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Topic: universal spark plug wires

in Forum: C3 Electrical


universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/26/06 10:09am Message 1 of 10
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I'm talking with a seller on eBay (he has a decent price on the Jacobs ceramic wires that I'm looking for), but what he has are the universal.
 
I have a non-hei cap (female socket) and he's telling me that it would fit.
 
In his own words : "Since this is universal you will be able to make them longer to accommodate the 90 degree boots."
 
Somehow, I don't think this is right.  Isn't the cap-end of a universal wire female end ?
 
It's always the same problem when trying to find wires.  Can I put a HEI like cap on my distributor and just buy universal plus wires ?
74-45438833.4239583333


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universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/26/06 10:33am Message 2 of 10
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Roseland, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/4/2003
Posts: 966
Vette(s): 1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.

Stephane, I wish I could remember if my wires came with both types of Dist tips. I do recall mentioning to the Jeggs rep, that I had the non HEI Dist. I do have a modern magnetic unit and had to cut the wires to size. Ask the seller to provide additional pictures, or if he'll guarentee them to be the correct ones.  

 




universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/26/06 3:36pm Message 3 of 10
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Becareful. His wires may be universal but there is 1 wire that is omigosh a gazillion inches long. (I can't remember the exact length) When I upgraded wires I ended up going to the local speed shop and custom making that one wire. All because I bought the "universal" wires.


universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/26/06 5:04pm Message 4 of 10
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Roseland, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/4/2003
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Vette(s): 1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.

I now recall that the wire ends that are connected to the dist had to be cut to fit. All the dist ends were apart when received, but they were pretty easy to do.

It took a little work but I no longer burn my wires. In the long run, it was worth the cost to me




universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/27/06 6:56am Message 5 of 10
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
So concerning the distributor end, the universal kit is not assembled and it comes with the little suction cup type of ending the wraps over the female socket of the distributor cap ?
 
What tools are needed to put it together ?
 
(Sorry of the question sounds stupid; I've just never seen a universal kit; I'm going flying blind here.)



universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/27/06 7:36am Message 6 of 10
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Roseland, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/4/2003
Posts: 966
Vette(s): 1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.

All I can tell you is, it wasn't difficult. Are these wires new ? If so, they will have instructions. I wish I could be of more help but my mechanical skills are nowhere near as good as some of our other members.  

As I suggested earlier, the seller should be in a better position to answer the question as to what application the wires will work on. Or call jegg's and determine from them if the universal wires will work with your dist. 




universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/29/06 8:18pm Message 7 of 10
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
I have never been impressed with "universal wires". I avoid them. I would be very suprised to see a set of wires that could be neatly and securely installed and work on a long term basis even by a PRO. Seems to me the connections are always less than desirable. As if the wires don't pull loose from the boot (when removing a wire from any end) often enough with machine made much less hand made. Please tell us how those work out.


universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/30/06 7:02am Message 8 of 10
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
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Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I decided not to use a universal kit.
 
I will make a few calls and get one that works for me right out of the box.
 
Too bad, cause this kit was 99.99 instead of the 180 I expect to pay.



universal spark plug wires

Posted: 4/30/06 8:25am Message 9 of 10
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
I use a small amount of silcone on the boot ends to keep them in place.


universal spark plug wires

Posted: 5/1/06 8:49pm Message 10 of 10
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Manteca, CA - USA
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
I suppose Dielectric compond,( electrical lube ) could help in any case if used regularly, but even those of us who already have this stuff in our arsenal of goodies forget to use it as often as needed. On spark plug boots it is an absolute must. And on the metal connectors also as it serves to protect the connection from moisture.


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