spark plug wire help

[Perry M.]

I recently purchased some Packard 440 spark plug wire and proceeded to make my own wire set. I used the terminals and boots from my LL wire set as suggested but I am having trouble getting the terminals to stay attached. What is the secret to crimping the terminals to stay attached. Is there a special tool or die to use on the straight terminal for the distributor end. I can't seem to get the terminal to "bite" into the wire jacket. I have a crimper that works on the spark plug terminal. I would also like some advice as to how do you solder the wire to the terminal without burning the wire jacket.

[Joe L.]

Re: spark plug wire help

I recently purchased some Packard 440 spark plug wire and proceeded to make my own wire set. I used the terminals and boots from my LL wire set as suggested but I am having trouble getting the terminals to stay attached. What is the secret to crimping the terminals to stay attached. Is there a special tool or die to use on the straight terminal for the distributor end. I can't seem to get the terminal to "bite" into the wire jacket. I have a crimper that works on the spark plug terminal. I would also like some advice as to how do you solder the wire to the terminal without burning the wire jacket.

Perry------


The problem that you're having is exactly why I would never attempt to make up a wire set from bulk wire and connectors. Even if you are successful in making up the wire set, I think you'll find that it's unreliable in the long run. I use only factory assembled wire sets.

[Jimmy G.]

Re: spark plug wire help

Summit sell a special crimping tool for spark plug wires. I have made several 440 sets with no issue. They are much better than repo or service wires.

[Dick W.]

Re: spark plug wire help

I have this crimper that works wonderful MSD 35051

[Perry M.]

Re: spark plug wire help

I have a crimper like the one shown but it will not crimp the distributor terminal like the one pictured here.

[Dick W.]

Re: spark plug wire help

I have a crimper like the one shown but it will not crimp the distributor terminal like the one pictured here.

I use a pair of duck bill pliers for that terminal

[John M.]

Re: spark plug wire help

I soldered the Packard 440 to the terminals. Pretty easy and permanent. These wires have tinned copper core wires which are Not recommended for the newer TI modules.

[Mark E.]

Re: spark plug wire help

I use a pair of duck bill pliers for that terminal

For crimping spark plug terminals, I recommend using the tool for this purpose. Google "spark plug wire crimping tool". Summit sells them.
This tool creates a clean crimp which will withstand pulling on the wire while removing it.

I don't often disagree with Joe, but with this tool you can create a durable cable set with the exact lengths you need. Most pre-cut sets are just too long for a clean installation.

Also, I don't recommend old-school Packard 440 wire unless the car will be judged and you plan to add the required markings. Modern spiral core cables are the way to go. Solid cores suffer from cross firing, while spiral cores virtually eliminate this problem. You'll notice the difference during idle. I've had great results with Taylor's "Spiro-Pro" line.

[John D.]

Re: spark plug wire help

Here's my game plan for my neglected '63, LWC.
I bought a set of NOS Delco Ignition set. Gr. 2.239 #2987482. 90 degree ends for the distributor cap.
All black terminal ends. Putting them on my '63 this winter. Bought them on Ebay. Joe Lucia gave me the part number years ago. John D

[William F.]

Re: spark plug wire help

Right Mark. Get spiral core wires. Some (maybe all) electronic trigger devices such as Pertronix say do not use solid core wires.

[Mark E.]

Re: spark plug wire help

Here's my game plan for my neglected '63, LWC.
I bought a set of NOS Delco Ignition set. Gr. 2.239 #2987482. 90 degree ends for the distributor cap.
All black terminal ends. Putting them on my '63 this winter. Bought them on Ebay. Joe Lucia gave me the part number years ago. John D

Again, that's a good plan for a car which may be judged.

But there are better cables for performance.

[Gary B.]

Re: spark plug wire help

For crimping spark plug terminals, I recommend using the tool for this purpose. Google "spark plug wire crimping tool". Summit sells them.
This tool creates a clean crimp which will withstand pulling on the wire while removing it.

I don't often disagree with Joe, but with this tool you can create a durable cable set with the exact lengths you need. Most pre-cut sets are just too long for a clean installation.

Also, I don't recommend old-school Packard 440 wire unless the car will be judged and you plan to add the required markings. Modern spiral core cables are the way to go. Solid cores suffer from cross firing, while spiral cores virtually eliminate this problem. You'll notice the difference during idle. I've had great results with Taylor's "Spiro-Pro" line.

Mark,

Is there a a Taylor Spiral Pro set that is good-to-go out of the box for a '66 small block Corvette? If so, do you know the Taylor part number?

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: spark plug wire help

Again, that's a good plan for a car which may be judged.

But there are better cables for performance.

Mark-----


The set that John has will work PERFECTLY in all respects.

[Chris H.]

Re: spark plug wire help

John, what wires do you recommend when using the new TI modules? Thanks, Chris

[John M.]