454 spark plug sleeves

[TeddyB]

Hey everyone I had problems with my motorhome missing .  Changed sparkplugs and found 2 heat sleeves broken loose or rusted loose (I guess you call them sleeves)  anyway new plugs new wires and 2 sleeves missing and it's running great.

What problems might I experience from removing those 2 sleeves .  I don't think there is a way to reattach them as they rusted off. 

All comments appreciated.

                                                            Ted

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The 454's were notorious for baking/burning spark plug wireswith engine heat and those "sleeves" (heat deflectors) were supposed to alleviate the problem.  Use high quality plug wires and I suggest wrapping them ina  heat-reflecting foil, which should be available at an auto parts store or a mail order place like JC Whitney.

 

[kendall]

Apparently the 454 is also famous (infamous) for cracked manifolds. My rig has what they call a "Stinger" Banks system. One of the manifolds is cracked, and I'm trying to decide if I should just replace it, or get the rest of the Banks system. (The headers) The headers alone will cost me $1000.00, plus installation. That will buy a lot of headers and gasoline!

Any thoughts?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The Banks system is excellent, but you can get performance-tuned headers from other sources and often for less. Thorley is one other brand.