Had the wire that runs from the coil to the distributor burn up at the boot. All the other wires looked fine, had noticed a burned electrical smell then the vehicle died. Replace the wire and runs fine. Wondering what would cause the wire to burn up like that.

 

Resistance.

 

Probably was loose - the spark had to jump across the gap, burning it.
a common problem.

 

They're supposed to be replaced every 30,000 miles. When were they last replaced as a set?

 

Just replaced them last year in march when I tuned it up. I know I won't buy the wires from autozone anymore now.