Re: [FWDLK] Mallory hemi plug wires/Imperial floor extensions

Eric,

When I did my Dodge Hemi, I got wires for a 426 Hemi. Before I cut them to length at the distributor end and installed the terminals, I took the sliding plastic boot off and cut off about ½ inch so they would fit under the Hemi plug wire covers.

Below is an email I sent several times to a wire manufacturer. I never received a reply after several attempts, but if all of us sent a similar email, maybe they might take action.

Dave Homstad

56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: David Homstad [mailto:dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 1:39 AM
To: Mike.Abney@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: Mopar Hemi plug wire design recommendations.

Mike Abney, Plant Manager

Jacobs Ignition

10601 Memphis Ave., Bldg 12

Cleveland, OH 44144

Subject: Mopar Hemi plug wire design recommendations.

Mr. Abney,

A few years ago in 1996, I purchased a spark plug wire set from Jacobs Electronics, with a lifetime warranty. The P/N is 401270, with an application for the 426 Chrysler Hemi. After consulting with your Tech Advisor, this is what he recommended for my 1956 Dodge Hemi engine, since they both have the same plug wire boot design. Because of the difference in distributor location, 2 wires of the set were too short, but these were replaced at no charge. And I had to cut 1/2 inch off the outer end of the separate plastic insulator, which pushes the wire onto the plug terminal, so it would clear the wire cover. This engine, as in all Mopar Hemis from the 1950s, has a wire cover on the Rocker Arm Cover that covers the plug wires. I was especially pleased with the Jacobs Energy Ignition Coil. All worked great until the car accumulated enough miles this year for a spark plug change. Since there is no way to grip the wire boot at the plug on a Hemi, the wires pulled out of the boots on 2 of the 4 wires I have removed so far. I did use the recommended silicone dielectric grease in the boots. My concern is that this will happen every time I have to unplug the wires.

I would like to make a recommendation for a product improvement. It would apply to all Chrysler (1951 – 1958), DeSoto (1952 – 1957), and Dodge (1953 – 1957) early Hemi engines, since they all use the same spark plug tube dimensions and wire covers. These are quite common in restored cars and very popular with street rods. Something similar would also work much better for the later 426 Hemis. My suggestions are:

1. The current 2 piece design (rubber boot and plastic insulator) should be replaced with a one piece molded boot like those used on many modern cars (like the wires I bought from Jacobs for my 1992 Ford Crown Vic with 4.6 L engine).

a. The boot would be 1.0 inch in diameter to guide the terminal down the center of the tube onto the plug.

b. The wire would exit the boot at a 90 degree angle so it is parallel to the valve cover and is directed to fit under the wire cover.

c. The upper end portion of the boot would have flat sides that are parallel to the wire so it can be gripped and twisted to loosen before removal, and there is clearance for other wires to run past it under the wire cover. The width of the flats would be ¾ inch max., the length 1.0 inch, and the height 1.0 inch. If you wanted to get real fancy, 2 grooves on each side could be used to friction fit retain the other wires passing by. This would help keep the wires organized together for easy installation of the wire cover.

d. The bottom edge of the wire would be ¼ inch above the rim of the spark plug tube as it exits the boot.

2. The wires should be 7 mm black, due to the limited space available under the wire cover, especially at the rear exit.

3. The distance from the top of the spark plug terminal to the rim of the spark plug tube is 3.5 inches.

4. The wire cover is ¾ inch above the rim of the spark plug tube.

5. Instead of a simple straight metal wire terminal at the plug, it might be a good idea to add some short projections or ribs outward from the terminal into the molded boot around it to increase the bond strength. And deeper projections inward to grip the wire more firmly.

6. The rubber boot extension in contact with the spark plug’s ceramic insulator should be a minimum, and the retention force of the metal wire terminal on the plug terminal should also be a minimum. A close but non-contact extension of the boot should extend lower to provide an extended insulation area that could be sealed with dielectric grease. This will reduce the “pull-off” force and reduce damage. With the wire cover over the boot and limiting any movement off the plug terminal, lower retention forces are not a problem.

7. The distributor end boots are vertical on all 1950s Mopars. All boots were black except the # 1 wire’s boot, which was red. This identified the # 1 plug wire for ignition timing purposes, since the plug end is hidden under the wire cover. An option could be 8 black boots or 90 degree boots if the customer wants a neater look.

Since the entire boot assembly is hidden under the wire cover, this design will look completely stock, and be much more robust and easier to use. It should sell well, since I am not aware of any other designs like it for any of the Mopar Hemis.

What do you think about this idea?

Thanks,

Dave Homstad

7220 Upper 164^th St.

Rosemount, MN 55068

952-432-3596

DHomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of ESkowron
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 7:30 AM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] Mallory hemi plug wires/Imperial floor extensions

Hello everyone,

Back in December, I made the mistake of bidding on Mallory 8mm Spark Plug Wires for my ’56 Chrysler 354 hemi on ebay without reading the listing as closely as I should have. He said the wires would fit the 354 and 392 hemi engines, but the shaft on the plug wires is over 9 inches long compared to the original shaft of 5 inches. I cannot use these wires without them extending out from the top of the valve covers by over 4”. As a result, I am still driving my Chrysler around on the occasional nice weekend with plug wires likely manufactured before the first Chrysler bailout (‘79?).

I asked if I could return them but he wanted to charge me shipping and restocking fees that were almost half of what I paid for them ($60 + s/h).

Does anyone know what these wires would be used for? A custom hotrod perhaps? The wires are now here in Australia with me (and the car) so I am looking at selling them over here but would like to know what applications they can be used for when I list them.

Additionally, does anybody know of a good supplier of trunk floor extensions for a ’58 Imperial convertible?

Thanks!

Regards,

Eric