When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Are all spark plug wires created equal? What's best?
My 302 V8 engine has spark plug wires on it that look like MAYBE original wires. They are blue Ford 8mm Duraspark wires with the plug number on the wire. I can see some places where the wires have nicks and torn spots.
I want to replace my wires but I was wondering if any blue Ford "reproduction" spark pug wire would have the same performance level as the OEM wires?
These wires even have what I suppose is the year 1978 printed on the wire.
Is there any chance in the world I could find a set with 1978 printed on them?
You could measure them with an ohmmeter for excessive resistance to be sure. Carbon core wires are good, but they don't last forever. If they are 40+ years old it's probably time. A set of Motorcraft wires are about as good as it gets, and they are cut to length. There is a lot of marketing wankery involved when it comes to aftermarket ignition parts. A Motorcraft distributor cap & rotor would round out the tune-up nicely. It sounds like a commercial, but they really are engineered for your engine.
Thanks for that reply...
I was cruising feebay for wires and they have 9mm and racing wires and every other type of "mine are the best" wires for sale.
I want me some Motorcraft wires and I would like blue but I might go with gray if no blue one are to be had.
I have always had good luck with NAPA (Belden I believe) wires. Already cut to fit and clean install. And usually easy on the pocketbook.
Yep... I could probably get me some good wires cheaper but dog gone it, I guess I am looking at sort of a restoration on this truck and I guess I would like to look under the hood and see FORD on everything....LOL.
Ford Performance has those wires... I have them on my 400 build. They are NOT cut to fit so you need to attach the plug end. I have replaced a LOT of wires over the years , so I bought the plug wire pliers. They give you the right crimp you need. Just my 2 cents.
10-4.... thanks y'all.
I can see there are options for a good set of wires for performance sake......
Now, I just have to get over my OCD and settle for a set of wires that aren't BLUE, don't say MOTORCRAFT and don't the the plug number and 1978 printed on 'em.....LOL.
Is the QUALITY of the spark plug wire directly related to PRICE of the set?
I don't want to pay an extra $75 just to get BLUE... and MOROSO printed on a wire that has no more QUALITY than the gray set of Motorcraft wires.....
(I think I just talked myself into a set of Motorcraft wires......)
Thanks for the advice everyone!!
Mike
I think at some point the price-to-quality ratio gets diminishing returns. Maybe $900 NASA-designed Mil-spec 10 million volt spark plug wires won't make a difference on a 1970s truck compared to some 50 dollar wires.
Could you please do us a favor and measure the original wires and list their lengths according to cylinder number? I'd love to know as modern wires aren't numbered so I just guess.
Could you please do us a favor and measure the original wires and list their lengths according to cylinder number?
I'd love to know as modern wires aren't numbered so I just guess.
I would be glad to.... When I get the new wires I will post a thread showing the length of the old wires for y'all.
(I am going to hang them in my shop to show off to anyone that will show a little interest.....LOL)
I would be glad to.... When I get the new wires I will post a thread showing the length of the old wires for y'all.
(I am going to hang them in my shop to show off to anyone that will show a little interest.....LOL)
If they ohm out OK, you could dab some RTV or liquid electrical tape and fill in any nicks in the outer insulation, then check to make sure they don't arc, and keep running them - although I don't know if I'd recommend it...
01-17-2019, 12:11 PM
