Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

[G B.]

I've been shopping for new 283 under-manifold plug wires with 90 degree plug boots and straight distributor cap boots. Here are the part numbers I found offered by Delco: 9508N, 508N, and 26752QN. They are all listed as 7 mm custom-fit resistance wire sets. Can anyone tell me the construction differences between these part numbers?

[Mark E.]

Re: Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

I've looked at the 508n and 9508n. Both appear to be identical construction. The cables in the 9508n were a bit longer, maybe to fit more applications?

Be sure to check resistance before installing. These have a fiberglass string core impregnated with carbon, so ohms/foot varies a lot. Also, they easily breakdown with handling, bending and heat, and are prone to leakage/crossfire.t.

So unless it's being judged consider a modern spiral core product. Consistent resistance, minimal crossfire and durable. 8mm will fit in most OEM looms.

Plug wires are mostly covered in a small block with shielding so this is an inconspicuous mod that makes a real difference.

[G B.]

Re: Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

Thanks for your response, Mark. You made some good points about conductivity, durability, and insulation.

Today I bought a 7mm, spiral-wound core wire set sold by Pertronix. It's sold on Amazon for about $44 including shipping under part number 708101. It's made with black wire and boots. The plug terminals are 90 degrees and the cap terminals are straight. The wire resistance is about 500 ohms per foot. The lengths are for under-manifold mounting. I like the life-time warranty, but they aren't clear about whose lifetime is the standard.

I know most NCRS members don't like straight cap terminals because of shielding fit problems. However, I'm a shielding-hater going back to the sixties. It caused wire grounding back then. I guess that doesn't happen much now.

For what little it's worth: the Delco 508N wire set is considered their "Original Equipment" grade. This part number may be discontinued now. Some suppliers are currently out-of-stock. The 9508N set is their "Professional" grade, which is considered lower quality. I haven't found anything about the 26752QN set quality. Delco also sells an "Advantage" grade of products that is... ahem... price competitive.

[Mark E.]

Re: Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

Thanks for your response, Mark. You made some good points about conductivity, durability, and insulation.

Today I bought a 7mm, spiral-wound core wire set sold by Pertronix. It's sold on Amazon for about $44 including shipping under part number 708101. It's made with black wire and boots. The plug terminals are 90 degrees and the cap terminals are straight. The wire resistance is about 500 ohms per foot. The lengths are for under-manifold mounting. I like the life-time warranty, but they aren't clear about whose lifetime is the standard.

I know most NCRS members don't like straight cap terminals because of shielding fit problems. However, I'm a shielding-hater going back to the sixties. It caused wire grounding back then. I guess that doesn't happen much now.

For what little it's worth: the Delco 508N wire set is considered their "Original Equipment" grade. This part number may be discontinued now. Some suppliers are currently out-of-stock. The 9508N set is their "Professional" grade, which is considered lower quality. I haven't found anything about the 26752QN set quality. Delco also sells an "Advantage" grade of products that is... ahem... price competitive.

I read the product description; sounds like a good choice. From Pertronix: "Now you can get a stock-look spark plug wire, that performs. We’ve designed our 7mm wires with the same core we use in our 8mm wire. Two current paths for reliability and redundancy: primary path- Spiral wound stainless steel alloy; secondary path- Carbon impregnated fiberglass center core. The only difference is the 7mm flat black silicone jacket that hides its performance potential from the naked eye. Get the best of both worlds with state-of-the-art performance and a stock look. These wires will fit most original wire looms."

I've been using spiral-core wires from Taylor for almost 30 years now (not so modern, I guess) and have had great luck with them. It's still a good idea to measure each cable's resistance to ensure you didn't get a bad one.

LOL on the lifetime warranty. When someone tells me their product has a lifetime warranty, I have a little fun by asking "Who's lifetime are we talking about? Yours, mine, the car's?" This dumbfounds them every time.

I've never had an issue with the shielding grounding the cables, but can see how this can happen. Some cars have a plastic liner on the inside to help with this, so it must be a known issue.

Let us know what you think of your new cables.

[John D.]

Re: Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

Jerry I bought a NOS set for my '63 fuel car. It only has the long part number on the box. 2987482. Dated ?Q76.
Was recommended by Joe Lucia years ago. Box does not have a short number as you described.
Putting them on my '63 if my helper is willing to help me remove all the shielding.
Trivia for all. You need to buy the tool to remove the boots from the spark plugs. It you wiggle the boot back and worth then you may break the carbon fiber. NAPA has the tool. Then you just pull the boots straight off. JD

[Tim S.]

Re: Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

Thanks for your response, Mark. You made some good points about conductivity, durability, and insulation.

Today I bought a 7mm, spiral-wound core wire set sold by Pertronix. It's sold on Amazon for about $44 including shipping under part number 708101. It's made with black wire and boots. The plug terminals are 90 degrees and the cap terminals are straight. The wire resistance is about 500 ohms per foot. The lengths are for under-manifold mounting. I like the life-time warranty, but they aren't clear about whose lifetime is the standard.

I know most NCRS members don't like straight cap terminals because of shielding fit problems. However, I'm a shielding-hater going back to the sixties. It caused wire grounding back then. I guess that doesn't happen much now.

For what little it's worth: the Delco 508N wire set is considered their "Original Equipment" grade. This part number may be discontinued now. Some suppliers are currently out-of-stock. The 9508N set is their "Professional" grade, which is considered lower quality. I haven't found anything about the 26752QN set quality. Delco also sells an "Advantage" grade of products that is... ahem... price competitive.

I purchased the Pertronix semi custom wire set PN 708190 for my 62. I like to "fit" the wire once everything is timed correctly in order to eliminate the extra slack. I was really happy with the set and the result. To your point Jerry, I used the 90 distributor ends as it packages better with the shielding.

Tim

[Mike M.]

Re: Modern Delco spark plug wire sets for 283

just this morning I fabricated a set of Packard 440 plug wires for our 30 chevy roadster pickup. the carbon core wires on it gave up the ghost after many spark plug replacements over the years. took about an hour to make up the packards. ALL of our 57 vets have Packard 440 plug wires a I hate to replace the carbon core wires with the various plug wire securing pieces. all 4 of our 57's are radio delete so interference isn't a problem with them. I've also got packards on our three 65's and 2 of the 3 have no radio interference. I'd rather drive a FORD than use carbon core wires. mike mccagh