ktm Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Ok, I just burned through another 3 spark plug wires after I thought I finally addressed the issue. I used the MSD adjustable wires with DEI boots and DEI aluminized shielding and they still burned through after 5000 miles. It is very noticeable when they burn through as the car runs and sounds like crap due the the wires arcing on the JTR headers. So I ask those of you who are running the JTR headers (not the JCI as they are smaller), what have you done to address the plug wire clearance issue on the two center wires on the drivers side as well as the front wire on the passenger side? The passenger side wire was probably my fault for not giving it the proper clearance as there is room, but the drivers side will damn near always rest again the header. Thanks, Bo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misturmoneybags Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Had to dimple the headers to offer a little more clearance, but I'm still burning up the wires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socorob Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I haven't installed mine yet but the guy from JTR said I needed to use the LS2 90 degree plug wires with the headers. Can anyone confirm this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted November 8, 2013 Author Share Posted November 8, 2013 I forgot to add that I also tried using the ls2 GTO wires (they have 90 degree boots) and those are burning up because of insufficient clearance is well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280zjake Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I know they're more money but the headers that hawks 3rd gen sells fit like a glove with no issues. They have not been utilized with jci mounts but Im 90% sure they will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rucus01 Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 There are a couple of things you can do. One is you can wrap the headers with the heat wrap. This works reasonably well, but it will shorten the life of your headers as the trapped moisture will cause them to corrode over time. The other option is to make your own using plug wires with ceramic boots. I ended up going with a header wrap, standard boot plugs, and putting the plug heat shield stuff around the plug boot, and haven't had a problem since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socorob Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I know they're more money but the headers that hawks 3rd gen sells fit like a glove with no issues. They have not been utilized with jci mounts but Im 90% sure they will work. Can you post a photo showing how much space there is between the wires and header? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 My engine came from the junkyard with MSD wires that bend like a Gumby doll. They clear the JTR headers if you bend them right. I've had same wires for two years no issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280zjake Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 (edited) here is a pic of my headers installed. I'll let the car down and get one with plug wires n a bit Edited November 8, 2013 by 280zjake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spotmy4 Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 I've burnt too many plug wires on these headers. Finally was able to fit the oem metal cover on cylinder 5. So far so good, but i'll probably end up burning this one out too. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 I hate to say it, but misery loves company. I am very happy to hear that I am not the only one burning up plug wires like crazy. Keith, I've used the MSD adjustable wires as well and they burn up too. The issue I have is the thickness of the insulator, even when bent, combined with the proximity of the plug means that the insulator is resting (or within 1 mm) on the header. Thanks for the honest responses all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 With product drift, I wonder of some of the headers off the line crowd the plug wires more than others? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Re post #6 - http://www.amazon.com/ACCEL-9002C-Extreme-Universal-Ceramic/dp/B001OD2OM4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top Spendy in the short run but long-term might be worth the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUNNY Z Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Should have swapped a diesel. No spark plug probz then!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share Posted November 15, 2013 Re post #6 - http://www.amazon.com/ACCEL-9002C-Extreme-Universal-Ceramic/dp/B001OD2OM4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top Spendy in the short run but long-term might be worth the money. I just about bought those a week ago, but then I read on the product description that they provide heat protection at 1/2-in. away from the header. The issue I have is two of the wires rest on, or within a millimeter or two, of the header. I know you can buy individual wires as well and may go that route just to test. Thanks for the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastTnZ Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Should have swapped a diesel. No spark plug probz then!! I'm on the same thinking haha how about a Duramax/4L80e... Weight is the only killer! I'd love to have an LML in a z! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heavy85 Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 Are you using the coated version of the headers? If not that's your solution. I run coated headers with the stock ls1 wires and have had zero issues over 5 years and 40+ track (road course) days. A couple of the wires are just barely clear of the headers - like a mm or two, and the one that actually touches the header I wrapped in very thin insulated foil (also from the Camaro parts car). These wires are the original wires with the metal boot that came with the '02 Camaro parts car that had 40k miles when I got it and I'm still using the same 11 year old oem wires and they still look new. Cameron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zfan1 Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 You can get them coated for the price of a couple sets of plug wires, probably the way too go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted November 17, 2013 Author Share Posted November 17, 2013 The headers have the coating option from JTR and they still burn up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage42 Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 I've been wondering how to protect my Magnacor wires and even with the 90 degree bends, there are 2 plug boots that just touch the header. (with the JTR ceramic coated headers) Frustrating that they even make them that way!! I had a friend who burnt his wires all the time with the SBC 400 in his 240Z and went with the Jacobs wires with ceramic boots and they lasted many years, track days, etc. even sitting right on the header. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/jac-4830400 I wonder if these sleeves are a viable option or not? http://www.3m.com/market/industrial/ceramics/products/spark_plug_boots.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.