Hi peeps, after installing my new headers, I'll be installing new plugs and new wires as the old wire terminals broke on 2. Now most people seem to say that going with the factory iridium plugs is best. So i'll go for it.

But as for the wires, people seem to have mixed feelings on them. To begin with, I really couldn't care less about the looks or color, only how effective they are. Many say that there are no gains to go with anything else but factory. This has also been my opinion with older muscle cars. So the question is... if there are no gains, what's the point?

 

No point. Factory wires are just as good....BECAUSE the resistance is so minimal on a 5" wire I'd go with different plugs also.

 

You'd go for different plugs? Which ones? Aren't the iridiums suppose to be good?

 

NGK spark plugs have worked pretty good for me.

 

NGK TR55-N/A Vehicles
NGK TR6-Turbo,Supercharger, Nitrous vehicles

I think they make a Tr7 which is 2 heat ranges colder but don't quote me on that part number.

 

If I swapped to some NGK TR55s would my tune need to be adjusted?

 

I had a guy call in to my work yesterday that was tuning his Camaro for nitrous and was asking for a BR7ES plug, I think that might be the so called "TR7" but I'm not sure.

 

hm... but the NGK TR55's don't have the lifespan of the iridiums. My previous set of iridiums lasted 215 000km and still haven't caused me trouble yet. What benefit would I get out of the NGK's?

Again, keep in mind, these are the iridium 41-985's. The things are worth big bucks.

 

The tr-55s are only $20 for the set. They are just as good as any other performance wise.

 

If it's the same heat range as the plug you're using now, I don't see why you'd have to mess with the tune.

As for aftermarket wires, no gains. Some aftermarket wires may hold up to the heat of aftermarket headers a little better, if the clearance is close, but that's about it. I have MSD's that I bought because they were on sale, and I think they were cheaper than the stockers at the time. I like them because they've been holding up to me constantly pulling them on and off while modding (cam swap, valve springs, header install, etc). I've twisted and tugged on those things a hundred times and they're still solid (knock on wood)

When you swap your wires, but sure to put some dialectric grease in the boots going to the plugs and coils, it will help to keep the boots from siezing to the plugs and you'll thank yourself when you go to remove the wires. The grease also protects against moisture.