Ok, so I need to replace a few plug wires, but are they all the same 7mm on each cylinder? This catalog lists different cylinders, and that doesn't make any sense. Are any of these good (ACDelco = Win? lol)

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...&parttype=7224

As far as performance plug wires go, anyone suggest a brand? Thanks!

 

The wires would all be the same diameter, but each cylinder requires a different length wire. They are selling wires for individual cylinders, except the last item in the list, which is a complete set.

If you can squeeze them in the brackets, and around the water pump, the MSD 8.5mm Supeconductors are a good choice. Delco wires have always been good.... originaly made by Packard. Not sure who actually makes them now.

 

Okay great, that helps a lot. I should have that about that since I was just under the car trying to diagnose a possible misfire. I think you're the one who helped me figure out that a wire wrapped in tape isn't a very good conductor, so I am replacing it. Thanks for the help there.

Also, is it a bad idea to have mixed brands, such as MSD and ACDelco on the engine? I know that the other wires were replaced about 6 months ago.

 

IMHO, I think it is best to have the same wires on all cylinders. Resistance values vary from brand to brand and specific type of wire. The AC-Delcos are perfect for a stock (and more) engine.

 

That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll go ahead and get the set from that website. Not a bad price, for sure.

 

Delco wires are now made by Delphi in Costa Rica....not sure as to their current quality.

I've had great luck with my Magnecore KV85 wires. If you want, here is a link to their page: http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm You might find the technical information interesting....also check out the FAQ's

 

Still remember the Packard 440 wires were very popular before MSD came on the scene.

 

I am wanting to change my plugs and wires as well. i was thinking about going with the MSD 8.5's since they have a good review here. What about plugs? i have been seeing alot of advertisement for the E3 plugs. Does anyone have them? i was going to use the Bosch 4458 + 4 plugs but thought about giving the E3 a shot.

97' Z drop top / CAI / rest stock, but not for long....

 

Yeah, and along those same lines as Recipe, what gap plugs should I get?

 

I think most people on here will recommend against both the E3 and the Bosch +4 plugs. The extra metal appears to shroud the spark from the air-fuel mixture. Don't believe the artist renderings where a flame shoots through the hole at the bottom of the plug...the reality is the spark jumps beteen the electodes and doesn't 'color outside the lines'

People will have several recommendations but the majority will probably recommend NGK plugs. TR55 would be the stock heat range and gap, TR5 will be gapped smaller...0.035 if I remember correctly, TR6 will be one heat range cooler with a smaller gap. The rule of thumb here is to go one heat range cooler for every 100 horsepower you add.
The plug electrode material on NGK plugs is covered by a suffix....TR55 without a suffix would be a copper plug, IV would be platinum (discontinued, I think) IX would be iridium. The longest life will come from the platinum and iridium plugs. Note, if you use nitrous oxide as a power adder you have to use the copper plugs...the nitrous guys can explain.

Anyway, there are other plugs you can use. Guys will recommend Autolite and others but tend to stay away from AC's...

I hope this helps....

 

Wow, that's great info hunter. That really gives some perspective. I was wondering if the E3 was another splitfire = all hype.

97' Z DROP TOP/ CAI /REST STOCK, BUT NOT FOR LONG...

 

Definitely. I think I will end up going with the AC Delco wires for $85.00 and get new plugs all around, too. Since I am pretty much stock except for an extra 25-30 hp, I might as well just stick with the TR55s.

 

By the way, what's the benefit of using a different mm wire? I plan bringing my rhp up to 600-700 pretty soon, too. Does that have a bearing on the plug wires and plugs I need?

 

I have the MSD 8.5MM superconductor wires and I'm not sure if I would recommend them. I tihnk they may be causing some interference issues.
After doing a few hours of research about plug wires I wish I would have gone with the Magnecor KV85's. They seem like they're made to address the real issues, not just a 'low resistance' which basically means nothing.

 

Gotcha. Man, they are expensive though..... Well, I'll probably end up going with them anyway.