Spark plug wire ends?

[Tom L.]

Hi all, I've been considering replacing the wires on my '72 big block. I've read that it is possible to get the wires out of the braids and replace the old wire with new. I've located Packard solid core wire on ebay but can't seem to find a source for the straight terminals that go on the spark plugs. MSD offers them but they are quite long and I'm concerned that the short grey boots won't completely, and effectively cover them. Anyone know of a source for these? Also, provided that the grey boots on my existing wires are not split or cracked, will they insulate effectively or does age take a real toll on them? I'm also concerned about radio noise using solid core wire, should I be? Thanks!!

[William C.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

WOW! talk about a can of worms. Firstly unless you have an L-88 your car did not come equipped with solid core wires originally. Secondly, the original application of the terminals was done using a small (5 ton) press to properly secure the terminal to the wire. Unless you can replicate this process at home, I'd strongly suggest you think about a good set of reproduction wires, as at least some of the vendors have learned the proper methods of what assembly techniques work.

[Joe L.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

I'm also concerned about radio noise using solid core wire, should I be? Thanks!!

Tom------


YES!

[Phil W.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Tom, I bought a set of braided wires from Lectric Limited for my '71 Big Block with great results. Much easier fix. Phil

[Donald A.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Tom, I bought a set of braided wires from Lectric Limited for my '71 Big Block with great results. Much easier fix. Phil

I bought a set of Lectric limited wires for my 70LS-5 and was very disappointed. They arched at the boots.

[Phil W.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

I bought a set of Lectric limited wires for my 70LS-5 and was very disappointed. They arched at the boots.

Donald, did you replace them and if so who did you buy from and were you satisfied? Thanks, Phil

[Tom L.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

So it kind of looks like most of you are shooting my idea down. My LL wires have served me well but a while back I damaged a couple of ends and they needed to be repaired. As a result of shortening them there was tension on the wires. Recently I had them off the plugs and noticed that a couple of the ends were cooked, probably because of the tension on the ends. I'm interested in a comparable replacement other than the LL wires though. It's always good to have options. Either way it looks like I'm going for another set pf repro's. Thanks!!

[Donald A.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Donald, did you replace them and if so who did you buy from and were you satisfied? Thanks, Phil

Phil, for now I just got some of the yellow ones at the local box store. I called LL and the guy acted offended that any LL parts could be defective. I had a set on my car when I got it and the boot were much better(longer and seems like better materials) that the LL. My main gripe was that I was seeing (in the dark) and hearing popping sound at the boot/plug connection. I'm not sure what I will do but the car is running better so I guess I'll live with the ugly yellow. I could not find a model set that was black.

I posed another thread on this topic

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?106572-70-LS-5-%28new-to-me%29-lights-up-at-night-under-the-hood-Running-rough!!!&p=711924#post711924

[Joe L.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Phil, for now I just got some of the yellow ones at the local box store. I called LL and the guy acted offended that any LL parts could be defective. I had a set on my car when I got it and the boot were much better(longer and seems like better materials) that the LL. My main gripe was that I was seeing (in the dark) and hearing popping sound at the boot/plug connection. I'm not sure what I will do but the car is running better so I guess I'll live with the ugly yellow. I could not find a model set that was black.

I posed another thread on this topic
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...924#post711924

Don------


I've heard other reports of deficiencies with the Lectric Limited big block wires. However, I think they've got "the only game in town".

[Donald A.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Thanks Joe. The guy was quite rude actually. I'm thinking that I might be able to find some other boot that might work and just replace the ends. Wonder if anyone has tried that. I still have the wire set that was on the car when I bought it and will take a pic to show the different in the LL set.

Oh, and BTW thank you so much for taking the time to post your knowledge and share with others.

[Phil W.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Phil, for now I just got some of the yellow ones at the local box store. I called LL and the guy acted offended that any LL parts could be defective. I had a set on my car when I got it and the boot were much better(longer and seems like better materials) that the LL. My main gripe was that I was seeing (in the dark) and hearing popping sound at the boot/plug connection. I'm not sure what I will do but the car is running better so I guess I'll live with the ugly yellow. I could not find a model set that was black.

I posed another thread on this topic
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...924#post711924

Thanks Don, even though I've had good luck with my LL wires, I was hoping you had found an alternative. Always good to have more than one option. Phil

[Ken A.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Joe, we sell a DIY kit made with Packard wire that has the 135 degree Spark Plug ends finished w/ a black boot and the installer will have to cut the distributor ends and install their boots and new terminals(which are included).

Don------


I've heard other reports of deficiencies with the Lectric Limited big block wires. However, I think they've got "the only game in town".

[Donald A.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Joe, we sell a DIY kit made with Packard wire that has the 135 degree Spark Plug ends finished w/ a black boot and the installer will have to cut the distributor ends and install their boots and new terminals(which are included).

Ken, who is "we"? thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Joe, we sell a DIY kit made with Packard wire that has the 135 degree Spark Plug ends finished w/ a black boot and the installer will have to cut the distributor ends and install their boots and new terminals(which are included).

Ken-------


Are these the big block wires with the RFI suppression BRAID?

[Ken A.]

Re: Spark plug wire ends?

Joe- they're modern Packard RFI wires without the braid. You'll have to use your old braid. Should take an hour to make up a set.