Cheap plug wire alternative..

[slapnpop]

Well, being that I'm a broke ass college student, and I needed plug wires, I started looking into alternatives.

Since one of my wires was already dead, I disassembled both ends (extra carefully to re-use ALL parts), cleaned everything really well (especially the plug and distributor connectors). Went to Advance Auto, and got a set of Accel universal fit 8mm wires. They are super long, with enough to replace all the wire of a factory set and have 2 spares (and 2 more for #6 the shorty). The 7mm universals were only $30 (1/3 the cheapest source I've found for motocraft wires), the 8mm's were $50, but they were blue and matched my stereo wiring.
I had to make one modification to the existing plug boot. The black plastic peice (the shaft) had to be drilled out witha 21/64th bit to accomidate the larger wire. The wireset included crimper bits that worked perfectly well on the OEM crimp ends, and once re-assembled all the wires fit well, sealed tight, and looked nice.
When I get my intake back this weekend, I'll let everyone know if there are any problems, but everything seems like it will be fine so far.

 

[sdpatt]

Curious to see how much of a "bargain" your wires turn out to be. It sounds like for $50 plus all the extra effort to modify and assemble the set, you didn't come out that far ahead of the $84 Motorcraft wires. Hope it works for you.

Scott

 

[whfla1]

sdpatt:
Curious to see how much of a "bargain" your wires turn out to be. It sounds like for $50 plus all the extra effort to modify and assemble the set, you didn't come out that far ahead of the $84 Motorcraft wires. Hope it works for you.

Scott

where r u finding 84 dollar wires...all the auto trans wires seem to be well over a hundred...??

 

[sdpatt]

The Motorcraft WR-4033 for the 3.0L can be found at FordPartsNetwork.com for $83.99+s&h. The WRE-4081 for the 3.2L, also from FordPartsNetwork.com, can be had for $127.99+s&h. Since the WR-4033 also fits the 3.2L and includes the cylinder numbers on the wires, why pay the extra? The WR-4033 wires will fit in all of the wire looms on the 3.2L, but you have to make sure they have a straight shot from the rear bank under the throttle body to the coil pack. No stretching required.

Scott

 

[slapnpop]

Well, they are installed and working perfectly.

I would estimate total time involved at 2 hours. $34 / 2 hours = $17.00/hour

I don't make that at my job... (granted i'm unemployed right now, but I've NEVER made that at my job) I think it came out worth it.

 

[luigisho]

Since this thread will disappear over time here's my advise in advance...The next troubleshooting problem you have please try new wires before you even post.