I was just changing the plugs on my ZX, & managed to pull a boot off the plug end, no problem, been there before. One thing I noticed, wire says "Hi-performance Marine Use", "Stainless". Oddly though, the core just a solid core wire, no stainless there, so I thought, must be the connector. I dropped it in the bilge, was using a screwdriver to scoot it back up to me, & it stuck to the end of my "magnetic" tip screwdriver...hmmmm...obviously not stainless either. So my question, can I use a good quality wire from maybe Summit, or Jegs. Or, does it "have" to be "Marine"? Especially since the only thing that I can find stainless on the current plug wires, is the writing on the outside . Does anyone have a good recommendation of what brand, & where do you get em from? I definetly want the ones completely assembled, I've done the "universal fit", that ain't much fun putting them little ends on....LOL.

MSD

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...45346_-1_10691

Rick:
I have always had good service from the MerCruiser blue spark plug wire sets. Use dielectric grease in the boots and you'll be able to remove them from the spark plugs without damaging anything.

I would be very reluctant to use a solid core wire with the MerCruiser Thunderbolt ignition systems. If you use an MSD box they do not recommend it either.

In a pinch I have used Accel or Mallory high performance wire I purchased at Advance Auto parts with no repercussions.

I had accel's on my and they where fine

The best?? I would make my own, get some thick extension cord, about 100 ft for two motors, and make your own, just buy the screw in ends, maybe even just wrap the one end around the tip of the spark plug and put electrical tape on it to hold it and keep it dry. I double up two on each plug and I get 50 hp each side. If you give me some measurements I can make some, I charge $1000 for 2 motors but that is a cheap 50 hp!!!!

Check out the Live Wires...

http://www.tpmarine.com/index.asp?Pa...ROD&ProdID=679

MSD marine wires. You don't have to worry about making them up. Right out of the box, great wires. The only thing that i did was buy some di-electric (sp?) grease and shoot some in each boot. No problems now for 3 years!

I really appreciate all the input on this, it does seem to give me plenty of options. I'm happy to see that "Marine" does not have to be stamped on the side of the wire for my boat to run... .
I completely overlooked the dialectric grease, I guess just slipped my mind, but I'll definetly be sure to do that.

I had these from DUI on my supercharged truck, one fell on a ceramic coated header and still didnt burn through the heat shield, these wires are awesome!!! I will put them on the boat when the others go.

OK, here's a question. When is it "time" to change spark plug wires?