Spark plug wire questions!

[dmw319]

First off, here is a pic of my engine bay. I am trying to clean it up and I want to change over to some plain black spark plug wires. Where is the best place to buy a set? Also, what is the best/cleanest way to route them? He (PO) has these fancy brackets and wires going everywhere but I am not sure its the best most efficient way. Maybe the way it is is fine haha. Please post pics of your setups so I can learn! Thanks

http://savedalone.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/bay.jpg

[hugger6933]

Some of the aftermarket wires will be black. I know the MSD wires I made up years ago were black. Call someone like Summit or Jeg's and ask for them. They make a point in customer service and satisfaction. Also the factory ran wires behind the engine and under the valve covers in the late 70's into the 80's. They were a pain to deal with but once there, they will be out of sight. Also there is a product I think it is called crosswire ? maybe and it is a cap that moves the wires around so that they are on the side of the engine they need to be to clean up the crossing thing with the wires meaning that the wires 2468 are on the pass side and of course the 1357 are on the left . That cleans up a lot and if you add that with the running behind and down under the manifolds they would just about disappear. Good luck and happy sanding, Jim

[SS Tim]

On the small block, as mentioned, they were run under from the factory.

[manimal]

Some VERY clean install pics I found on the website a while back. Hope the owner doesnt mind me posting them.....

[dmw319]

Those look awesome! That's how I'd like to run them. Anything special I will need other than the wires to run them under like that?
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[manimal]

from what I have read, get plug wires for a '76-up Corvette. As they used ram's horns manifolds also. I got mine at autozone,they were a build it yourself kit MADE IN USA for 14.99. I think the parts # was DR300 or DS300 something like that.

[FirstOwner69]

Here's what I'm doing with mine... as they came from GM except without heat shields. Wires are Bosch for the aforementioned Corvettes.

[OhioDan]

Here's a pic for how they were run stock. Got the stands from GMCPaul. IIRC, you'l need 2-for the rear of the block and 4 short ones, for under the manifolds? You'll need plugwires for a 75 Vette with HEI. Got mine at NAPA. Don't remember the part #'s.Sorry.

[dmw319]

thanks yall! this was a big help!

[vectorit]

All you have to do is specify under mount wires.
You can take your pick from many brands and colors from Jegs online.
Unless you go with 7mm wires, you won't be able to use the OEM wire holders.

While you are doing the wires, I would take care of that 4' long fuel line too.

[Happy_dan]

Hate to revive an old thread, but I am changing my spark plug wires. Now be nice to me, I have never owned an old truck before.

How do get the wires between the motor mounts? You have to buy wires not already made up and feed the wire then put the end on? Raise motor a bit?

[Pro299]

It's not easy, but it isn't quite as hard with stock type wires. Some of the aftermarket wires have larger ends that would make the job even worse. The challenge with limited access is not damaging the wires by pulling or twisting too much. I've tied a string around the plug end and had my wife pull gently on it from the top while I've fed and guided the wire through the mount from under the truck. Still hard to do, but I really wanted to keep the stock location. Next time I may just get one of the top side mount set-ups. That decision is still a ways off.

[rechinca]

Other than make your own it’s a healthy project. I did mine by jacking up the engine carefully after taking out the bolt from the engine perches to the pad and then from the pad to the block. Once in, you put the bolts back in LOOSE then allow the engine to sit back down and tighten it all up. Pain in the rear, but I did mine sitting on a sloped driveway by myself and in one day (took longer because I erred in not installing all the bolts and leaving loose first). But when done with care it’s not that bad.

[rechinca]

Oh and by the way I used a bottle jack CAREFULLY with a small block of wood on the front ears of the block in front of the oil pan lip.

[randy500]

Oh jeez...
The end boot comes right off of the plug wire, remove the boot, slide the wire through, replace the boot.

[randy500]

Do i have to say you might need silicone lube, spray or paste...apply with a toothpick or something similar inserted between the boot and wire?

[Happy_dan]

Thanks, sorry for the stupid question. Just still surprised at the routing
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[weq92f]

.
Cool thread!

I've seen a truck out there with headers where the owner has the wires tucked in behind the headers somehow much like what we see here. I'm thinking this must be what was done. Simply running the wires from the under side.

Might have to give this a try in the future. Would change the look dramatically.

-klb

[demian5]

I like cut-to-fit and crimp them myself.

[atomic67]

Tuck them under the headers, buy the cut to fit wires, I used Taylors. Use supports off of back of head. Small Distributor cap helps keep them tucked in.

[fast/cheap/right]

I just went with a set of ACDELCO 9508N wires. When it came time to thread the wires through the engine mounts I went backwards and attached the plug side first and used some masking tape to mush down the distributor side boots and they fit through with just a little cursing.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by atomic67

Tuck them under the headers, buy the cut to fit wires, I used Taylors. Use supports off of back of head. Small Distributor cap helps keep them tucked in.

That's what I'm talkin' about! Like that!

Nice.

-klb

[demian5]

I like these... oops, cant see them... ill get a better picture later..

[Troy Sr]

Here's how I routed the wire on my '55 Chevy Belair.