Spark plug wires

[Falchero]

I have a '65 Ranchero, with a mildly-modified '65 200 with a 250 head, mild cam, headers, Holley-Weber carb, and '78 Fairmont Dura-spark Distributor. (GM ignition module, mounted under the dash on a heat-sink)

I bought a good Motorcraft set of plug wires (Proper part number) but a friend said that I should go with spiral-core wires, instead of stock carbon-cores. He said they would deliver a LOT better spark at the plugs, thus better power and mileage.

I'm not gonna race this sucker, but hope to drive it a lot....so I want to wring the most I can out of her.

My technology stopped in about 1959............ I thought, until recently, the best plug wires you could have were Packard 440s! (Also, until recently, I didn't know there was any other engine than a flat head Ford!)

Anyway, I'd like to hear a more learned mechanic's take on this spark plug wire issue.

Thanks, Dennis
Retired old Fart

 

[rbohm]

8) the spiral wound plug wires do in fact allow more spark energy, while maintaining the radio resistance of the carbon core wires. i prefer the spiral wound wires, but the ones you already have will do just fine.

 

[bubba22349]

My technology stopped in about 1959............ I thought, until recently, the best plug wires you could have were Packard 440s! (Also, until recently, I didn't know there was any other engine than a flat head Ford!)

Welcome from another O F. Packard 440's now that takes me back and Flatheads are great started out with a Model A Ford my First V8 was a 32 Ford. If you can return those Mortorcrafts for a refund be worth it to do, otherwise they will last probably for at least 5 years even with a lot of driving.

 

[Falchero]

Thanks guys!

Since I already cut the coil wire, to shorten it, I won't try to return the set. Maybe later, I'll get a set of helical-wound wires. I'm not gonna race this sucker, just want to keep from getting ragged too much for being an old fart with an obsolete car! Always loved odd-ball engines.

Love your cars, Bubba! I remember those sweet little Ford OHV sixes, back in the '50s. With just a little work, they've surprised many V-8 owners!

Appreciate your responses.

 

[chad]

>Love your cars, Bubba
I like the Mav n truck's motors!

I see bout 12 $ to over 100$ but none of em mention the composition on the box or at the counter...?
How do U tell 'carbon' from 'heli' or 'spiral'.

My wires (stock everything - 170 cid) must B 30 yrs old by now :nono:

 

[bubba22349]

I remember those sweet little Ford OHV sixes, back in the '50s. With just a little work, they've surprised many V-8 owners!

Thank you. A 223 F100 was my first race project, beat many stock V8's with it in the 60's

 

[wsa111]

When you are ready to purchase the best wires, go to MSD'S website & buy their universal wire set for a six cylinder.

You have to custom fabricate the length but the results will be benificial. Bill

 

[chad]

MSD'S website & buy their universal wire set

Tanks doood, I don't know nuttin, all I lernt is from here! Forum helped me rebuild a Carter YF 8247 S.
BTW: what 'kind' are they? Not even the 'carbon' or "spiral/heliectical"?).
How much you think they cost? Wrk w/DSII?