Boot Options
Silicone Boots
- Material: high-grade silicone.
- Heat Rating: ~450 °F continuous.
- Characteristics:
• Very flexible and forgiving — easy to push on/pull off plugs.
• Resists cracking, shrinking, or hardening over time.
• Provides excellent insulation and stays stable in oil and chemical exposure. - Best for: everyday builds, street-driven vehicles, or anyone who wants easy handling and strong reliability.
Ceramic Boots
- Material: high-strength ceramic insulator.
- Heat Rating: 2,000 °F+ localized protection near headers.
- Characteristics:
• Virtually immune to burn-through in high-heat zones.
• More rigid than silicone; heavier, but almost impossible to damage by heat.
• Available in black or white for either a modern or classic look. - Best for: high-performance engines, off-road builds, or racing applications where plugs sit next to glowing headers, turbos, or other extreme heat sources.
How They Compare to OEM-Style Boots
- OEM EPDM rubber boots (what comes on most stock wires) are typically rated ~250–300 °F continuous. That’s enough for a factory setup but nowhere near the demands of high-performance or off-road environments.
- EPDM tends to dry out, crack, and arc under heat and vibration.
- By contrast, silicone more than doubles the safe temperature range, and ceramic is essentially fireproof in automotive use.
In Plain English
- OEM Rubber = fine for stock engines, but fails fast under heat and vibration.
- Silicone = flexible, durable upgrade that handles tough conditions.
- Ceramic = overkill protection — ideal when wires run near headers, turbos, or other red-hot parts.