Just when I thought that I could enjoy the car without spending any money, (at least for a while) I have a problem which I assumed was no longer an issue. You guys have been great with suggestions and solutions to many problems, here is mine.

Recently I felt a slight miss in my 74/454, with Hedman headers. I have discovered that my spark plug boots are melting again. Less than 700 miles ago I did a complete tuneup, my old wires were cooked, I used Taylor Spiral wires, DTI asbestos boot covers, etc. I have two suggested options, purchase ceramic booted wires for $225, or, either have my headers treated, or buy new ceramic headers. Does anyone have any other suggestion ? I know that none of my friends have this problem. BTW, my car runs consistently around 195 to 200 degrees.

Thanks,   

I have a couple suggestions that should save you a bunch of money as an alternative.  Its a heat shield you can place over the wire to protect them and I know several people that have used these to solve there problems on magazine project vehicles.

One.

http://www.designengineering.com/products.asp?m=sc&cid=6

Two

EArls makes a fire proof hose and wire cover that is available but for some reason they have left it out of their catalog and I can't find a reference to it online.  If I dig into my archive at work I can get you some details on it.  Its not as pretty, because its orange in colr and the DEI stuff is more readily available.

Hope the info helps.

The boot shields that Aftershark suggested by DEI, are the ones that I'm currently using.

The plug wire boot/shield I'm having problems with is barely touching the header, but obviously enough to burn the silicone boot inside the heat shield.

As for running lean, that was an excellent suggestion, bit not the problem in my case.  Score one for me ! 

I believe I may have found a solution. Yesterday, while attending a Corvette charity fund raiser, I spoke with a guy who had the same problem ( his is a 73-454, Hedman headers also ) he suggested to use Accel "short" plugs, they're specifically made for this problem. He also uses the DEI shields. He claims he never had the problem again. I hate to give up my Rapid Fires, but his 454 was modified (550 hp) and hasn't suffered any loss of power. MY only problem is, That I haven't found the F*$#% plugs  I'll keep you posted.

  There is a typee of duct tape on the market which furnise installers use. It is some type of metal with adhesive back. We have used it on a 1000 Deg Centigrade oven with no problems at all. Use header tape first then cover with this foil tape. then if you have to take it off its   not all that bad because this tape has a real good glue backer.

another option is to have the headers jet-hot coated..

this reduces surface temp by 50%