CarCare

The concept behind high performance spark plug wires is simple. A stronger current to the plugs helps them to make a hotter spark, and burn the fuel-air mixture inside the cylinders more completely. A better burn means more power, smoother idle, and can even bring along a bit more mileage thanks to an increase in efficiency.


Many new vehicles come with one ignition coil for each cylinder for ultra-efficient spark delivery. But even with the advent of one coil per cylinder ignition systems there are still a great number of vehicles on the road that send spark to the plugs through good old spark plug wires. If those wires under your hood are a little too old, and not at all good, then it may be a good time to consider an upgrade.


There's no better way to send more spark to the spark plugs then to install a set hi-conductivity spark plug wires. Besides the obvious benefits of increased spark energy and improved combustion, there's the visual appeal that a set of fat 8mm performance wires can bring. While many ready fit sets can be purchased right off the shelf, if you happen to drive one of the vehicles not covered you're out of luck—or are you?

Crimptastic
If you have an oddball vehicle, or have made an engine swap or ignition system upgrade that rules out stock fit wires, then a custom fit set is the only way to go. Another good reason to upgrade spark plug wires is to add additional protection against under hood heat if exhaust headers or turbochargers come into play.


Making a custom fit set of wires may seem like a daunting task, yet in reality it is a very simple procedure when you take a methodical approach. The "measure it twice, cut it once" philosophy of doing things most certainly applies here.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009



 
Photo Guide

Choose the right boots and terminals for the job.

Work with one wire at a time. Start with the longest stock plug wire out of the vehicle and measure it against the longest wire in the kit. Measure on the vehicle if required. Mark the new wire.

Cut wire to length. Insert the new wire in the mini-crimper strip guide. Place a sharp blade across the top of the mini-crimper and rotate wire 360 degrees. Only the outer skin needs to be sliced.

Rotate cut section counterclockwise and pull away to reveal conductor. There must be enough length of conductor wire to fold back under the terminal base.

Use pliers to bend about 1/8 of an inch of the terminal ends in at 90 degrees for a more secure crimp.

Now may be a good time to pre-install boots and get any numbering taken care of.

Fold conductor wire under terminal, and insert wire and terminal into the "W" section of the mini-crimper. Wire should be about 1/8 ahead of the terminal tabs. Slide the two halves of the mini-crimper together.

Place mini-crimper in a vise with alignment tabs facing up. Slowly apply pressure to the vice until the tabs fold over the wire. Do not overcrimp! Piercing the outer skin of the wire will result in a weak crimp.

The finished crimp: Note how tabs hold onto outer surface of wire. Test crimp for strength before installing boot.

Bend the terminal slightly. A dab of di-electric grease will ease boot assembly, help with conductivity, and keep moisture out of the boot.

Slide boot over the terminal. Make any final bends.

First install spark plug side of wire. Di-electric grease helps here as well.

Next install the distributor side. Move on to the next wire making sure the wires do not cross or run against heat sources as you make the final routing.

If a lot more crimping is in the future, a set of custom crimping pliers may be the answer.



Related Articles
Roadside Diesel Repair
Throttle Body Injection Rebuild
Fuel Pump Replacement
Fuel Filter Swap
Spark Plugs


autoMedia Car Blog
Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup
In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as ... more...

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs
It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.SEMA is not quite ov ... more...

Pricing: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan
Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan, striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: Aluminum wheels and a flat tire
I am sure you have your tire changed by now, but this is a common problem when using aluminum wheels.  Once you realize you have a problem, hitti ... more...

Re: Chevy 3.8L Engine cutout
 I would call it in intermediate job.  You will need some special tools to do it, but if you have some experience doing repairs, and not jus ... more...

Re: The correct Voltage/Amps for Horn??
I'm not sure I have ever seen an actual horn go bad.  When they do stop working, it is usually an electrical issue.  You want to make sure i ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!
Zip Code

Used Car Buying Guide



2000-2009 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.