Help: I have Spark plug wires questions....also Radiator w/fan question?

1262 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by robbynightmare, Aug 1, 2011

robbynightmare

Discussion Starter · Jul 31, 2011

Hi all,

Just installed JBA headers on my 67' mustang w/ 302.
The spark plug wires i have on it are straight 180 degree at the spark plug end and 90degree at the distributor.

What is happening is that the boot is burning up against the header.
I need to find a set of wires that have 90degree boots at both ends so that it will clear the header and not touch the pipe.

The problem is where i live the local auto parts store is not helpful or knowledgeable at all.

So i'm trying to decide/find an exact part number that i can go in and order.

Couple questions i have:
1. do i go 8mm, 8.5mm, or 9mm?
2. how do i determine what type of connection at the distributor i have male or female?
3. I've read that making the custom length wires do not last as long is this true?
4. I've read that Ford racing wires are better than msd when i comes to the ford application, is this true?

Regarding Radiator anyone know a good radiator w/fan combo.
My radiator is toast and my dad was saying i should go with a fan on the radiator so as to take the fan off the engine.
Thoughts?

Lastly I'm located in victoria, b.c canada and so awesome places like Summit we do not have.
We have Lordco=crap service.

any help would be great.
Cheers.

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

MustangBradley

· #2 · Aug 1, 2011

Most Ford small blocks I've seen use 45 degree boots, but you can use 90 if you want. The link below is for 45 degree. If you search some more on Summit's site, you'll find 90s. I did a quick check about Summit's shipping policy, and they consider Canada NOT a foreign country. Go figure.

Ford Racing M-12259-C301 - Ford Racing Spark Plug Wire Sets - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Custom length wires get a bad rap because the person making the connections does a bad job. Find someone who has made a bunch of sets, and you'll get a good job done. I made mine and have had no problems.

Using the engine driven fan is about as simple a system as you can get. It works and has only one failure point: the belt. These work well. If you replace the radiator, and have a properly fit shroud, you'll cool just fine.

Save

Reply Quote

6T6Coupe

· #3 · Aug 1, 2011 (Edited)

Quit using them 90's at the spark plug and use 45's. Not all need 45's tho. usually a set comes with 2 or 3 wires that have a 45 angle.

Last set i had was for a '66 289 and had 3 45's (plugs #1, 4 and 8). Got new set this week for '66 289 with smog and only 2 45's at plugs.

Edit: i didnt read your post slowly enough, idk if 45's will help or not with the headers

Save

Reply Quote

David Suesz

· #4 · Aug 1, 2011

Get the boot design you need for clearance, and don't worry about 8mm, 9mm, 10mm cable. If the cables are in good condition, the OEM 7mm works just fine. Phat wires are for tuners to show off at cruise night, to compensate for their tiny engines. :winks

Save

Reply Quote

t.mcginley.jr

· #5 · Aug 1, 2011

As others have said, most fords use 45 degree wires at the spark plug, but if this won't work in your application then you'll need to get a set of 90 degree wires. As long as they fit then they will work.

1. Originals were 7mm. Supposedly 8mm+ wires are more insulated and therefore carry a "better" spark. As long as yours are at least 7mm you'll be fine.

2. Take off a plug from the distributor. If the distributor cap has holes, its female. If the cap has pieces that stick out, its male. The ends of the wires will match up to the cap. If your dizzy cap has holes (female) then the spark plug wires will have male ends to fit into the holes.

3. as long as they are properly crimped, they are just as good as manufactured ones

4. no idea about this. I'm using 8mm petronix at the moment

Save

Reply Quote

robbynightmare

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 1, 2011

Thanks for the help everyone.

cheers.

Save

Reply Quote

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month