Spark Plug Wire Sets ?

Chics LI · #1 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:35 AM

Has anyone used the custom plug wire sets from MSD or Taylor and if so, how well did they fit...was there alot of excess wire left over. I have a 351W. Am I better of getting a universal set and cutting wires to length needed. Thinking of using either MSD 8.5 or Taylor 10 with angled ends to fit around headers.

Tom S.

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 09:20 AM

Get the cut to fit set, always. Put them on the sparkplugs, run them through whatever looms you have, then one by one, cut and fit the distributor ends for each wire. This is the only way to geta good clean fit, without sloppy excess.

Roscoe · #3 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 10:23 AM

I used the Moroso kit. I added the shrink tubing for the ends, the shrink numbers for each wire and the heat sleeves. Very easy to cut and crimp.

Roscoe

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 10:41 AM

I used the Ford racing 8.8 mm stainless. Then, after I couldn't get the air cleaner on, cut each one to fit the distributor.

Very nice.

Roscoe, those Moroso kits are nice. I have seen them on other cars.

FUNFER2 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 10:59 AM

Good post. I must be wrong in my thinking.(what's new) hehe!
I need new wires also but, I thought that if I buy a custon fit set that if I want to run the wires under the headers, to the front of the block & up to the distributor, that they will be too short. If I just bought a kit, I could taylor the length. I don't want the wires to run over the top of the valve covers. What do you think guys ?
Kev

Robert T. Faust · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 11:06 AM

Hello,
I'm looking for the Ford Motorsport Blue "PRECUT" with 45 degree angles and for old type distributor, not the MSD type, and they are labled 1 thru 8, for my 428. For some strange reason (hate it) I just can't properly cut and put the ends on. Anyway, can't find them anywhere. I'm able to find the set you have to cut, but not the precut. Help!
Bob Faust

Janusz · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 11:09 AM

Here's another question around wires .... any suggestions for looms or wire holders for applications when using the Ford Racing alum valve covers (no mounting point on the covers, unless you drill/tap/mount a bracket). Also, the covers come with a baffle that you mount on the inside in front of the breather openings, which mount with four self tapping screws. Any concerns with these loosening up over time? Any input would be appreciated.

wilf leek · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 03:34 PM

Janusz - I had the same thoughts about those little screws that hold the baffles in, so I took them all out, cleaned them up, and put them back with some thread locker. Seemed cheap insurance, considering the valve covers probably emanate from China.

galaxy · #9 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 06:13 PM

Livewires from performance distributors are really neat and supposed to be awesome. IMO, they are the best looking sets out right now and fit very well. Come with braided sleeving. Very "race car item" looking. I have heard nothing but good about them and will probably be my next set on something. But, can't go wrong with MSD 8.5's. See alot of the fat Taylor "409" wires too. They're supposed to be really good. I have been happy with the FMS 9mm wires I have now but I have had a couple fall apart and actually found the spark jumping through the boot to the headder on one. Guess that's not so good, hu???

Edley Rondinone · #10 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:16 PM

Has anyone thought to use the "smart" distributor cap, where the wires for the left side of the engine come out of the left side of the cap, in cylinder sequence? Really cleans up the looks of the plug wires!

fw209 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:32 PM

If you go to my gallery you will see what I did to scure my wires around the valve covers. I used Accel Super Stock 8MM Hi-temp wires. They were cut to fit.

Janusz · #12 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:53 PM

Wilf,

Good to hear from you and not a bad idea with the thread locker. Something about having the screws on the inside of the covers that makes one uneasy.

fw209,

Nice and clean install. Question around the valve cover bolts with nuts. What's the benefit of that arrangement versus just snugging up the bolts or using lock washers?

FUNFER2 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 10:46 PM

Hey Edley, I've heard of the "smart cap", who makes them & where can you buy them ?
kev

fw209 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 11:43 PM

Those were just temp bolts with nuts under the heads for now. I have some factory bolts that go in their place, but they are at the powder coaters with the covers. I will post more in a couple weeks when I have the car finished. Thanks for the compliment.

Fred

KobraKarl · #15 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 11:46 PM

I agree with fixit , exept I like the 440 solid stainless wire , It looks stock too.

KK

CJ428CJ · #16 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 07:19 AM

Robert,

I know what you mean about cutting the wires and getting the ends on properly. I bought the MSD 8mm wires and they give you a nice jig for cutting and securing the wires. You need to use a vise to compress the jig as you crimp each wire but it does a good clean job. I like the spark plug end of the wire too since the plug wire is adjustable to any angle from straight to 90 degrees.

Chris

Rick Bagley · #17 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 10:42 AM

I used the MSD 8.5 wires in black on the 427 FE, good wires. By all means put them on like Mr. Fixit explained. Nothing worse than a nice engine compartment with screwed up spark plug wires. If you look at engine compartments in general this is where most people fail.

Edley Rondinone · #18 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 01:34 PM

Kevin: Mallory used to make them; their WEB site shows them, unfortunatley, I cannot bring up any details.....I imagine PAW, JEGS, or any other large parts catalog would list them.

FUNFER2 · #19 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 03:09 PM

I'll check into it.
Thanks Ed