The spark plug wire set that you get for your Chevy 350 engine directly impacts its horsepower, torque, and performance. The cables provide the “spark” required to ignite the system and get your engine going.
If this spark isn’t transmitted as it should, the engine misses, and you end up wasting precious power and fuel. That’s why it’s always a good idea to routinely swap out your vehicle’s ignition cables to keep it in good working condition.
We tested the best spark plug wires for Chevy 350 to bring you our top picks for 2021.
| JDMSPEED 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set | Vkinman 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set | Anxingo 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Budget Option | Best Premium Option | |
Material | Copper | Copper | Copper |
Exterior finish | Metallic red | Mattered | Metallic blue |
Engine compatibility | Chevy SBC & BBC engines | Chevy SBC & BBC engines | Chevy SBC & BBC engines |
Weight | 2.51 lbs. | 2 lbs. | 1.8 lbs. |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
When testing these wires, we were only interested in products from top manufacturers with a proven track record of producing high-quality, durable products. We went with brands like JDMSPEED, Vkinman, Anxingo, and AA ignition. Shorty plugs, MSD wires, Iridium plug wires, and AC Delco plugs were also some great options we tested, even though they didn’t make it on our list.
We were interested in wires that had a low-resistance copper core since this would have a direct impact on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression level delivered. With that in mind, we also checked the level of radio frequency interference (RFI) for the onboard electronics. Wires with high dielectric strength insulation and glass braids ranked higher on our list since these generated the least amount of radio frequency noise.
Finally, we only tested wires that had a heavy-duty silicone outer layer for maximum heat and abrasion protection.
Our Pick: JDMSPEED 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set – Best Overall
Features:
- Material: Copper
- Exterior finish: Metallic red
- Engine compatibility: Chevrolet SBC & BBC engines
- Weight: 51 lbs.
JDMSPEED is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket Chevy components and accessories. The company has earned a sterling reputation for consistently producing high-quality products, some of which have been known to deliver better performance than those from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This is clear in the company’s range of 10.5mm spark plug wire sets.
Right off the bat, we can’t get over how great they look. Their metallic red finish gives the engine a nice, fun, racing-style look that jumps out at you. We like that you can install them right out of the box and have your car up and running in no time. They feel slightly heavier than all the other wires we tested, so you can tell they’re not going to burn out any time soon.
Each wire comes with a 90-degree boot on either side. At the core is a copper coil wire conductor that offers remarkably low resistance for maximum EMI suppression. The figures we recorded were nothing short of spectacular.
These high-capacity wires deliver maximum voltage to the spark plug, allowing your ignition upgrades to work at full potential. That way, you get more horsepower, more torque, and better performance in every regard.
The copper interior is surrounded by layers of thick glass braids and a high-strength dielectric insulator to ensure the high spark energy being transmitted through these spark plug wires doesn’t cause radio interference for the electronic devices on board.
These layers are all covered in a heavy-duty silicone outer sleeve that is extremely resistant to heat and abrasion, both of which are synonymous with high-performance big block Chevy (BBC) and small block Chevy (SBC) engines.
All in all, if rugged performance and durability are what you’re after, you will like what the JDMSPEED spark plug wire set brings to the table.
- Designed for high-performance V8 Chevy engines
- Each ignition wire has remarkable abrasion resistance and can withstand a high-temperature heat range
- The high dielectric strength insulator minimizes radio frequency interference
- The spiral wound copper conductor offers low resistance to deliver exceptionally high EMI suppression
- Premium quality wires at a budget-friendly price
- The wires might be a little too long for some snap-on timing light clamps
- AFTER MARKET HIGH PREMIUM QUALITY
- 10.5mm Racing Spark Plug Wires
- Universal Set For SBC & BBC Chevrolet Engines
Best Alternatives
Vkinman 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set – Best Budget Option
Features:
- Material: Copper
- Exterior finish: Matte red
- Engine compatibility: Chevrolet SBC & BBC engines
- Weight: 2 lbs.
If you’re looking for a high-quality set of spark plug wires for Chevy engines that won’t break the bank, the Vkinman 10.5mm spark plug wire set delivers the best value for the price. We would go as far as to say they’re giving some of the more “premium” brands on the market a run for their money.
From a performance standpoint, we did not notice any difference when we compared them against the pricier spark wire sets. We subjected both cable types to the same set of tests. The results for the torque, horsepower, and performance tests were more or less the same in every instance. The Vkinman spark plug wires even scooped the trophy in a few categories. It shows that “cheaper” doesn’t always mean “low quality” – in this instance, anyway.
Each spark plug wire has a spiral copper alloy conductor core that offers one of the lowest resistance levels we’ve encountered. As a result, the high EMI suppression exhibited was remarkable.
It had some of the highest readings in all the different spark plug wire sets we tested. They delivered exceptionally high energy levels to the copper plugs, giving outstanding torque and power to the ignition upgrades.
Surrounding the copper wire center is a thick glass braid and high-dielectric strength insulator wrapped in a heavy-duty silicone jacket that offers exceptionally high abrasion and heat resistance.
The best part about these wires is – they allow the unrestricted flow of energy through them without creating signal interference for the electronics onboard the vehicle.
All in all, for a Chevy spark plug wire set that retails for a little under 25 bucks, the Vkinman wires give you excellent value for the money. They are certainly worth checking out.
- Best budget ignition wire option
- Made of high-quality components
- Copper core offers remarkably low resistance for high EMI suppression
- Excellent heat and abrasion resistance
- Glass braid and dielectric insulator minimize interference for onboard electronic devices
- They’re all pretty much the same length, which can make rerouting a pain
- Feature: 10.5mm High Performance Racing Spark Plug Wires
- Universal Set For SBC & BBC Chevrolet Engines
- Electronic Ignition HEI Plug Wires, 90 Degree Boots on Both Ends
Anxingo 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set – Best Premium Option
Features:
- Material: Copper
- Exterior finish: Metallic blue
- Engine compatibility: Chevrolet SBC & BBC engines
- Weight: 8 lbs.
The Anxingo 10.5mm ignition wire set is a great option if you’re looking for something a little more high-end. They are designed to fit SBC and BBC Chevy engines. First impressions: We like the metallic blue finish. They’re a nice diversion from the conventional red design that most Chevy spark plug wires come with. While they don’t scream “racing,” they still looked great on our V8.
On the performance front, the Anxingo spark plug wires were nothing short of outstanding. Each wire has a copper ignition coil with an extremely low resistance to provide remarkably high EMI suppression, which is what you want for optimum engine performance. The copper wire core is surrounded by a thick glass braid, a dielectric insulator, all wrapped in a heavy-duty silicone jacket that offers outstanding heat and abrasion resistance.
The one thing we liked was how well-insulated they were despite their high voltage capacity. We didn’t experience any radio frequency interference whatsoever. All the onboard electronics functioned as they would have with the engine off, so bonus points for that.
Anxingo offers a lifetime replacement guarantee if your spark plugs burn out. This is the ultimate stamp of approval you need to know that you’re dealing with a solid product. All in all, we were pretty impressed with their performance. They are designed to withstand anything you throw at them, so you can unleash the full potential of your Chevy engine without holding back.
- Built for high-performance BBC and SBC Chevy engine ignition system
- It comes with a 100% silicone outer layer for maximum heat insulation
- The low-resistance copper wires deliver exceptionally high EMI suppression
- The dielectric insulator and heavy braided glass minimize any potential interference for onboard electronics
- Backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee
- They are a little pricier than conventional Chevy 350 spark plug wires
- 【Replce Part Number】Part Number: SP10-390-1024
- 【Fitment】10.5mm High Performance Racing Spark Plug; Universal Set...
- 【Material】These 10.5mm wires feature high-temperature 100% pure...
AA Ignition 10.5mm Spark Plug Wire Set – Best High-Performance Wires
Features:
- Material: Copper
- Exterior finish: Matte red
- Engine compatibility: Chevrolet SBC & BBC engines
- Weight: 18 lbs.
The 10.5mm spark plug wire set from AA ignition features nine pieces total – one for the coil and the rest for the spark plugs. One of the things we like most about this particular set is that they are built for high performance. Their ability to withstand high voltage pulses and extreme temperatures is unlike anything else we’ve encountered.
These wires can take a lot before they give out. This means you can unleash the full power potential of your Chevy engine without worrying about your spark plugs burning out too fast.
The AA ignition spark plug wire set comes with plug boot sockets on either side of each wire. We particularly like the matte red color finish on the outer silicone jacket that gives the engine a racing-style look. The black spark plug socket creates a nice contrast against the red.
These wires are also longer and thicker than some of the other variants we tested from Chevy OEMs. This translated into more horsepower and torque thanks to the easier routing on the different distributor locations.
Each 10.5 mm thick wire consists of spiral copper wires at the core for optimal EMI suppression and thick glass braids, all wrapped in a high-strength dielectric insulator and heavy-duty silicone jacket and boots. This gives the wires a beefy look while allowing them to withstand the extreme conditions that come with high-performance small-block and big-block V8 engines.
- The thicker wires are extremely heat resistant
- The wires are also longer for easier routing to different distributor locations
- The spiral design of the copper wires deliver optimum EMI suppression
- The matter red color gives the engine that coveted racing style look
- Provides a high voltage spark for maximum horsepower, torque, and performance
- It won’t work without the 90-degree HEI distributor header tube in the spark plug boot
- 10.5mm Red Spark Plug Wire Set - 9-Piece Kit, 8 for the spark plugs 1...
- Compatible Replacement for Chevrolet & GM SBC & BBC Engines - Fits HEI...
- Premium Quality & Performance - This high performance racing spark...
How to Choose the Best Spark Plug Wires for Chevy 350 With Headers – Buying Guide
Here’s an overview of the main factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best spark plug wires for Chevy 350 BBC and SBC engines.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
When choosing spark plug wires, ensure you get the ones specifically designed to minimize RFI. That way, they won’t interfere with the onboard gauges, sensors, and computers. The secret lies in finding cables with high dielectric strength insulation and a glass braid layer to ensure the high voltage passing through doesn’t cause radio frequency noise interference.
Number of Spark Plugs
When choosing spark plug wires with headers, it helps to know how many sparks your vehicle has in the first place. To be on the safe side, get a set of wires that comes with nine pieces total – one for the coil and the rest for the spark plugs. Depending on the type, each wire you get might have an aluminum head, silicone boot, or ceramic boot.
Length of the Wires
Ignition cables come in varying lengths. Ensure the set you get has long enough wires to connect the ignition or distributor to the spark plugs. That way, they can properly transfer the spark from one end to the other. Short plugs aren’t as efficient.
Type of Spark Plug Wire
There are generally three types of wires you’ll come across:
Distributed Resistance Wires
These have a carbon or Kevlar core infused with fiberglass to give the cables higher RFI resistance. They are common in modern, everyday vehicles.
Inductor Wires
These are common in Japanese-style vehicles such as Nissans, Hondas, and Toyotas. They have a spiral wound copper or nickel alloy core, both of which have extremely low resistance. As a result, they don’t require as much current to generate a spark.
Fixed Resistor Wires
These are more common in American and European-style vehicles. The cables feature a copper-wound or stainless steel wound wire with built-in resistors in the spark plug wire headers. Popular brands include the JDMSPEED Spark Plug Wire Set and the Vkinman Spark Plug Wires.
FAQ
Does it matter what spark plug wires you use?
It depends on your endgame. From a spark-transfer perspective alone, then – no, it doesn’t really matter. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about things like radio frequency interference, heat resistance, and abrasion resistance, then – yes, it matters. Thicker 10.5mm wire offers better performance in terms of RFI and EMI suppression and heat/abrasion resistance.
What size spark plug wires should I get for my Chevy 350?
For maximum RFI and EMI suppression, you’re better off getting 10.5mm wires since they have a lower overall resistance. These offer the least amount of interference for the onboard electronic devices, gauges, and computers. 10.5mm wires also give you better overall horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and engine performance.
How can I tell if I need to replace the spark plug wires on my Chevy 350?
The most common signs that you need to switch out your spark plug wires are – engine hesitation when you try to accelerate; engine misfiring due to an incomplete combustion cycle; rough running engine when the vehicle is idle; if you notice any visible damage on the existing spark plug wires.
Conclusion
You don’t have to wait until your spark plug wires stop working to replace them. Routinely switching them out keeps your engine in tip-top condition for better overall performance. Any of the cables we’ve reviewed here would be a worthy upgrade for your Chevy 350.
