On a '98 3.8.. Pacesetter ceramic ones. Do I need heat shield type things so I don't melt the spark plug wires, or are they just fine as-is?

 

Do you mean the heat sheilds that covered your old exhaust manifolds? If so, then no, they are no longer useable (if you're talking about what I'm visualizing). I haven't seen headers on a 3.8, but no header application I know of has you re-using the exhaust manifold heat shields. The headers are pretty open, not covered, but that's normal. Your wires won't melt because they shouldn't be hanging that long, if they are, zip tie them together and/or route them so they don't touch the headers. They won't melt as long as they aren't touching/really really close.

 

lol Not the heat shields, that would look ridiculous (plus, you're right, they probably wouldn't fit).

I'm just unsure on whether or not the spark plugs will touch/be real close to the headers themselves. If so, I'd probably neat little protector boots for the spark plugs. I know they make 'em, just not sure if I'll need to buy a set.

 

When you imply your new headers did you see a big improvement in sound? Did it improve the backpressure?

 

I'm doing it next weekend, but I'm doing it along with bolt on stuff too, so I won't be able to give you an accurate answer, downwithmustang.

 

I did, it got deeper. Not huge, but noticeable.

 

yes yes yes yes, keep the heat sleeves on your plug wires. I ate through 5 wires in about a week.