Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

don t. - 72gmc · 08-18-2023, 03:46 PM

I have a stock 400 BB, no ram horn manifold.

I'd read here, plug wires for a 75 vette will fit. Bought a set at Advance. The clips for both ends did not click on as they should. They were real loose. No one there could help further.

Another search here, I bought a set of AC/Delco 9088S wires. The plug end is a 90 vs. a straight boot. They are way too close to the exhaust manifold. So close, I can not get the #4 wire on the plug. They are going back to Amazon.

Another 2 hours of searching...
... maybe AC/Delco 9508D will fit.
... maybe Napa bel700103 will fit. This one has a coil wire which I still have.

I know some will say...buy bulk, make your own. I tried that years ago. In my case, was a waste of $'s. Never could get the connections correct.

Thanks much...Don.

Lee H · 08-18-2023, 04:19 PM

The 75 vet wires are for a small block with HEI. The end will not fit on a points distributer which you have found out. Some of the wires are so short they probably will not fit a BB. After many frustrating experiences I switched to making my own. I buy bulk MSD wire, boots, and ends, and most importantly a quality set of real spark plug wire crimpers. After 2 or 3 trials they can be made up in about 3 minutes to whatever length is right for you. Good luck, Lee

OregonNed · 08-18-2023, 05:00 PM

I made my own too and it was very satisfying to get the right lengths just how I wanted them..

**MikeB** · 08-18-2023, 07:17 PM

What type exhaust manifolds and what type distributor?

don t. - 72gmc · 08-19-2023, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

What type exhaust manifolds and what type distributor?

They look like typical 1970 GMC Sierra exhaust manifold.

I have a Skip White HEI dizzy.

Sorry for the lack of info.
HTH...Don.

**MikeB** · 08-19-2023, 09:08 AM

Does the distributor cap have male or female terminals?

Do your exhaust manifolds look like these?

don t. - 72gmc · 08-19-2023, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

Does the distributor cap have male or female terminals?

Do your exhaust manifolds look like these?

Cap has male terminals.

Exhaust manifold...

Thanks for your time...much appreciated...Don.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 08-19-2023, 10:20 PM

1975 Chevy truck with 454 will work, OEM style have straight boots. I got mine from NAPA, don’t remember the part number. Only put 500 miles on them before I put headers on the truck and went with 135 degree boots. I might still have them. If you are interested let me know and I will look for them.

northerngmc · 08-20-2023, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

1975 Chevy truck with 454 will work, OEM style have straight boots. I got mine from NAPA, don’t remember the part number. Only put 500 miles on them before I put headers on the truck and went with 135 degree boots. I might still have them. If you are interested let me know and I will look for them.

This is what I used on my 68 396 when I went to an HEI distributor. Stock manifolds and it worked well. They have an HEI end for the distributor and straight caps for the plug end.

I also tried the Corvette wires first and realized that was a small block solution.

**MikeB** · 08-20-2023, 04:22 AM

OK, I'm a dumbass. You said 400 BB, and for whatever reason I was thinking 400 small block. Listen to the two comments above.

jumpsoffrock · 08-20-2023, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

OK, I'm a dumbass. You said 400 BB, and for whatever reason I was thinking 400 small block. Listen to the two comments above.

Let's be honest, if people have a 400, they should say 400. If folks have a 402, they should say 402.

I used a set from a 1976 454 for a chevy C20. But maybe they aren't the correct lengths for folks who want a very clean and organized look.
The brand is a popular very high quality Japanese brand--popular with Japanese car folks for many many years--NGK.

NGK 51373
~$30

They're bright blue which might bother some folks, I don't care about color, i just want something I KNOW is high quality. It doesn't hurt that they glue the boots to the wires.

**67 twins** · 08-20-2023, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

Let's be honest, if people have a 400, they should say 400. If folks have a 402, they should say 402.

I used a set from a 1976 454 for a chevy C20. But maybe they aren't the correct lengths for folks who want a very clean and organized look.
The brand is a popular very high quality Japanese brand--popular with Japanese car folks for many many years--NGK.

NGK 51373
~$30

They're bright blue which might bother some folks, I don't care about color, i just want something I KNOW is high quality. It doesn't hurt that they glue the boots to the wires.

Really? When GM never marketed or badged them as 402s. If it was in a truck they called it a 400 in a car it was a 396.

jumpsoffrock · 08-20-2023, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67 twins

Really? When GM never marketed or badged them as 402s. If it was in a truck they called it a 400 in a car it was a 396.

Ya, tell me 'bout it. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=834934

But my point isn't about how absurd GM is, but rather about helping folks specify what exactly they're working on so the get the most accurate info.

I don't think I've ever seen quite as much confusion as I've seen on GM forums with people mixing up 400 sbc's and 402 BBC as a result of GM's odd badging and literature.

don t. - 72gmc · 08-20-2023, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

Let's be honest, if people have a 400, they should say 400. If folks have a 402, they should say 402.

Sorry for misidentifying as a 400 BB
SPID clearly shows a 396....

Thanks for the tip on NGK plug wires....Don.

**MikeB** · 08-20-2023, 06:12 PM

I didn't mean to start a battle here! If I had looked past the "400", I would have seen the BB and would have known it was a 396 or a 402, regardless of what Chevrolet called them.

jumpsoffrock · 08-20-2023, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I didn't mean to start a battle here! If I had looked past the "400", I would have seen the BB and would have known it was a 396 or a 402, regardless of what Chevrolet called them.

Yeah I apologize for coming off confrontational. Sadly just reading (my) words on a screen can leave out context; I don't want to sound like a bully or like I have a genuine problem.

don t. - 72gmc · 08-22-2023, 04:28 PM

Deed is done.
I bought Napa part # bel700242. Straight boot on the plug, 90 on the dizzy.
#5 was a bit short but I made it work. All others were goo to go.

Thanks all...Don.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-22-2023, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don t. - 72gmc

I have a stock 400 BB, no ram horn manifold.

I'd read here, plug wires for a 75 vette will fit. Bought a set at Advance. The clips for both ends did not click on as they should. They were real loose. No one there could help further.

Another search here, I bought a set of AC/Delco 9088S wires. The plug end is a 90 vs. a straight boot. They are way too close to the exhaust manifold. So close, I can not get the #4 wire on the plug. They are going back to Amazon.

Another 2 hours of searching...
... maybe AC/Delco 9508D will fit.
... maybe Napa bel700103 will fit. This one has a coil wire which I still have.

I know some will say...buy bulk, make your own. I tried that years ago. In my case, was a waste of $'s. Never could get the connections correct.

Thanks much...Don.

Silicone Taylor Pro Series 8mm 76032 spark plug wires, they're made to fit your application. They fit my 71 BBC with a Delco HEI nicely.

08-18-2023, 03:46 PM	#1
don t. - 72gmc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: harvard, il. USA Posts: 394	Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread I have a stock 400 BB, no ram horn manifold. I'd read here, plug wires for a 75 vette will fit. Bought a set at Advance. The clips for both ends did not click on as they should. They were real loose. No one there could help further. Another search here, I bought a set of AC/Delco 9088S wires. The plug end is a 90 vs. a straight boot. They are way too close to the exhaust manifold. So close, I can not get the #4 wire on the plug. They are going back to Amazon. Another 2 hours of searching... ... maybe AC/Delco 9508D will fit. ... maybe Napa bel700103 will fit. This one has a coil wire which I still have. I know some will say...buy bulk, make your own. I tried that years ago. In my case, was a waste of $'s. Never could get the connections correct. Thanks much...Don.

08-18-2023, 04:19 PM	#2
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread The 75 vet wires are for a small block with HEI. The end will not fit on a points distributer which you have found out. Some of the wires are so short they probably will not fit a BB. After many frustrating experiences I switched to making my own. I buy bulk MSD wire, boots, and ends, and most importantly a quality set of real spark plug wire crimpers. After 2 or 3 trials they can be made up in about 3 minutes to whatever length is right for you. Good luck, Lee __________________ 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

08-18-2023, 05:00 PM	#3
OregonNed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,644	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread I made my own too and it was very satisfying to get the right lengths just how I wanted them.. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop

08-19-2023, 09:08 AM	#6
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread Does the distributor cap have male or female terminals? Do your exhaust manifolds look like these? Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-19-2023, 10:20 PM	#8
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,414	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread 1975 Chevy truck with 454 will work, OEM style have straight boots. I got mine from NAPA, don’t remember the part number. Only put 500 miles on them before I put headers on the truck and went with 135 degree boots. I might still have them. If you are interested let me know and I will look for them. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

08-18-2023, 07:17 PM	#4
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread What type exhaust manifolds and what type distributor? __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 08-18-2023 at 10:12 PM.

08-20-2023, 04:22 AM	#10
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread OK, I'm a dumbass. You said 400 BB, and for whatever reason I was thinking 400 small block. Listen to the two comments above. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-20-2023, 06:12 PM	#15
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread I didn't mean to start a battle here! If I had looked past the "400", I would have seen the BB and would have known it was a 396 or a 402, regardless of what Chevrolet called them. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-22-2023, 04:28 PM	#17
don t. - 72gmc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: harvard, il. USA Posts: 394	Re: Sorry...another HEI plug wire thread Deed is done. I bought Napa part # bel700242. Straight boot on the plug, 90 on the dizzy. #5 was a bit short but I made it work. All others were goo to go. Thanks all...Don.



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