Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muddpile · 11-11-2005, 01:24 PM

What does everyone use for looms or standoffs for keeping your plug wires off your ramhorn manifolds? My truck has HEI and the 2 1/4" ramhorns, and a combination of 3 different sets of plug wires. Most looms I see only work for headers, where the pipes go down and not up like a ramhorn. I will be buying a new cap, coil, rotor, plugs and wires for it this winter, and wondered what to buy? The majority of the wires on there right now are accel super stock yellow with 90 degree boots. Would straight boots work better? Also, would I need any additional standoffs for safety? What would everyone reccommend for plugs, cap/coil/rotor? Thanks!

**pjmoreland** · 11-11-2005, 01:53 PM

The wires were originally routed down under the ramhorn exhaust manifolds. Other board members have mentioned that stock wires for a '76 Corvette are correct for ramhorn manifolds and an HEI distributor. You can buy the wire hold-downs that screw to the block and the oil pan from www.gmcpauls.com.

Guardrail · 11-11-2005, 02:12 PM

I'm with PJ on this. I prefer to make up my own plug wires but the 76' Corvette is very good to know. I believe the stock routing as shown in PJ's diagram is the hot setup. That way the wires aren't staring you in the face when you pop the hood. Better yet with today's spark wire technology, you can do this job once and then leave it alone for years.

BobbyK · 11-11-2005, 02:33 PM

Used a crappy set of looms from Pep Boys.
Prob. is the plastic wire separators have melted where it attaches to the metal mount(heat from manifolds).

Longhorn Man · 11-11-2005, 02:44 PM

While the 76 vette wires work fine, I personally don't like routing the wires so close to the manifolds. The less heat on the wires, the better. I always run mine over the valve covers. No problems, no burns, and in reality, what are they in the way of?
If you do decide to run them under the manifolds,get some 1/4 inch split loom to place over each wire in the hot locations. It'll help a bit.
I can't find the pic i am thinking of, but this shot (taken to shopw header fitment) shows how I like routing them.

muddpile · 11-11-2005, 03:18 PM

I like how they mounted them under the ramhorns originally! I may have to try that. Thanks for the help!

chevybill · 11-11-2005, 04:43 PM

you can look at an assortment of looms at www.mrgasket.com

kaycee · 11-11-2005, 08:40 PM

Your in luck I personally just did this a month ago I was running them over the top and sure as sh$% they would find the manifold

.I went to NAPPA and got a set for a 75 vette with HEI and ran them in the stock location.Man what a nice setup now and it gives the engine compartment a cleaner look.The #for the wires #700254 Nappa the front ones on each side are plenty long enough now and no more burned wires.

sixty8c10 · 11-11-2005, 10:05 PM

mine are ran under the ram horns on the 68', and under the headers on my 88' blazer

PICKMUP · 11-11-2005, 11:06 PM

I am with Longhorn Man on this one. I run the wires over the valve covers and use straight end wires on both SB & BB. I like to keep the wires out where I can see them and keep them away from the heat and the oil from the valve covers. I have found too many burned wires on trucks with the wires under the manifolds.

71swb4x4 · 11-12-2005, 12:12 AM

I made my own (with 68c15's help) and ran them similar to stock. Mine go down a few inches from the mainfold and then up through the engine mounts. Keeps them away form the manifold, and with the quality of today's wires the extra couple of inches doesn't matter. It also clean up the engine compartment a lot.

67-72williso · 11-12-2005, 07:57 AM

Borg-Warner set CH855 for bbc work real nice, straight out and over top of the valve cover.
Later Willis

Cat Fuzz · 11-12-2005, 12:56 PM

Here's what my wires look like over the valve cover. I used Accel universal cut-to-fit set with straight boots.

Guardrail · 11-12-2005, 01:24 PM

Seems to me like this one is turning out to be an opinion based "taste issue" on where we like our plug wires. Kinda like the old blondes vs. brunettes, coffee vs. tea, breasts vs. butts, or Chevy vs. Ford.

Since either will work as opposed to none at all, I challenge someone to post a photo of an engine with the plug wires run under the manifold on one side, and over the valve cover on the other side. I bet there's somebody out there who likes both.

Or post a photo of a blonde who drinks coffee with big breasts who drives a Chevy. Then I'd ask her which way she likes her spark plug wires and this would all be settled.............

muddpile · 11-12-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guardrail

Or post a photo of a blonde who drinks coffee with big breasts who drives a Chevy. Then I'd ask her which way she likes her spark plug wires and this would all be settled.............

Now here's a guy who knows how a decision is made!

Do the 75 vette ones come with straight boots or angled? It seems to me that if you run them under ramhorns angled boots work better, and over ramhorns straight boots work better. Does this sound about right?

Bruce68SB · 11-12-2005, 03:21 PM

Mine are over the valve covers. I use a straight-boot plug wire set. The application for a straight-boot plug wire set with an HEI distributor is a 1976 1/2 ton truck with a 7.4 liter Big-Block engine (with an HEI). The Delco part number for this application is 608H. Another Delco part number for this application is 12043732. The NAPA part number for this stright-boot plug wire set is 700242. These plug wire sets should be silicone insulated. So if it gets near the exhaust manifold, should be not big deal.

kaycee · 11-12-2005, 11:24 PM

Mine are angled and don't come close to the exhaust,I would take a pic but have pulled heads.

muddpile · 11-13-2005, 03:34 PM

Would a "build it yourself" set with angled boots work for under the ramhorns? Would there be enough length, or should I just order up a set for a 75 vette? I doubt the parts store has the vette wires in stock, but I know they have the DIY kits. Also, what tool does a guy use for crimping the ends on? Thanks!

**pjmoreland** · 11-13-2005, 04:11 PM

My wires are run under the manifolds, and I used "build it yourself" wires with angled boots. I had to cut maybe 6 inches off most of the wires.

muddpile · 11-13-2005, 06:05 PM

Sounds great. Thanks!

Tx Firefighter · 11-14-2005, 06:18 AM

Here, a set of Vette wires is a stocking item. I got mine at AutoZone last time I needed a set.

And yes, the Vette wires work perfectly for HEI and under the ramshorns routing.

**CPNE** · 11-14-2005, 10:48 AM

Non-stock HEI and Vette plug wires with stock manifolds, looms, and heat shields.

Tx Firefighter · 11-14-2005, 11:15 AM

I run mine inboard of the manifold down pipe, right snug up against the block. They visually dissappear that way.

**N2TRUX** · 11-14-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I run mine inboard of the manifold down pipe, right snug up against the block. They visually dissappear that way.

Yep, me too...!

**pjmoreland** · 11-14-2005, 01:27 PM

N2TRUX, that's the nicest exhaust mainifold I've ever seen!!

www.gmcpauls.com sells the little clips that hold the wires behind the manifold. They are installed under the oil pan bolts.

There are a lot of pieces required for routing the wires in the stock position. If you don't use all of these pieces, then you run the risk of having your wires touch the manifold.

-Manifold heat shields
-Wire retainers on the side of the block (attached to same spot as heat shields)
-Wire clips on oil pan
-Wire retainers on back of block
-Wire retainers at back of intake manifold

11-11-2005, 01:24 PM	#1
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? What does everyone use for looms or standoffs for keeping your plug wires off your ramhorn manifolds? My truck has HEI and the 2 1/4" ramhorns, and a combination of 3 different sets of plug wires. Most looms I see only work for headers, where the pipes go down and not up like a ramhorn. I will be buying a new cap, coil, rotor, plugs and wires for it this winter, and wondered what to buy? The majority of the wires on there right now are accel super stock yellow with 90 degree boots. Would straight boots work better? Also, would I need any additional standoffs for safety? What would everyone reccommend for plugs, cap/coil/rotor? Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

11-11-2005, 01:53 PM	#2
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,786	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? The wires were originally routed down under the ramhorn exhaust manifolds. Other board members have mentioned that stock wires for a '76 Corvette are correct for ramhorn manifolds and an HEI distributor. You can buy the wire hold-downs that screw to the block and the oil pan from www.gmcpauls.com. Attached Images

11-11-2005, 02:12 PM	#3
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? I'm with PJ on this. I prefer to make up my own plug wires but the 76' Corvette is very good to know. I believe the stock routing as shown in PJ's diagram is the hot setup. That way the wires aren't staring you in the face when you pop the hood. Better yet with today's spark wire technology, you can do this job once and then leave it alone for years. __________________ Rick Tucker 1969 C20/Custom Camper (the Green Machine)Sold 1970 GMC 4000 COE (future Ramp Truck) 1972 K10 Longbed (restoration begins June 2020)

11-11-2005, 02:33 PM	#4
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,771	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Used a crappy set of looms from Pep Boys. Prob. is the plastic wire separators have melted where it attaches to the metal mount(heat from manifolds). __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE Last edited by BobbyK; 11-11-2005 at 02:35 PM.

11-11-2005, 02:44 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? While the 76 vette wires work fine, I personally don't like routing the wires so close to the manifolds. The less heat on the wires, the better. I always run mine over the valve covers. No problems, no burns, and in reality, what are they in the way of? If you do decide to run them under the manifolds,get some 1/4 inch split loom to place over each wire in the hot locations. It'll help a bit. I can't find the pic i am thinking of, but this shot (taken to shopw header fitment) shows how I like routing them. Attached Images

11-11-2005, 03:18 PM	#6
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? I like how they mounted them under the ramhorns originally! I may have to try that. Thanks for the help! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

11-11-2005, 04:43 PM	#7
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? you can look at an assortment of looms at www.mrgasket.com __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

11-11-2005, 08:40 PM	#8
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,446	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Your in luck I personally just did this a month ago I was running them over the top and sure as sh$% they would find the manifold .I went to NAPPA and got a set for a 75 vette with HEI and ran them in the stock location.Man what a nice setup now and it gives the engine compartment a cleaner look.The #for the wires #700254 Nappa the front ones on each side are plenty long enough now and no more burned wires. __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

11-11-2005, 10:05 PM	#9
sixty8c10 MY EX DRIVES A BROOM Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Herington, KS Posts: 869	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? mine are ran under the ram horns on the 68', and under the headers on my 88' blazer __________________ They say nobody's perfect. I'm a nobody, so I must be perfect. Building Nemo -1968 C10 Long Bed FRED -1947 KB-2 International

11-11-2005, 11:06 PM	#10
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,144	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? I am with Longhorn Man on this one. I run the wires over the valve covers and use straight end wires on both SB & BB. I like to keep the wires out where I can see them and keep them away from the heat and the oil from the valve covers. I have found too many burned wires on trucks with the wires under the manifolds. Attached Images Last edited by PICKMUP; 11-11-2005 at 11:10 PM.

11-12-2005, 12:12 AM	#11
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? I made my own (with 68c15's help) and ran them similar to stock. Mine go down a few inches from the mainfold and then up through the engine mounts. Keeps them away form the manifold, and with the quality of today's wires the extra couple of inches doesn't matter. It also clean up the engine compartment a lot. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

11-12-2005, 07:57 AM	#12
67-72williso Junk/Daily Driver Club Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Manheim, PA 17545 Posts: 253	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Borg-Warner set CH855 for bbc work real nice, straight out and over top of the valve cover. Later Willis __________________ Daily Driver: 1970 C-20 400 sbc,sm-465,Dana 61 one ton SRW rear, 3.07 gears, locker. There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who have no idea what happened!

11-12-2005, 12:56 PM	#13
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Here's what my wires look like over the valve cover. I used Accel universal cut-to-fit set with straight boots. Attached Images __________________ '69 Chevy 3/4 ton, 327cid, Carter AFB, Edelbrock intake, HEI, TH400. Founding member of the No Money To Spend On My Truck Club. When your at Home Depot, you WISH you had gotten an 8 foot bed!

11-12-2005, 01:24 PM	#14
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Seems to me like this one is turning out to be an opinion based "taste issue" on where we like our plug wires. Kinda like the old blondes vs. brunettes, coffee vs. tea, breasts vs. butts, or Chevy vs. Ford. Since either will work as opposed to none at all, I challenge someone to post a photo of an engine with the plug wires run under the manifold on one side, and over the valve cover on the other side. I bet there's somebody out there who likes both. Or post a photo of a blonde who drinks coffee with big breasts who drives a Chevy. Then I'd ask her which way she likes her spark plug wires and this would all be settled............. __________________ Rick Tucker 1969 C20/Custom Camper (the Green Machine)Sold 1970 GMC 4000 COE (future Ramp Truck) 1972 K10 Longbed (restoration begins June 2020)

11-12-2005, 03:21 PM	#16
Bruce68SB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Pomona, CA, USA Posts: 90	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Mine are over the valve covers. I use a straight-boot plug wire set. The application for a straight-boot plug wire set with an HEI distributor is a 1976 1/2 ton truck with a 7.4 liter Big-Block engine (with an HEI). The Delco part number for this application is 608H. Another Delco part number for this application is 12043732. The NAPA part number for this stright-boot plug wire set is 700242. These plug wire sets should be silicone insulated. So if it gets near the exhaust manifold, should be not big deal.



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11-12-2005, 11:24 PM	#17
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,446	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Mine are angled and don't come close to the exhaust,I would take a pic but have pulled heads. __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

11-13-2005, 03:34 PM	#18
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Would a "build it yourself" set with angled boots work for under the ramhorns? Would there be enough length, or should I just order up a set for a 75 vette? I doubt the parts store has the vette wires in stock, but I know they have the DIY kits. Also, what tool does a guy use for crimping the ends on? Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

11-13-2005, 04:11 PM	#19
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,786	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? My wires are run under the manifolds, and I used "build it yourself" wires with angled boots. I had to cut maybe 6 inches off most of the wires.

11-13-2005, 06:05 PM	#20
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Sounds great. Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

11-14-2005, 06:18 AM	#21
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Here, a set of Vette wires is a stocking item. I got mine at AutoZone last time I needed a set. And yes, the Vette wires work perfectly for HEI and under the ramshorns routing. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-14-2005, 10:48 AM	#22
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? Non-stock HEI and Vette plug wires with stock manifolds, looms, and heat shields. Attached Images __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

11-14-2005, 11:15 AM	#23
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? I run mine inboard of the manifold down pipe, right snug up against the block. They visually dissappear that way. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-14-2005, 01:27 PM	#25
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,786	Re: Keeping Plug wires off ramhorns? N2TRUX, that's the nicest exhaust mainifold I've ever seen!! www.gmcpauls.com sells the little clips that hold the wires behind the manifold. They are installed under the oil pan bolts. There are a lot of pieces required for routing the wires in the stock position. If you don't use all of these pieces, then you run the risk of having your wires touch the manifold. -Manifold heat shields -Wire retainers on the side of the block (attached to same spot as heat shields) -Wire clips on oil pan -Wire retainers on back of block -Wire retainers at back of intake manifold Attached Images

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