The high voltages that pass through ignition wires make them highly vulnerable to wear and tear. As such, after some time, you will have to replace the wires on your Chevy’s 5.7 Vortec engine.
However, not every spark plug wire out there will do as you have to find the ones compatible with this engine. So, here is where we come in; we have compiled a list of six ignition wires designed for the 5.7 Vortec engine.
These six wires can be considered the best spark plug wires for 5.7 Vortec and will be an ideal option for anyone looking to replace their wires. We have also included a guide on how we made our selection focusing on the main things to consider. But first, have a look at our Top Spark Plug Wires For 5.7 Vortec
Quick View Of Our Top Picks
Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change
Now, let’s look at some details about ignition wires and why they matter.
Why Do You Trust Our Review?
We tested a wide range of ignition wires to see how they performed with the 5.7 Vortec engine. From our tests, we narrowed it down to six and wrote these reviews based on the test results.
How We Picked The Wires
Knowing how picky the 5.7 Vortec can be with ignition wires, we picked the six based on their compatibility, resistance levels, and thickness, and that is why we only picked wires with a thickness of not less than 8 mm.
The Benefits Of Ignition Wires
So what exactly are the benefits of ignition wires, and why should you invest in the best ignition plug wires for 5.7 Vortec? Well, here are some of the main benefits of these wires
Improved Engine Performance:
ignition wires are important in transporting electric current from the ignition coil or distributor to the spark plug. As such, without them, your engine will not start.
The best ignition wires for 5.7 Vortec will help speed up the transfer of the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. This will, in turn, speed up the engine combustion process, translating to more efficient engine performance.
Improve Fuel Efficiency:
Good ignition wires will help maintain your car’s fuel efficiency. On the other hand, worn-out wires will result in a drop in fuel economy. Thus having good ignition wires will ensure you do not incur hefty costs on fuel.
Cost Saving:
Having durable ignition wires installed will ensure you do not have to replace them frequently, saving you money.
Spark Plug Wire Replacement Tips
- Since each wire must be connected in the correct order, i.e., wire one to distributor cap one, install each wire individually, ensuring that route each as the original.
- Do not pull the spark plug wire itself but rather use spark plug pliers to grasp and free the spark plug boot.
- Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease on the inside of the spark plug boot. This will help corrosion, water intrusion, and short-circuiting.
When Should I Change Ignition Wires?
There is no universal standard as to when you should replace ignition wires. However, most wires will last up to 300,000 miles. Therefore, it is also recommended to inspect the wires after every 30,000 miles. Also, inspect the wires when replacing the spark plugs.
How To Tell When Ignition Wires Are Worn Out?
There are several things that will tell you it is time to replace the ignition wires. These are;
Engine Hard Starting:
hard starting can be caused by a variety of issues, including corroded battery terminals, faulty injector or starter, or damaged ignition leads. Hard starting can also be caused by worn-out ignition wires.
As such, if you are having hard starting challenges, it may be wise to inspect your ignition wires.
Engine Misfire:
This can also be blamed on a number of things, including worn-out spark plugs. However, engine misfires can also be a result of faulty ignition wires. As such, if you experience engine misfire, check the condition of your wires.
Check engine Light On:
In most modern cars, the check engine light is meant to alert you of engine problems. Therefore, this light can be on because of faulting ignition wires.
Is There A Proper Way To Connect The Wires?
Yes, ignition wires should be connected to the right distributor cap terminal and cylinder head cap. Some ignition wires are usually numbered to assist in identifying where each wire should go. However, not all of them are.
Review Of The Best Spark Plug Wires For 5.7 Vortec Engine
MSD 32169 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire Set
First up on the list is the MSD 32169 8.5mm spark plug wire set. Designed for the Vortec v8 engine, this set of wires has about 40-50 ohms of resistance per foot. But what is more impressive is the 40 feet of tightly wound copper.
This improves conductivity and, combined with the ferromagnetic impregnated center core, produces an effective electromagnetic interference choke. What this means is that the wires will not interfere with other electronics inside your vehicle.
What we particularly love about these wires is the insulation. It consists of a synthetic silicone jacket, glass braid, and dielectric insulator. This ensures the electric current is directed straight to the plugs.
Each wire has cylinder marks to make your work easier when installing. More importantly, the stainless steel dual clip terminals ensure a secure fit.
MSD 32829 Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire Set
The MSD 32829 spark plug wire set is cheaper than the 32169 spark plug wire set. However, both wire sets have the same 8.5 mm thickness. In fact, there is a lot these two wire sets have in common, and in our view, the MSD 32829 is a better choice due to its pricing.
One of the notable features of the MSD superconductor wire set is the 40 feet of conductor wound up in a single foot of wire. This allows for a high EMI suppression, while at the same time, thanks to the Ferro-magnetic impregnated core prevents interference with other electronics.
The wire conductor and outer jacket are gripped by stainless steel terminal end with dual crimps. But perhaps the main reason we love the MSD set of wires is the outer sleeve. According to the manufacturer, the outer sleeve is a proprietary material.
The function of this material is to be resistant to high heat and abrasion. And as you can imagine, ignition wires work in an environment characterized by high heat. So this material helps increase the wire’s lifespan.
Taylor Cable 84636 ThunderVolt 8.2 Spark Plug Wire Set
Measuring 8.2 mm in thickness, the Taylor Cable 84636 spark plug wire set is cheaper than its MSD counterparts. However, this wire set manages to maintain good quality features. We tested these wires on a 99 Tahoe 5.7.
Out of the box, this Taylor spark plug wire set fits perfectly on the stock loom holders, and both ends of the wires fit snugly. The wires use a Ferrite spiral core that provides 50 ohms of resistance per foot. This is similar to the pricier MSD spark plug wire set.
These wires are also designed not to cause electrical interference with any of the electronics inside your car. The silicone 2-layer jacket is not as heavy as what you get with the MSD wire sets, but it is still a decent enough insulation.
The wires feature 90 degrees spark plug wire boot ends that are made of silicone. These help keep out contaminants and improve the lifespan of the wires.
MSD 5553 Street Fire Spark Plug Wire Set
MSD has a wide selection of great spark plug wire sets. And for budget-conscious buyers, the MSD Street fire spark plug wire sets are a great option. In addition, this set is considerably cheaper than the other MSD options on our list. So what do you get from this wire set?
Firstly the wires are 8 mm in thickness, meaning they are thinner than other MSD models. However, they are a better option than cheaper 7 mm thick wires. And we would recommend this set over cheaper 7 mm ones.
The helically wound conductor helps minimize electrical interferences with other electronics in your vehicle. In addition, the heavy-duty stainless steel terminals on the wires fit securely. While some people have complained of problems installing this, we did not experience any such issues.
The boots are made of silicone and help protect against high temperatures. Overall, these wires are durable without being overly pricey.
AC Delco Professional 9718Q Spark Plug Wire Set
The 5.7 Vortec engine is quite picky with ignition wires. And this is something we noted in our tests. One brand of wires we had no problems with was AC Delco. The professional AC Delco spark plug wire sets, in particular, are a great option, especially for the 5.7 Chevrolet Express.
The boots are designed to fit properly on the Vortec 5.7 engine, making installation easy and quick. The boot also provides a watertight seal to prevent water intrusion. The terminal that connects to the distributor cap is made from stainless steel.
This means it will last for long as stainless steel is rust and corrosion-resistant. On the other hand, the boot features silicone insulation to protect against high temperatures. Also, the terminal design of this wire set helps with spark plug retention and protects against corrosion.
These AC Delco wires with a fiberglass reinforced graphite core are durable and designed with the same standards as OEM wire plugs.
B&B Manufacturing S8-48368 Wire Set
The cheapest wire set on our list, the B&B Manufacturing S8-48368 Wire Set, is no cheap knock-off. This wire set is compatible with several Chevy models, including the Cadillac Escalade 5.7L 99-00 and the Chevy Suburban 5.7.
This conductor set meets SAE specifications and is designed to prevent EMI/RFI noise interferences with other electronics.
This wire set is designed to specifically fit Chevy cars that use the 5.7 Vortec engine. And thus offers a custom fit that translates to ease of installation. In addition, the construction of the wires is designed to withstand high temperatures and provide excellent conductivity.
Overall, this wire set is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive OEM-grade wire set but delivers.
Tips On How To Choose The Best Ignition Wires For 5.7 Vortec
What are some of the things you should consider when shopping for a new set of ignition wires? We have compiled a list of the main things to consider below.
Compatibility
The 5.7 Vortec engine is notoriously picky when it comes to ignition wires. As such, wire compatibility is at the top of the list of things to consider. Unfortunately, not every set of spark plug wires will be compatible with this engine.
Before settling on a set of wires, check whether it’s compatible. You can use the car compatibility checker tool available on most online stores, Amazon included.
Number of spark plugs
The 5.7 Vortec is a V8 engine meaning it has 8 cylinders. Therefore it has 8 spark plugs. Since it is recommended to replace all wires at the same time, you will need an 8 wire set. Some spark plug wire sets come in 4 wire sets, which will not do for this engine. We have covered some of the best spark plugs for 5.7 Hemi check it out if you need any.
The length of wires
The length of wires used in the 5.7 Vortec is usually around 12 inches. However, this is usually the length of the long cables, as each set features both long and short wires.
Are the wires numbered?
To make installation easy, go for wires that are numbered. For example, the firing order of the 5.7 Vortec is usually 1–8–4–3–6–5–7–2. Therefore, installing the wires in the correct order is important to get the correct firing order, and having them numbered will help with this.
The thickness of the wires
Since ignition wires operate in high-temperature conditions, they need to be tough enough to withstand high temperatures. As such, a thicker wire will be better than a thinner one as it will offer more protection. Therefore, a wire that is at least 8 mm thick is the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ignition wires do I need for the 5.7 Vortec engine?
The 5.7 V8 engine is a powerful engine and will require high-quality wires. The best wires for this engine typically have a thickness of at least 8 inches and feature heavy insulation.
Can ignition wires increase horsepower?
Yes, the reasoning is that by transferring the spark to the spark plug efficiently, the engine can burn more fuel. This will, in turn, improve the performance of the engine.
What’s better, 7mm or 8mm ignition wires?
8 mm wires are better since they have a thicker core that offers lower resistance meaning more power can pass through and on to the spark plugs. Furthermore, 8 mm wires are thicker than 7 mm, thus offering more protection to the spark plug wire core.
Why do ignition wires have high resistance?
The high resistance is for electrical noise suppression to prevent the wires from interfering with other electrical components in the car.
Does spark plug wire brand matter?
Yes, some brands produce ignition wires of higher quality than others. For example, brands such as AC Delco are known for their OEM standard spark plugs.
Are ignition wires all the same?
While they serve the same purpose, ignition wires are not all the same and vary in terms of construction. For example, some are thicker than others, and others offer better insulation.
Conclusion
ignition wires are an integral part of your car’s engine. However, these wires wear out over time, necessitating replacement. When the time comes to replace your wires, or if it has already arrived, you cannot go wrong with any of the six on our list.
Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Rifen
