Quadrajet or Aftermarket?

[Longroof79]

I have the old TES headers on my SBC. Only issues I had is to run spark plug heat sleeves and tight sparkplug access on some cylinders. They used to sell special telescoping sparkplug sockets for headers, which I have one of.

My original set of Accel 8.8 wires had large boots on them and were slightly thicker wires. a few of them became casualties of the headers. I changed over to Taylor 8mm wires and they seem to clear the headers without any issues. Well, the wire looms help significantly as well..

 

[Longroof79]

In some cases you need a few different types of sockets. The spark plug socket with the hex is useful and a 5/8" combination wrench helps as well. I also use a swivel socket if need be.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I also use a swivel socket if need be.

Jack, since you had VW beetles, you know that the ONLY way you are getting the spark plugs out is with a flex-head ratchet. I think it was invented just to service Bugs!!!

 

[Longroof79]

Jack, since you had VW beetles, you know that the ONLY way you are getting the spark plugs out is with a flex-head ratchet. I think it was invented just to service Bugs!!!

Mark,
I've never used a flex head ratchet for that purpose.
I'm quite familiar with air cooled VW and 4-cyl. Porsche engines. What I generally use on the Porsche engine is a magnetic 13/16" socket with a basic 3/8's drive ratchet and extension. The Porsche engine has a deeper reach to access the plugs and therefore it's easy to lose a plug inside the shrouding. Ask me how I know. The magnetic socket is a godsend. It's a German Hazet brand. Worth every penny .
Before using the magnetic socket, I used a regular spark plug socket to loosen up the plug and then use a length of fuel hose to fit over the plug's porcelain . It works almost as well as the magnetic socket. We all have our various methods.
It does take a little care to not cross thread the SP threads, and recommend using the finger tight method before tightening down the plug.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

My original set of Accel 8.8 wires had large boots on them and were slightly thicker wires. a few of them became casualties of the headers. I changed over to Taylor 8mm wires and they seem to clear the headers without any issues. Well, the wire looms help significantly as well..

I use stock AC Delco wires with Ebay fiberglass boots, one of the few times I use cheap Ebay stuff.

 

[Longroof79]

I use stock AC Delco wires with Ebay fiberglass boots, one of the few times I use cheap Ebay stuff.

Are they a silicone jacketed wire? Also what type of core wire does it use? I like to use a silicone wire with a spiral wound core. which is why I like the Taylor wires. Even brands like Moroso, Accel, MSD, etc. are made in that fashion.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Are they a silicone jacketed wire? Also what type of core wire does it use? I like to use a silicone wire with a spiral wound core. which is why I like the Taylor wires. Even brands like Moroso, Accel, MSD, etc. are made in that fashion.

I just use stock carbon core wires. Many of the spiral core wires have poor suppression.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I've never used a flex head ratchet for that purpose.

Jack I had a cheap-azz guy at work with a VW Bug. He wanted to do the spark plugs but could not get near them with the tools he had. I suggested a flex head ratchet and he just poo-pooed me as being a stupid know-it-all. So I did NOT offer my tool for him to use. This went on for couple of weeks with no success. Finally he admitted that he had used a flex head ratchet to get the plugs done. It cost him a lot because he could only find one for top dollar at an expensive hardware store. Oh... well.............

 

[Longroof79]

Jack I had a cheap-azz guy at work with a VW Bug. He wanted to do the spark plugs but could not get near them with the tools he had. I suggested a flex head ratchet and he just poo-pooed me as being a stupid know-it-all. So I did NOT offer my tool for him to use. This went on for couple of weeks with no success. Finally he admitted that he had used a flex head ratchet to get the plugs done. It cost him a lot because he could only find one for top dollar at an expensive hardware store. Oh... well.............

I guess this schmoo learned a lesson. Like the old adage goes, you can lead a horse to water.

 

[olds307 and 403]

You chebby guys are funny with your burnt spark plug wires. The only time I had issues was my hot running 403 with MSD Superconductor wires, heat actually cracked the wire twice, no actual touching on Olds V8's. Once I put on Accel 25 ohm race wires and years later the GN rad surround on my G body, problem solved.