Hello out there my "Panel of Vette Experts"........Gotta a few questions and a request for
some advise etc...........again...........................

I'd like to attempt to replace my plugs and wires as they are the only items not accounted for in any of the past owners work invoices.

1....Can the plugs be changed without any special tools and are any of them in places that are difficult or near impossible to do without taking the front end apart?
      Is it better to work on them from the top or bottom of the engine?

2...As far as I can tell there are no GM wire shields etc anywhere except on the right side between the firewall and the distributor and it even looks like an aftermarket wire loom. Question here is should I go stock(silicone 8mm) wire or the braided type?

Thank you very much.

mk's78 aka mike
USAF Veteran-Retiree

Michael, most of the plugs can be changed from the top but a couple are easier to access from the bottom.  Since you are going to be under the car replacing the wires anyway, replace any whatyou can easily reach from under there and get the others from the top.  No special tools are needed but a short piece of rubber hose about 3-4 inches long that will slip over the end of the plug for you to hold onto as you start the new plugs into the hole is a big help when working around the headers, don't forget a little anti seize on the plug threads to make removal easier next time.  No need to disassemble the front end to replace wires.  If yours run through the motor mounts like on my 82 the manuals often recommend loosening the motor mounts.  This can be avoided by cutting the old wires on the distributor side and GENTLY removing the plug boot on the new wire.  Tie the new wire to the old wire and pull the old wire to carefully snake the new one through the motor mount.  A little dielectric grease on the plug end of the new wire will enable you to gently slip the plug boot back on without damage.  I believe the braided wires were only used on big blocks and primarily to avoid radio interference with the old technology radios.