Forum Discussion

mercedesme28's avatar
mercedesme28
Explorer
Mar 20, 2016

Spark plug wires for a 1992 Bounder 460

Getting ready for a much needed tune up on a 1992 Bounder with a ford 460 are there special plug wires I need or will basic ford wires work ? I have about 99K on the motor. Wasn't sure because of the motorhome placement of the engine whether I needed a stronger wires or special wires. While she runs well, I'm heading from AZ to Oregon for the summer and want to make sure it runs the best and gets the best mpg. I did the plugs last year,( I was warned to be careful because of rusted plugs, so true, they were, so I had a mechanic do it, The same mechanic who will now do the wires, cap and rotor
Any insight will be welcome...
Thanks,
Eric
Class A
  • Geocritter's avatar
    Geocritter
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2016
    After I installed a rebuilt long block 460 assembly and exhaust headers (not Banks headers) last May I put on heat resistant plug wires equipped with ceramic spark plug boots. They may not have been needed but I wasn't certain how much localized heat my new exhaust headers would generate so I just thought it was a good idea. Cheap insurance, one less future thing to worry about.

    Steve
  • mercedesme28's avatar
    mercedesme28
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2016
    No my mpg went from 10-12 mpg down to 6 mpg, I changed plugs and its up to 7-8 mpg
    Which is why I feel it's time for A complete tuneup
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2016
    Wide Open Throttle
    New generation wires can go long way, so recheck the engine at dark.
    Is you mpg the same what was when you bought it?
  • mercedesme28's avatar
    mercedesme28
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2016
    What is WOT ? I have 99K on the motor, don't you think it's time for new ones ? Even if I don't see sparks ?
    Thanks
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Mar 21, 2016
    It really depends on how hot your 460 runs and if your exhaust manifolds are still good. My 454 ran hot and I went through 2 sets of 8 MM wires before I switched to 10.4 MM Taylor wires which have about 70K miles on them now. Older 454's and 460's were known to have exhaust manifold leaks and burn wires. Headers fixed the exhaust manifold leaks. If you run your engine at night and you see sparks coming from the wires to the block it is time to change them, if not and your engine doesn't brake up at WOT I would leave them alone.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2016
    I did own slightly older Bounder and when I had to tune it up for smog certification, I knew to request porcelain boots set.
    The shop put set with plastic boots insisting "they have lifetime warranty"
    The life was 3 weeks and they had to do the job again.
    Older gasoline engine produced high amount of heat and they work with WOT most of the time. At least they did for me.
  • hilldude's avatar
    hilldude
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2016
    Never had any luck with after market plug wires.although i am sure some are quality.
  • PastorCharlie's avatar
    PastorCharlie
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2016
    Auto Zone, Advance, Car Quest, NAPA etc.. any auto parts store will have what is needed.....just standard OEM.

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 12, 2025