Topic: 64 1/2 K Code Spark Plug wires

[FXguy]

Although there are several threads touching on the general subject of spark plug wires and whether radio resistance (linen core) or SX (wire core) were used on K codes, I'm looking for input on application between June and September 64 and whether there is any documented evidence that it depended on whether the car had a radio or not.   The period parts manuals imply that both the radio resistance and SX wires may be used on K codes.  It also indicates, however, that the coil wire was to only be wire core for the K codes for the period prior to Aug 20, 1964.

-Scott

[J_Speegle]

Something that has been discussed allot a few years back. Discussion has died down since then in general. 

Remember that the parts manuals will show what was available (at time of printing), what would work and not always what originally came on a particular application.

I would choose to use the radio resistant wires on your application.

[FXguy]

Remember that the parts manuals will show what was available (at time of printing), what would work and not always what originally came on a particular application.


I would choose to use the radio resistant wires on your application.

Yep, I understand about the parts manuals, and therein lies my reason for asking for first hand evidence.  Seems the overwhelming majority are in agreement with the use of radio resistance wires, thank you.  My question here was more along the lines of what was used on the earliest K codes, did they start out with SX wires and transition to the radio resistance or was radio resistance the predominant option from the very beginning.  I do have some high res pics of several cars that were prepped for magazine articles in 64, and two of those appear to have SX wires on them - but again maybe not indicative of what was used on the production line.

Thank you Jeff.

-Scott

[J_Speegle]

No problem. Would suggest that you post the pictures so we can identify which ones your referring to and discuss what we can make out. That has been one of the issues is a lack of period pictures showing any use of the SX wire other than maybe a couple of possible prepped cars for the magazines road tests, track tests, dyno tests and the like.

[jwc66k]

Some more on "K" code spark plug wires from research done by Tony Gregory with input by a lot of people and published in "The 289 High Performance Mustang", page 38, distributor included for reference.
Jim

[Bob Gaines]

Some more on "K" code spark plug wires from research done by Tony Gregory with input by a lot of people and published in "The 289 High Performance Mustang", page 38, distributor included for reference.
Jim

That is a good reference book with much hipo  information but it is now dated and there are some errors and omissions . For instance the Fomoco marked duel point distributor being used through 67 when the reality is that it was a early late transition in 67 Fomoco distributor though the first quarter of production before transitioning to Autolite markings on the distributor for the rest of 67 production. The same kind of error can be said about the SX wires in his book given the hundreds of engine photos of vintage K codes (GT350)65,66,and 67 that have radio resistance wire . Would anyone care to help with the research and find a vintage picture of a K code that can be dated after the fall of 1964 with the SX wires to go along with the others that show radio resistance on K code wires. I am sure there has to be some.  At the very least the presence of "any" radio resistance wires on a K code regardless of if on a GT350 or not calls into question the validity of his SX wire research in his book based on his statements and that of the evidence. 

[FXguy]

I've had the K code book for many years now.  Good book, but much is out of date, so I am always verifying against other sources.

The small block book by Bob Mannel has some interesting information in appendix D.  He states that K code Mustangs came standard with radio resistance spark plug wires, and that solid core wires were available as a regular production option.  Also includes a table showing part numbers, lettering colors, and years of use.


-Scott

[FXguy]

Here is a picture of the plug wires on a June 9 64 planned build Dearborn coupe I photographed in 2012.  Same car engine and carb featured in Mannell's book.  Note SX wires and what appears to be the ford logo on the #8 wire.

-Scott

[jwc66k]

I would think the transition from the solid core spark plug wires to a radio resistant wire set was for exactly that - radio static reduction. I remember my 64 Fairlane 289 HP had a noisy radio. Back then everybody said that the noise came from the generator. Later on, it was determined the spark plug wires were another source.
The 64 Mustang Electrical Manual has a different part number for plug wires used on a HP engine than used on a regular 289. The 65 and 66 Electrical Manuals references the same wires for HP, 2V and 4V 289 Mustangs. The 60-68 MPC simply states a part number for 289 "Special" (the official Ford name for a 289 HP engine) of C5ZZ-12259-A (also Fairlane) with no other notation. The 75 MPC list only the general use fiberglass core for the "special" same as the regular 289 engines. This info does not determine assembly line use.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Here is a picture of the plug wires on a June 9 64 planned build Dearborn coupe I photographed in 2012.  Same car engine and carb featured in Mannell's book.  Note SX wires and what appears to be the ford logo on the #8 wire.

Those are definitely repro wires.

[Bob Gaines]

I can remember reading a Ford paper (also in the back of Mannels book maybe) that after the Cuban missile crisis of Oct 1962 that there was a civil defense concern about radio reception during emergencies . I am sure it was a contributing factor.

[Bob Gaines]

Those are definitely repro wires.

+1 .

[FXguy]

I can remember reading a Ford paper (also in the back of Mannels book maybe) that after the Cuban missile crisis of Oct 1962 that there was a civil defense concern about radio reception during emergencies . I am sure it was a contributing factor.

There was actually a presidential order/letter making a statement in the summer of 1961.  I won't repeat the specifics of what Mannel says, but it really is the most plausible explanation yet as to why some cars got solid wires and some didn't.

-Scott