Topic: Plug Wire Replacement
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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mount airy, MD - USA
Joined: 8/27/2006
Posts: 71
Vette(s): 1981 Charcoal Met., Silver Interior, Gymkhana Suspension, 27K original miles. It's my daily driver.
I thought I would ask before I begin. What is the best/easiest way to replace plugs/plug wires on an 81 Vette? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Tom
1981 Corvette, 26K original miles, charcoal gray, gymkhana suspension, AM/FM/8 track.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
[QUOTE=tsmith1499]...What is the best/easiest way to replace plugs/plug wires on an 81 Vette?
[/QUOTE]
Let someone else do it for you!
Do them one at a time. Some of them will need to be installed behind the engine mounts, so they can be a pain.
[/QUOTE]
Let someone else do it for you!
Do them one at a time. Some of them will need to be installed behind the engine mounts, so they can be a pain.
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"
Everybody told me just to get one of those harnesses from Summit that go over the valve covers for the replacement wires but I just can't bring myself to do it 
One day I'll get around to doing it the "factory" way. It does really look like a pain though, not only with plug wires running through the motor mounts but also the passenger's side wires are hidden behind the starter and the various ignition shields 
One day I'll get around to doing it the "factory" way. It does really look like a pain though, not only with plug wires running through the motor mounts but also the passenger's side wires are hidden behind the starter and the various ignition shields The easiest way I've found is to jack the car up on jackstands,and do it from underneath,or take off front tires and go in through the A Frame openings,change the oil while you've got it up in the air
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
I kept my original wires wrapped up/held together with electrical tape for a year,
until I pulled the engine to detail it. I put the wires on then. That was really easy!
until I pulled the engine to detail it. I put the wires on then. That was really easy! Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Put the car on jackstands and set aside a couple of hours . Its really not that bad . First of all, go ahead and save yourself some greif and pull the starter and those pesky knuckle removing chrome shields. Remove one wire at a time and then put everything back. While you are that far I would suggest a new set of plugs and don't forget to gap them .
Gold MemberTake the caps off of the wires; makes it easier to "thread" behind the motor mounts.
Get a buddy (lure them with their favorite beverage but withold until job is done) to help you. Otherwise, you will get out from under the car a minimum of 7 times if you are lucky!
One at a time is the ONLY way to do it. You can use zip ties to hold them back and BE SURE to keep them away from the headers/pipes. You will know quickly if you burn one.
One at a time is the ONLY way to do it. You can use zip ties to hold them back and BE SURE to keep them away from the headers/pipes. You will know quickly if you burn one.
I remember buying high dollar wires for a dragster 25 yrs. ago.They were copper wires with heavy,heavy insulation.What is the recommended wires for my 350,I am now doing? No more race mode,but I want better than stock. I hate working the catalogues,would rather hear what you guys are using. Regards,Mikee
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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