties, and no more burn. No, you can't see the zipties at all.