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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alden NY
Posts: 2,705
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HEI Plug Wires
Anyone know what year/model HEI plug wires are long enough to be installed correctly underneath the rams horn manifolds on my '70?
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1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: riverhead,new york
Posts: 160
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
Early 70's Corvette small block should do it as they ran under the block and up to the Plugs. Big Blocks were on top. Al W.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 581
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I have been using the universal cut to lenght kits. I like being able to route/fit my wires and then cut them exactly where I want them. They are cheaper to.
Just make sure you get the correct distributor boot/connection for your application ie: male/female etc. Also chose the correct spark plug boot ie: strait/45 angle or 90 degree angle.
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"I'll Procrastinate Tomorrow" quote by LEEVON 71 K10 long fleet (sons truck) new 370hp 355, sm465 np205, 3.73's 33's 70 K20 long fleet 98 G3500 work van |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA
Posts: 1,404
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I got mine from NAPA. They're for a 74-75 corvette, with HEI ingnition. Can't remember the part number. Hope this helps?
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#5 |
Firefighter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Yellville, Ar, USA
Posts: 1,943
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
1978 chevy pickup uses the same exact wires as the 74 Vette W/HEI, they just have two options above or below exhaust manifolds. Napa Belden #700254.
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'72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA ![]() ![]() Last edited by BLACK AND BLUE 67-72; 02-18-2010 at 06:41 PM. |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
HEI was standard I know in '75. Optional in '74 on passenger cars. Just order wires for a 75 'vette and you will be good to go. Those are the wires I run on pretty much anything small block with headers or rams horns.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#7 |
sharp as a marble
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: atlantic beach,florida
Posts: 1,082
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I use a set of Taylor spark plug wire that need to be terminated at the distributor cap end. I do agree that the 78-80 Corvette wires will work, but they are a bit long. The Taylor set can be cut to fit, not really that hard to do, make it easier to run under the motor mounts, if the truck is finished.
Here is a picture or two |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Gastonia,NC
Posts: 137
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I read somewhere in another thread the 78 corvette worked good.
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Tim |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alden NY
Posts: 2,705
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
Thanks for the responses 67Vetteal, Custom 70, Chas 350, OhioDan, Black and Blue 67-72, Mike C and cparman. I appreciate it.
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1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7 |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: lacrosse wi.
Posts: 426
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
cparman
that looks SWEEET |
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#11 |
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,525
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I've been searching...
This is the most recent thread I could find. I find many auto parts stores don't know if HEI need specific wires for HEI. I know people here keep saying to just use 75-77 corvette, but are all the newer wire sets HEI? The reason I ask is because even the boxes these plugs are in don't say anything like HEI or High Energy. ![]()
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I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 |
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#12 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
All of the 70s Vette wires the guys above have mentioned are for HEI. GM did away with points and went to electronic ignition on them. Don't muddy the waters with worrying about what the box or parts guys say, they are for HEI. 75 Vette wires will be the ones you want. I run em on all my ramshorns equipped engines.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#13 |
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,525
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
^Thanks,
I read here, and then expect the parts guys might have even a slight clue. but over and over, repeatedly; these parts store guys are practically clueless. Thanks again and again for this forum. ![]()
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I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 |
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#14 |
Cruzin
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: on the road
Posts: 2,835
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
i believe i will try the cut to fit next time myself i like stuff to be nice an clean
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Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14
Last edited by Hubscrub; 12-25-2010 at 12:43 AM. |
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#15 | |
But Found Her 25yrs Later!
![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 10,525
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
Quote:
I have rams horns, so I'm liking the pics here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295089
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I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 |
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#16 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,221
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I like the neatness of the wires routed in the stock location. Kinda hidden. Especially if custom valve covers are used. It is also a good idea to install those heat shields too. Most of us toss them during a rebuild but they are there for a reason.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Apison Tn
Posts: 490
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
Quote:
Posted via Mobile Device
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=438550 ![]() ![]() 1994 Buick Roadmaster 1994 GMC Sonoma |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Jose Ca
Posts: 265
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
Im bringing this back to the top - the reason is I just got some new wires (early 70"s Vett) and they didnt fit very well - one was about 2 " to short and 2 where way to long. I also tried a 79 GMC 350 - I dont think these where meant for the ram type headers ether
If anyone has newer info on what would fit well for a 350 with the ram type headers please let me know |
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#19 |
Registered User
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Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 322
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I was happy with the cut-to-fit. If I can do it anyone can.
Below is the post from when I did it: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=481155 |
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#20 |
Hand Crafted C-10
![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Burien, WA
Posts: 5,180
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I think half the tidy-trick is to use all the right routing brackets...
both on the lower oil pan and the correct looms. Even on an engine stand, routing takes time and don't forget you need a little bit of room to turn your dizzy a tad (timing). The routing in the pics nearly complete but was followed by taking up the slack above the dist cap. Now that I look back, my wires were a little long. BTW-mine were NAPA wires for a '75 Corvette. Five years and no degradation at all. . Last edited by ETsC10; 12-27-2011 at 10:33 PM. Reason: added to post |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA
Posts: 1,404
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Here's how I installed mine. Got the plug wire stands from GMCPaul.
The only diffenece is mine are HEI.
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
In '74 the HEI was standard on the L82 Corvette an optional on other GM cars. In '75, the HEI became standard on all V8's. Only the Corvette still used Rams Horns manifolds at this stage with routing underneath manifolds. With minor changes, the wires for any '75-'82 Corvette should be fine.
Length of the wires, or at least how they route, can be varied by which post on the HEI you choose for #1. If one wire is slightly to short and others are slightly too long, the #1 point you have chosen is probably slightly different than the one where GM started. I bought Made For You looms that were designed for the valve covers and bolted them to the oil pan rail to hold/route my wires underneath. Difficult to get some of the aftermarket large boots up through the middle of the motor mount where the original one ran some times. I did the cut-to-fit wires the first few times I did wires 25+ years ago, but now I choose the pre-made for most projects. Saves time, and even with a good set of crimpers, the factory job is better than mine. There are some exceptions with my Jeeps and my Z-car where the factory sets didn't meet my needs. Because of firewall clearance on my Jimmy I ran a Ready-to-Run MSD distributor that uses a points style cap so I just bought the Taylor pre-made '72 Chevy truck wire. But you can use '71-'73 'Vette wires as well. Stay away from ordering '74 wires because once again, now all of them had HEI.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alden NY
Posts: 2,705
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
NAPA mileage plus ignition wires part number 2937 for 1976 Corvette will work.
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1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7 |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Jose Ca
Posts: 265
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
thanks guys - Im hoping I just had a bad set - Napa is closed for the week and Pepboys don't dont have them in stock. So Im stuck with Oreilly. We'll see how they fit.
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#25 |
Burnouts are therapeutic
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: lancaster, south carolina
Posts: 852
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Re: HEI Plug Wires
I plan on using these msd streetfire wires on mine ,they are for a 76 vette. My truck has hei and ram horns and I want to route them through the motor mounts so I'm hoping these will work.
I put them on the pontiac I have and they were easy to install and came with the sparkplug end already done. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...815P&ppt=C0334
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1969 CHEVELLE SS 1972 C10 ALMOST DAILY DRIVER 1968 C10 RUSTBUCKET (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) 1972 PONTIAC LEMANS CONVERTIBLE (WIFE'S CAR) "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Einstein |
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