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Topic: Spark Plug Wires

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/3/05 9:11am Message 1 of 7
Former Member
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Joined: 3/29/2002
Posts: 17
Vette(s): 1976 White, black interior, all numbers match, Cragars, Headers, clean L48 engine.
Does anyone know where to find the actual lengths of spark plug wires for the 76 vette, without removing them and measuring?  I was hoping for a manual or web site that provides them...


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Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/3/05 10:07am Message 2 of 7
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Virginia City, NV - USA
Joined: 1/19/2005
Posts: 314
Vette(s): 1979 Coupe, white in color

I put MSD's on over the valve covers, but I'm almost sure I still have the original GM wires for my '79. I will look for them and measure same and get back to you. I'm under the belief that a '76 and a '79 would be the same.

Dave




Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/3/05 6:58pm Message 3 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The new plug wires I got from "Lectric Limited" several years ago came with destructions on where each one went. There were 8 different length wires, and each one went to a specific plug. Most aftermarket wires are pretty much 'one size fits all'.
Dave is correct in thinking the wires from a '79 will be the same length as a '76. I'm pretty sure all small blocks were the same. The only diff. is HEI or point type.


Joel Adams
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Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/4/05 10:42am Message 4 of 7
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
Might be a stupid question; but are you saying that they have different wires for HEI and points ?
 
I recently "upgraded" my non-HEI distributor with an Ignitor II module and a Flame Thrower II coil.  I also replaced the wires, but I bought originals from ACDelco.  Was I suppose to find wires that supports a possible higher output from the coil ?
 
Concerning the cable length Darrdco, to add to Adam's point, my NOS delco wires had 5 or 6 different length ( a little tight for most of them if you ask me), but I would think that if you get one size fits all, that would be allright, as long as you route them in a way where they don't bounce all over (if too long) or lay down flat on the valves/headers/manifolds for too long.
 
 



Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/4/05 7:05pm Message 5 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Yes, the HEI dist. cap is different than the regular 'points' type. The cap has external terminals(tits, if you will, with appologies to the ladies).
The regular points type has a female terminal, where the wire fits down inside the cap terminal.
The only diff. in the wires, therefore, is the configuration of the ends that go on the cap.

As to using the Delco wires with your ign. system, you should be OK. It's better to use a larger(diam.) wire with a high-output system, but it's not absolutely necessary. The larger diam. wires are capable of handling more voltage without "leaking"(jumping spark to ground or cross-firing).



btw...darrdco, I assume you're asking about the length of orig. type wires installed in the orig. type shielding, under the engine?
Adams' Apple38568.7975


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/4/05 9:48pm Message 6 of 7
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Virginia City, NV - USA
Joined: 1/19/2005
Posts: 314
Vette(s): 1979 Coupe, white in color

darrdco, Here is what I came up with according to my measuring stick.

         1 @53"- 1@42"- 1@22-1@28" / this was one bank, I believe it is the 1/3/5/7 side.

         1@54" - 1@44" 1@28"- 1@26" / this was the other bank, the 2/4/6/8 side.

These wires are original Delco and run under the exhaust manifold for the front two cylinders on each bank. Hope this helps.

Dave




Spark Plug Wires

Posted: 8/5/05 2:24am Message 7 of 7
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Joined: 3/29/2002
Posts: 17
Vette(s): 1976 White, black interior, all numbers match, Cragars, Headers, clean L48 engine.

Dave;

This is a great help and exactly what I was looking for...
Thanks for the measurements and your efforts, you went the extra mile.

Dan.
Ephrata PA




in Forum: C3 Electrical


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