New Parts!!!

[xtreme80]

Thanks to gchemist I have some new parts waiting to go on my truck!

Too bad I have no idea how to put together these new plug wires I got.

Can anybody explain this? Or point me in the direction of some help?

[68GMC454]

there is a toool you buy that will help you put the wires together..i froget what it is called, havent done that kind of wires in years....

[xtreme80]

The kit comes with little crimpers that are supposed to go in a vise, but I don't have a vice, and that looks ghetto anyways. I think I can make something work, since I found instructions online...

[Pyrotechnic]

Are you running manifolds or headers ? I haven't seen a header design for these trucks that straight boots worked for. Seems straight boot plugs are more suited to big blocks.

[xtreme80]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Are you running manifolds or headers ? I haven't seen a header design for these trucks that straight boots worked for. Seems straight boot plugs are more suited to big blocks.

Stock manifolds lol... I checked before I got them from gchemist

[BowTieOgre]

I put a set like that on my '73 Blazer and it ran like a champ afterwards. I didnt have any special tools but they would have helped. Lay the wires out like they will be routed from the dist to the plugs, mark and label them and decide if you need straight or 90 ends. I just took my wifes kitchen shears (shhhh) and cut about 3/4" of the red sleeve and white insulation off, then I folded the wire over the side of the sleeve and crimp on the appropriate connector. I had to coax the plug end of the connector thru the 90 boot with some dielectric grease (included in my set). I just ordered a set of wires for my '80 so one of us should have a pictorial soon eh?

[gchemist]

Which way are you going to run them? Over the cover, along them or under the manifolds? A wire loom setup would match nicely.

[chev74]

i would try and run them from the back on the engine, down, and out from around the back. it cleans it up a lot and makes them less visable. and moroso makes some nice wire loom holders for this setup to boot - no pun intended

[Restrorob]

Most wire crimper's as the below style have the plug wire crimper as well, I used one like this for many years, It will roll the two flaps around the wire like factory.

[xtreme80]

Originally Posted by Restrorob

Most wire crimper's as the below style have the plug wire crimper as well, I used one like this for many years, It will roll the two flaps around the wire like factory.

I have 3 different sets of crimpers, and one has these on it, and actually says "Plug Wire" on it haha... and I just tried it, cuz it gives like 5 extra crimp ends, and it works beautifully!

Thanks man!

And Gerardo, I'm gonna try running them over/along the side of the valve covers. We'll see how it turns out tomorrow I guess!

[gchemist]

Did you cut them to length?

[xtreme80]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Did you cut them to length?

I haven't even started yet man. Haha, by the time you read this though I should be done.

And yes, they will get cut to length. I took the shortest one and crimped one on just as a test. It should be the correct length for one of them anyways, but if not I will cut it to fit.

[xtreme80]

Update: Parts are on, and I know you all love pictures, so here ya go!

I put on new cap and rotor(msd), new plug wires(accel), new plugs(delco), and the chrome valve covers.

The one thing I noticed after installing these, is my idle in gear dropped from about 550 to about 400. Not sure why, but that's what I noticed.

Any ideas?

[gchemist]

Ditch the air cleaner!! It's too small. You need at least 4" or more. The engine will run cooler too.

Nice install. Install some holding wire looms for looks.

[piecesparts]

Keep the air cleaner covers and purchase a 4" filter (either a paper one or a K&N item) and install it in between the chrome parts. I have run a 4" filter in most of my trucks for years and the higher element allows for a smoother air flow across the lower filter plate and works to make the carb more efficient.

[gchemist]

I recommend a 4.5" K&N for open element filters.

[xtreme80]

Hmm... I'll have to invest in one of those I guess. I knew that on a carbbed motor, the air cleaner can make a world of difference, I guess I just didn't realize how much difference.