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Old 11-28-2004, 02:35 PM   #1
crustysarge
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HEI plug wires

What are you guys using for plug wires (stock) on the HEI if converted. I bought a set of 73 truck wires and they all have 90 degree ends on both ends. This is my first Chevy as I am a Pontiac guy. I am not impressed with way the wires fit and route.
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Old 11-28-2004, 02:41 PM   #2
da-burb
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1976 Corvette. That is the first year with HEI and it still used the rams horn exhaust manifolds.
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Old 11-28-2004, 02:44 PM   #3
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what he said, that's what I run and they fit and function well...
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Old 11-28-2004, 02:51 PM   #4
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FYI, 73 trucks were still points style ignitions and the exhaust manifolds were log style designed for the wires to come from above. That is why you don't like the routing. They are all too short for rams horn manifolds where the wires go around the back side and come up from below the manifold.
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Old 11-28-2004, 03:00 PM   #5
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How about MSD Universal set like 3118. They have multi angle boot on the plug and you cut to fit and install the 90 boot for the HEI. They are $60 at Autozone.com and come with a crimping/cutting tool.

I see the 'vette wires as p/n 4118 at $21.99 and the Bosch at $29.99.
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Old 11-28-2004, 03:35 PM   #6
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For a DD, there's nuthin' wrong with stock ignition wires if checked and replaced near annually. Good up front prices, too. And most of the spiral wound perf wires are actually little better than the stock wires, except that they don't easily deteriorate from their new condition. I've only found one spark plug wire with high performance conductivity, wire longevity, heat resistant jackets, and RFI suppression. They're made in USA by Magnecor.

Read their FAQ and other explanations of how the high performance ignition wire "industry" is smoke and mirror marketing. Eye opening.

I just bought a stock set for my K10 with 350 and Rams Horn manifolds for $90 thru Magnecor's direct sales. Expensive, but worth it IMHO. I expect they carry the version for a 76 Vette w/Rams Horn manifolds.
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Old 11-28-2004, 03:58 PM   #7
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Replacing wires every year is just a little bit on the over kill side. (even the $10 auto zone ones last longer than that)
If your wires are not cut/burned/pinched/dry rotted, then there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get 5 years out of them at or damn near new wire efficiency. (asuming a good HEI set up an plugs not gapped excesivly)
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Old 11-28-2004, 04:05 PM   #8
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I personally, only use Delco plug wires on GM vehicles.

I tend to get about 60 to 80 thousand miles average out of a set. That's 3 to 4 years for me.
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Old 11-28-2004, 04:14 PM   #9
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I like to run BB HEI wires on my SB trucks, because they have straight ends. You can run them neatly over the valve covers. They don't get dirty & oily like those that run down under and it is easy to keep an eye on them and they clean up easy.
Which plug ends are on those Vette wires?
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Old 11-28-2004, 04:16 PM   #10
4x4Poet
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Longhorn Man
Replacing wires every year is just a little bit on the over kill side. (even the $10 auto zone ones last longer than that)
If your wires are not cut/burned/pinched/dry rotted, then there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get 5 years out of them at or damn near new wire efficiency. (asuming a good HEI set up an plugs not gapped excesivly)
I agree in principal, but so few home mechanics actually pull their OEM-style ignition wires periodically to check each, individual wire for damage and excessive resistance, including when bent. And checking high voltage pass thru for conductivity/efficiency is rarely done even though that's what the wires must be able to handle. Nevertheless, you're definately right. I should have eased up from near annual replacement.
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Old 11-28-2004, 04:18 PM   #11
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I'm just running some cheapos from Orielly's.Been 2 years and I don't see a problem yet.
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Old 11-28-2004, 07:49 PM   #12
da-burb
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PICKMUP, I am 99.9% sure they are 90 degree boots.
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Old 11-28-2004, 09:11 PM   #13
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76 Vette wires from Napa. Nothing special, but they work at a good price!
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Old 11-29-2004, 09:28 AM   #14
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Great tip on the 'vette wires

I bought some damned expensive MSD plugs so that I could get straight ends at the block. They were $40 if I recall correctly. Will be doing the 'vette plugs next time!!!!
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Old 11-29-2004, 09:53 PM   #15
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I used a set from a 454 mid-late 70s motorhome all straight boot. easy to route and loom.
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