There are two main goals for high-performance spark plug wires: suppressing voltage interference and transmitting the spark’s energy to your plugs. If the resistance is too high, the energy to the spark plug decreases, generating poor performance. Too low, and it interferes with things like car audio, GPS, fuel injection, or generating crossfires. Discover the best high-performance spark plug wires on the market today.
Crossfire occurs when the plug wire becomes compromised or the wire resistance is too low. This allows the spark energy to go to an adjacent plug wire, causing it to fire from the wrong plug at the wrong interval.
Contents
- 1 High-Performance Spark Plug Wires Buying Guide
- 1.1 Benefits of Good Spark Plug Wires
- 1.2 Spark Plug Wire Types
- 1.3 Best High-Performance Spark Plug Wires
- 1.4
- 1.4.1 MAS 8.5 mm High-Performance Spark Plug Wire Set
- 1.4.2 JDMSpeed 10.5 mm Spark Plug Wire Set
- 1.4.3 NGK RC-HE82 Spark Plug Wire Set
- 1.4.4 ACDelco 9748HH Professional Spark Plug Wire Set
- 1.4.5 Universal Spark Plug Wire Set
- 1.4.6 Denso Spark Plug Wire Set
- 1.4.7 A-Team Performance Silicone High-Performance Spark Plug Wire Set
High-Performance Spark Plug Wires Buying Guide
The best wires use a spiral wound core. It should be well insulated to protect against radio frequency interference (RFI). The spark plug wires should also contain a solid fit at the spark plug and distributor cap.
To get the best performance from your ignition system, secure the wires using a spark plug wire loom kit and ensure they are properly routed. It is advisable to conduct regular inspections of the secondary ignition system as well as to look for traces of abrasion, crossfire, wear, and heat damage. The components work together to provide the best spark to light the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
It is best to invest in a Heli-Core wire as it will be the best upgrade over the ones that were factory installed. Another popular choice is Street-Fire wires.
High-performance spark wires have lower core resistance, which provides a superior degree of radio suppression and better resistance to engine chemicals and heat.
Benefits of Good Spark Plug Wires
There are many benefits to replacing your spark plug wires regularly. Doing so:
- Improves Mileage: Bad spark plugs/spark plug wires may use more fuel. High-quality wires allow the spark plugs to start quicker and the engine to run more efficiently.
- Increases Engine Performance: It will instantly provide a spark to the spark plug. Standard OEM wires may start the vehicle, but they weaken over time and do not start the engine properly. This can cause misfires, lack of power, and lower idle.
- Saves You Money: Routinely changing spark plug wires can save you money. Driving your vehicle with bad wires can damage the car. They may end up harming the spark plugs, resulting in higher repair costs.
- Reduces Radio Frequency Interference: Carbon spark plug wires have an increased resistance against electronic frequencies and reduce the amount of RFI created by normal ignition system operations. RFI impacts radio reception and interferes with computer systems/sensors in the car.
Spark Plug Wire Types
- Fixed Resistor Wires: These plug wires are generally for European cars. They have copper and steel wires with resistors in spark plug boots.
- Magnetic Resistance Wires: Also known as inductance wires, these are found in Japanese vehicles like Hondas, Toyotas, and Acuras. They have spiral cores with copper or nickel alloy wires, making them less resistant to electrical flows. This means that they need less current for a spark.
- Distributed Resistance Wires: These are impregnated fiberglass carbon core wires and are very common in wire sets in most vehicles. The carbon is what gives your wires higher resilience to RFI noise.
Best High-Performance Spark Plug Wires
MSD 553 Street Fire Spark Plug Wire Set
This product has a helically wound conductor that suppresses radio and electro noise. The Kevlar core creates durability and extra strength, and the heavy-duty terminals generate a secure connection while the silicone boots protect the vehicle against high exhaust temperatures.
Pros:
- 502 ohms/foot resistance improves power and spark delivery
- Easy installation
- Great mileage
Cons:
- Trouble getting boots over the wire
- Difficult to build
MAS 8.5 mm High-Performance Spark Plug Wire Set
MAS has created a spark plug wire set that easily endures high temperatures. The high dielectric strength insulator combined with strong silicone jackets, braided heavy glass, and high-temperature black boots can resist abrasion and heat damage.
Pros:
- 100% pure silicone insulator
- Thick copper wire generates better ignition energy
- Designed for increased fuel mileage
Cons:
- Wires are too short
JDMSpeed 10.5 mm Spark Plug Wire Set
Using high-performance racing spark plug wires gives more spark to the plugs. They can withstand high temperatures, and the outer layer is 100% pure silicone. Delivers the highest amount of energy to spark plugs, enabling ignition to fully function.
Pros:
- Resists heat damage/wear and tear
- Sturdy
- Audible snaps tell users that they are in
Cons:
- None
NGK RC-HE82 Spark Plug Wire Set
This set delivers powerful spark, ultra-low resistance, and incredible RFI/EMI noise suppression. They are numbered to easily identify the cylinders, and the color-coded coil wires make installation easy and simple.
Pros:
- Stainless steel terminal ends are corrosion resistant and provide a tight fit
- Silicone outer jacket resists oil, cracking, and moisture from extreme temperatures
- Stainless steel terminal gives higher durability
Cons:
- Only very slight improvement in gas mileage
ACDelco 9748HH Professional Spark Plug Wire Set
The AC Delco wires have a specific distributor boot shape. The materials generate a secure fit, watertight seal, and enable an easy installation. The wires are resistant to corrosion and prevent acidic buildup. The terminal design aids spark plug retention, which helps during installation.
Pros:
- Outer jacket keeps copper in good shape per mile
- Wires are one foot in length
- Improves mileage
Cons:
- May cause a misfire
- Square plug roots
Universal Spark Plug Wire Set
This set transfers high voltage pulses to ignite fuel mixture and air for engine combustion. The high-performance wires easily withstand high temperatures, enabling your engine to operate at maximum power without a decrease in performance.
Pros:
- Longer and thicker wires over OEM
- Lifetime warranty
- Durable quality
Cons:
- Generic set
- Doesn’t always have a firm fit
Denso Spark Plug Wire Set
These plug wires directly match the OEM fitted wires. The difference in this brand is the improvements to the conductor wire. The wires contain fiberglass carbon that quickly and efficiently sends the spark to the spark plug. The housing is durable and thick, which protects against extreme temperatures and punctures.
Pros:
- Good fuel consumption
- Improves mileage
Cons:
- Wiring may be too short to reach OEM routing clips
- May be difficult to latch on the gasket on the engine side
A-Team Performance Silicone High-Performance Spark Plug Wire Set
The A-Team spark plug wire set will give you top performance with quick installation. The black 90° boot is for the HEI distributor, and the straight boot is for the spark plug. Its low-resistance heat conductor can withstand daily wear and tear for years.
Pros:
- Designed for HEI distributors
- Dual-layered silicone coating provides heat protection
Cons:
- Doesn’t include coil wire (sold separately)
- May be too short in length
Using high-performance spark plug wires will increase the performance of your vehicle. It will improve fuel mileage, increase your engine’s performance, and reduce RFI. You should change your car’s spark plugs wires on a regular schedule to keep your vehicle in optimal condition and avoid costly repairs down the road.
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