Topic: What a stupid design
in Forum: C3 Engines
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We took off the intake manifold, heads and exhaust manifolds from our 77 and found that two of the spark plugs wires on each side are routed directly under and through the front engine mounts! 
I had to clip them off in order to remove them. How the heck are you supposed to replace them? Lift the engine up? I can tell you that when I put the knew ones on they won't be going through the same way.
I had to clip them off in order to remove them. How the heck are you supposed to replace them? Lift the engine up? I can tell you that when I put the knew ones on they won't be going through the same way.
Is this how all of them are? I'm just curious.
Anni 77 Red Corvette
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Crazy, ain't it?
I hung around the garage when my mechanic did mine. He raised the motor a bit to get them through.
There are other ways to route the plug wires. Some that I've seen go along the valve covers.
Let us know what you go with.
I would be curious about the spark plug wires routed along the side of the valve covers. How does it look? What kind of loom do you use?
Anybody have any pics?
Anybody have any pics?
Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
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Charleston AFB, SC - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 111
Vette(s): 1979 Cream Beige Coupe w/383 & 700R4
Mine go along my valve covers. It's not as pretty, but a hell of a lot easier to work with.
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I think everyone who has installed new wires has had the same reaction. I routed mine back through the motor mount but used a little "Bubba" engineering. Clipped the distributor end off of the old one, gently pulled the boot off of the new one and tied the two together with a string. Pulled the old one out and the new one followed. Gently put the boot back on the spark plug end of the new one (with the help of dielectic grease), and it worked fine.
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, 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 have these WIRE LOOMS.
My wires come out of the stock covers by the rear of the heads and then slip into these looms running along the lower valve covers. Each plug wire then drops out right above the spark plug. This gives a nice clean look and no worries about burnt wires from the headers.
My wires come out of the stock covers by the rear of the heads and then slip into these looms running along the lower valve covers. Each plug wire then drops out right above the spark plug. This gives a nice clean look and no worries about burnt wires from the headers.
my wires come thru the motor mounts also, guess ill have to cut them to get them out, summitt has nice wire looms that are colored to match the car and route along side the valve cover,,think ill go that route,,rd
I just ordered a set of looms from Summit that are blue in color to match my valve covers. Thank goodness there are ways to get around putting them back under the engine mounts.
We pulled the pistons out today to clean them up and replace the rings and found that one had a broken compression ring!
Anni 77 Red Corvette
[QUOTE=77 Red Corvette]...and found that two of the spark plugs wires on each side are routed directly under and through the front engine mounts!...[/QUOTE]
6880Mike 2008-06-02 06:01:18
That is the correct factory installation. It kept the wires away from the exhaust manifolds and facilitated the use of the V-shield pieces of the radio ignition shielding. Installation at St. Louis was easy because the plug wires, engine mounts, and ignition shielding were installed before body drop.
It's a tight fit, but with some WD-40 or similar product, if you hold the boots flat to the engine, you can push them through the back of the mount. It's tight, but they go. I have done many while working for Chevrolet.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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