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#1 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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HEI plug wires
Hello, I am switching a points style to HEI distributor in a 72 chevy SBC 350 with factory exhaust manifold and was looking for best plug wires for this swap.. anyone have any input? (by best I mean length wise, because the current wires were routed behind the block and up through the motor mounts to the four front cylinders, and the rear looked pretty normal length wise, but the front four appear to need to be longer than normal) any input is greatly appreciated, thanks!
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#2 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
** I did do a quick search on the forum with no immediate results... if I over looked it please give me keywords to search for... i have no problem doing some digging.
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#3 |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: HEI plug wires
Look up spark pug wires for a 1978 Corvette. They will be for an HEI set up and be the proper length to route correctly behind the manifolds and up from the back like the factory ones do.
Just so you are aware, most aftermarket plug wires you buy are a little bit on the long side, meaning you will have some excess wire when they are routed correctly. Another option is to make your own with the correct crimper.
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Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C |
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#4 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
Just the info I was looking for, thank you TBONE.
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#5 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
After purchasing and attempting to install, wouldn't these wires do better with a straight boot instead of the 90? I cant believe how awkward those manifolds make routing the wires.
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#6 | |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: HEI plug wires
Quote:
I know they are a pin to install. The 90 is better to keep the wires close to the block as they run back. Do you have all of the factory ignition wire looms/holders? They will also help keep everything in place. You are lucky it is not a 78 Corvette you are actually putting these wires on ![]() When you are finished, your effort will show and you won't have spark plug wires hanging out all over like spaghetti.
__________________
Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C |
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#7 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
I believe that. I found one wire out of that set is pretty tight, so I may purchase another set today and piece it together so they're routed the correct way, and yes the engine does have all the correct wire holders routing them down and under the manifolds.
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA
Posts: 1,404
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Re: HEI plug wires
Here's the way I routed mine. Same route as point distributor.Around rear of engine, and between motor mount and block. Factory wire holders work great. Got my holders from GMCPaul, but most vendors should have them. Used plug wires for 1975 Corvette, 350 with HEI ign, and rams horn exh. They changed exh. manifolds after 75.
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#9 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin & Arizona
Posts: 4,844
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Re: HEI plug wires
Quote:
The way you describe the wire routing in your original post is the way the factory routed them and the way the Corvette wires fit. Hence, the 90 degree boots. |
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#10 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
Thanks for the additional info OhioDan, using autozones website, the wires (bosch) come up the same for 78/75 vette. Granted I know autozone isn't always the most accurate, I am going to look around, maybe check Napa out see if they're any different. Thanks again.
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#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 4,143
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Re: HEI plug wires
Quote:
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1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703 |
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#12 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
I looked into that.. best place to buy in bulk.. summit/jegs.. or is there somewhere else to pick that stuff up.
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#13 | |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: HEI plug wires
Quote:
A couple of thoughts. You will want to get 7 mm as they are designed to fit into the looms. 8 mm will not fit and you can damage the wire insulator by trying to force them in. Many good quality manufactures such as MSD, Accell, Magnecor. The most important part of make your own sets is the crimper. Get yourself a nice $50.00 crimper or borrow one to do this. It make the job so much nicer.
__________________
Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C |
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#14 |
almost scrap
![]() Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 130
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Re: HEI plug wires
well i put my big girl panties on, had me a snickers, and then went back at it, and the truck runs better than it did before. I have some fine tuning to do but overall much happier with the HEI swap. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions/help.
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Brooklyn New York
Posts: 324
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Re: HEI plug wires
I spoke with the folks at Magnecor. They are pretty vehement in urging that one not use a cheap crimper for their wires. They consider a $50 crimper to be cheap and say that we either use the one they sell, or buy another of the same quality. Their web site also talks about this issue a bit. The crimper they say their wires call for is about $300 or so. I let them do my wires.
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