Topic: Braided spark plug wires.....
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Houston, TX - USA
Joined: 2/7/2008
Posts: 93
Vette(s): 1970 454 4 speed A/C power everything else
Whats the deal with braided spark plug wires?
Also I'm trying to maintain the original look..........anything wrong with stock "dated" wires.................I may use a points conversion kit.
Thanks!
Also I'm trying to maintain the original look..........anything wrong with stock "dated" wires.................I may use a points conversion kit.
Thanks!
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Braided wires were used on big block Corvettes for RFI shielding.
Without the shielding, the radio was un-listenable...too much static. The shielding was grounded to the valve-cover bolts.
With the small blocks, they could run all of the plug wires under steel shielding, so it would eliminate the static source, but with the big block, they couldn't do that, due to the exhaust manifolds being the way they are.
If the car was ordered without a radio, it had regular wires.
You can run "dated" wires, but if they aren't the shileded kind, it will loose some of the "original look", as well as kill the radio sound.
Without the shielding, the radio was un-listenable...too much static. The shielding was grounded to the valve-cover bolts.
With the small blocks, they could run all of the plug wires under steel shielding, so it would eliminate the static source, but with the big block, they couldn't do that, due to the exhaust manifolds being the way they are.
If the car was ordered without a radio, it had regular wires.
You can run "dated" wires, but if they aren't the shileded kind, it will loose some of the "original look", as well as kill the radio sound.
Joel Adams
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Former Member
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Houston, TX - USA
Joined: 2/7/2008
Posts: 93
Vette(s): 1970 454 4 speed A/C power everything else
Thanks Joel, I guess I will be getting the braided wires!
Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
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Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple] it will loose some of the "original look", as well as kill the radio sound.
[/QUOTE]
2 cruzn 2008-03-19 19:22:42
[/QUOTE]
And they really do look a lot better..
As far as radio sound... if you are original and have original radio... can you really "enjoy" it? And if you have a vert... forget it... even with the top up.
The drawback for the braided is the $$$ 
, and the big block will cook them in a couple years. I'm on my second set now, and am going to try the boot insulators this time. Hopefully last a little longer...
, and the big block will cook them in a couple years. I'm on my second set now, and am going to try the boot insulators this time. Hopefully last a little longer...Lifetime Member #86
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Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
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USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
Former Member
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Houston, TX - USA
Joined: 2/7/2008
Posts: 93
Vette(s): 1970 454 4 speed A/C power everything else
I will be using the stock exhaust manifolds............will the heat still destroy them as fast as you describe? Also, what boot insulators are you going with?
Thanks
Thanks
in Forum: C3 Engines
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