Plug wire heat shields?

[Sam Harris]

I have a warped exhaust manifold, with a couple broken bolts.
Naturally, I'll be installing headers, as a decent upgrade.

I'll be doing plugs and wires at the same time, and likely just going with OEM Delco plugs + wires, as my Yukon is stock.

Just curious if I should add some heat shields to the plug wires, as I expect the headers will allow more radiant heat near them, being un-shielded themselves.

Thoughts?

 

[drakon543]

boot sleeves will be a definite requirement. someone makes ceramic boot sleeves but i dont remember who maybe Taylor or accel. Taylor also has some wires that have a higher heat resistance for headers might want to look into them.

 

[Sam Harris]

boot sleeves will be a definite requirement. someone makes ceramic boot sleeves but i dont remember who maybe Taylor or accel. Taylor also has some wires that have a higher heat resistance for headers might want to look into them.

Thanks. So I can get some sleeves like: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-350119red/overview/
or: https://smile.amazon.com/Bang4buck-...+boot+sleeve&qid=1552274260&s=gateway&sr=8-19

Looks like Accel doesn't make the ceramic boot wires for my truck:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...make/gmc/model/yukon/submodel/slt?prefilter=1

 

[Tonyrodz]

I had to use Taylor racing wires, along with those heat socks. Stock wire plug boots were too long and kept burning on my headers.

 

[drakon543]

Thanks. So I can get some sleeves like: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-350119red/overview/
or: https://smile.amazon.com/Bang4buck-...+boot+sleeve&qid=1552274260&s=gateway&sr=8-19

Looks like Accel doesn't make the ceramic boot wires for my truck:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...make/gmc/model/yukon/submodel/slt?prefilter=1

ive used the summit sleeves before they work well. i think they are meant to be used when your making the plug wires tho. they have a steel ring in them makes it impossible to get over either end of the wire. i just snipped the steel ring and pulled it through the fibers. you dont want to buy sleeves too big then your not helping matters. also if you dont buy from summit or an actual auto parts place pay attention to the description. when i was buying mine i almost went through amazon myself. then i noticed the set i was looking at on Amazon couldn't handle a blow dryer let alone being half an inch from headers.

 

[Rocket Man]

I tried some of the cheaper sleeves but they still allowed the wires to burn even though the sleeves themselves were only discolored. The Taylor ones are working good.

 

[Chrismnj]

thats what I be using Accel 9070C Extreme Ceramic 135 degree boot Plug Wires. And if you doing headers not sure how big you be going but length on wire may become an issue. Thats why I got 135 degree boot

 

[Rocket Man]

thats what I be using Accel 9070C Extreme Ceramic 135 degree boot Plug Wires. And if you doing headers not sure how big you be going but length on wire may become an issue. Thats why I got 135 degree boot

My wires melt up a ways from the boots. I’ve nevet had the boots themselves melt.

 

[Chrismnj]

My wires melt up a ways from the boots. I’ve nevet had the boots themselves melt.

Thank for the info, how about putting sleeves on the whole wire? could secure them with metal zip ties as when wrapping headers. I also have ceramic coating on my headers,hoping won’t run in to this issue.

https://www.amazon.com/Design-Engineering-010475-Titanium-Technology/dp/B00YJG5Q1O/ref=sr_1_20?crid=2B07FBOAOAQ7F&keywords=spark+plug+boot+protector&qid=1552326356&s=gateway&sprefix=spark+plug+boot+pr,aps,433&sr=8-20&th=1

 

[Sam Harris]

Thanks for all the info guys. I suppose I could also wrap the headers, since they’re not ceramic coated. I’m trying to do this on a very tight budget.
Sounds like the high temp Taylor wires are the best plan, maybe combined with the socks. [emoji106]

 

[Chrismnj]

Thanks for all the info guys. I suppose I could also wrap the headers, since they’re not ceramic coated. I’m trying to do this on a very tight budget.
Sounds like the high temp Taylor wires are the best plan, maybe combined with the socks. [emoji106]

Hit flex budget button, avoid problems down the road.

 

[Sam Harris]

Hit flex budget button, avoid problems down the road.

View attachment 218432

I wish! I’d have a lot more on my list..!

 

[Rocket Man]

Thank for the info, how about putting sleeves on the whole wire? could secure them with metal zip ties as when wrapping headers. I also have ceramic coating on my headers,hoping won’t run in to this issue.

https://www.amazon.com/Design-Engineering-010475-Titanium-Technology/dp/B00YJG5Q1O/ref=sr_1_20?crid=2B07FBOAOAQ7F&keywords=spark+plug+boot+protector&qid=1552326356&s=gateway&sprefix=spark+plug+boot+pr,aps,433&sr=8-20&th=1

I ended up using the Taylor wires with their sleeves. So far so good.

 

[Tonyrodz]

 

[Sam Harris]

View attachment 218458

Why the zip ties? Cables too long?

 

[Tonyrodz]

Why the zip ties? Cables too long?

Not too long, I didn't like how they looked like they were gonna rub on the metal.

 

[Sam Harris]

Ok, finally getting things together for the header install, and want to order the plugs / wires / heat socks.. Looking at the Taylor p/n: 75245: Short style LS wires based on non-truck applications. I have the coil pack: 19005218, so the shorter 9.5" wires. I believe these will work, but the Taylor site doesn't list the length. (btw, their site SUCKS) https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-75245
I was referencing this chart: https://www.taylorvertex.com/spark-plugs/gm-ls-wires/ so think I want either the 75245, or 85245 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-85245/overview/

For the socks: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-350119red?rrec=true

Also, I'm planning on some OBX eBay special headers. The exhaust shop I am going with recommended them for ease of installation, and decent header for the price.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-Header...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Considering the JBA headers also, which would be nice to have a coated header:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/jba-1850s-2jt/overview/

I'm not sure what gasket I should go with for these. Seems like the ones that come with the headers are probably junk. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[Rocket Man]

Ok, finally getting things together for the header install, and want to order the plugs / wires / heat socks.. Looking at the Taylor p/n: 75245: Short style LS wires based on non-truck applications. I have the coil pack: 19005218, so the shorter 9.5" wires. I believe these will work, but the Taylor site doesn't list the length. (btw, their site SUCKS) https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-75245
I was referencing this chart: https://www.taylorvertex.com/spark-plugs/gm-ls-wires/ so think I want either the 75245, or 85245 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-85245/overview/

For the socks: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-350119red?rrec=true

Also, I'm planning on some OBX eBay special headers. The exhaust shop I am going with recommended them for ease of installation, and decent header for the price.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-Header-No-EGR-For-GMC-Hummer-Cadillac-Chevy-294-325-364-376-4-8-5-3-6-0-6-2L/152279946990?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Considering the JBA headers also, which would be nice to have a coated header:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/jba-1850s-2jt/overview/

I'm not sure what gasket I should go with for these. Seems like the ones that come with the headers are probably junk. Any suggestions are welcome.

IMO shorty headers are a waste of time and money. There’s nothing really gained by them- neither sound or power. I say go longtubes or forget it. That’s my opinion anyway.

 

[Chrismnj]

I will take some pictures tomorrow of mine installed, so you get better idea

 

[Sam Harris]

IMO shorty headers are a waste of time and money. There’s nothing really gained by them- neither sound or power. I say go longtubes or forget it. That’s my opinion anyway.

Thanks for the feedback. Since I need to retain the cats, and don't have the funds to purchase a new y-pipe, I don't think long tubes are an option right now. Or am I missing something?