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Running spark plug wire without boot?

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Old 08-07-2017, 06:50 PM
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Running spark plug wire without boot?

So I have these Doug's headers and while the metal seems to be high quality, the fitment is absolute crap. Spark plug #7 rubs against the headers with boot installed. Would it be a bad idea to run just #7 without a boot?


Old 08-07-2017, 08:33 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

yes it would be a very bad idea. it would arc out on the header and not fire the cylinder..
Old 08-07-2017, 09:34 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

The Accel "shorty" header plugs are the shortest I have found.
But in your case, I don't think those will even help.
Old 08-07-2017, 09:41 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

I'm running NGK V-Power spark plugs and I have enough clearance to not touch, even with them being wrapped on the Doug's longtubes. Maybe buy one and see how that goes for you?
Old 08-07-2017, 10:42 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

That's #7? And straight plug heads?
Yeah, shorty plugs should be tried, or the primary tube modified.
Old 08-07-2017, 11:57 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by Jorlain
I'm running NGK V-Power spark plugs and I have enough clearance to not touch, even with them being wrapped on the Doug's longtubes. Maybe buy one and see how that goes for you?
Those are actually the same plugs I am running, and they are way too long for my application.
Upon doing some research I discovered that shorty plugs exist. I ordered a set of the shortest shorty plugs from Summit so we'll see tomorrow if that works. Also I ordered some plug wraps for further insulation, hoping that doesn't just amplify the clearance issue I am having.

Also, prior to reading the comment about arcing, I tried out running the plug without a boot and sure enough it was just arcing off the wrapped header bad enough to not even fire the cylinder... hopefully it didn't hurt my brand new engine
Old 08-08-2017, 08:18 AM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

I'm sorry to hear that, man. What heads are you running? I'm running aftermarket heads, but AFAIK the plug placement should be the same as 906 Vortec heads.
Old 08-08-2017, 11:33 AM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by Jorlain
I'm sorry to hear that, man. What heads are you running? I'm running aftermarket heads, but AFAIK the plug placement should be the same as 906 Vortec heads.
383 Stroker from a LT block, EDL-2022 (Summit PN#) heads. I believe they are called "Edelbrock E-Street heads. The headers are the Doug's PN# D3321-R.
Old 08-08-2017, 11:45 AM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

I had a similar situation with my RHS heads and SLP headers. #8 cylinder. Burned through the first boot which actually touched the header. Put on another boot, but trimmed it down so it wouldn't physically touch. The boot stayed together, but still burned, and started arcing. Now I'm running a DEI wire protector, and no arcing. The wire sleave/protector is DEFINITELY touching the header, but between that and a new, trimmed boot, I have no arcing.

...I'm also running Remflex header gaskets, which are about a 16th of an inch thicker once compressed. That's a lot of real estate in these situations.
Old 08-08-2017, 02:16 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by Abubaca
I'm also running Remflex header gaskets, which are about a 16th of an inch thicker once compressed. That's a lot of real estate in these situations.
Wow i didnt even think about that
Old 08-09-2017, 08:16 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

I'm also running Doug's long tube headers, with aftermarket aluminum straight plug heads and what I did was run the thick aluminum header gaskets and slightly dented the #7's primary tube right where the boot sits; all this gave me a good .250" of space between the boot and header, running Champion 792 racing spark plugs.
Old 08-09-2017, 08:52 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

someone out there makes wires with ceramic boots. i seen them in ads.dont know anyone who used them
Old 08-09-2017, 09:46 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by TOM305T/A
someone out there makes wires with ceramic boots. i seen them in ads.dont know anyone who used them
Ingenious. I hadn't seen those before. Might cure problems for a lot of folks.
Old 08-09-2017, 10:28 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by MSgt Luttrell
I'm also running Doug's long tube headers, with aftermarket aluminum straight plug heads and what I did was run the thick aluminum header gaskets and slightly dented the #7's primary tube right where the boot sits; all this gave me a good .250" of space between the boot and header, running Champion 792 racing spark plugs.
I've got shorty plugs coming in the mail tomorrow, but normal header gaskets, and I don't feel comfortable denting my expensive headers.
I've also got PN# HMI-8030 spark plug boot insulators. Have yet to use them but from the feel of them they are extremely sturdy and seem like they should last forever.
Old 08-10-2017, 08:18 AM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

It's amazing how much they can get away with charging for heat shielding products these days. Good grief.
Old 08-10-2017, 10:18 AM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by Jorlain
It's amazing how much they can get away with charging for heat shielding products these days. Good grief.
Yeah but at the same time if I were trying to save money then I'd go join civicforums.com
Old 08-10-2017, 06:55 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

You could always buy a header flange to use as a spacer and use gaskets on both sides.
Old 08-10-2017, 07:10 PM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Old 08-12-2017, 01:32 AM
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Re: Running spark plug wire without boot?

Originally Posted by NoEmissions84TA
You could always buy a header flange to use as a spacer and use gaskets on both sides.
this seems like a very viable option.

running shorty Accel spark plugs has given me enough clearance to put the plug boot on as well as the thick plug boot protector from Summit. The protector touches the header quite firmly but I think they are quality enough to not disintegrate from heat. Also my headers are wrapped so I'm sure they'll be fine. Thanks for the help TGO!




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