HEI plug wires - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crustysarge · 11-28-2004, 02:35 PM

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.

da-burb · 11-28-2004, 02:41 PM

1976 Corvette. That is the first year with HEI and it still used the rams horn exhaust manifolds.

bigvinnie · 11-28-2004, 02:44 PM

what he said, that's what I run and they fit and function well...

da-burb · 11-28-2004, 02:51 PM

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.

crustysarge · 11-28-2004, 03:00 PM

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.

4x4Poet · 11-28-2004, 03:35 PM

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.

Longhorn Man · 11-28-2004, 03:58 PM

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)

Tx Firefighter · 11-28-2004, 04:05 PM

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.

PICKMUP · 11-28-2004, 04:14 PM

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?

4x4Poet · 11-28-2004, 04:16 PM

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.

Brainchild · 11-28-2004, 04:18 PM

I'm just running some cheapos from Orielly's.Been 2 years and I don't see a problem yet.

da-burb · 11-28-2004, 07:49 PM

PICKMUP, I am 99.9% sure they are 90 degree boots.

Nelson · 11-28-2004, 09:11 PM

76 Vette wires from Napa. Nothing special, but they work at a good price!

1969K10 · 11-29-2004, 09:28 AM

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!!!!

Gator70 · 11-29-2004, 09:53 PM

I used a set from a 454 mid-late 70s motorhome all straight boot. easy to route and loom.

11-28-2004, 02:35 PM	#1
crustysarge Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Aviano, Italy Posts: 221	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.

11-28-2004, 02:41 PM	#2
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	1976 Corvette. That is the first year with HEI and it still used the rams horn exhaust manifolds. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

11-28-2004, 02:44 PM	#3
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	what he said, that's what I run and they fit and function well... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

11-28-2004, 03:35 PM	#6
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	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. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup. Last edited by 4x4Poet; 11-28-2004 at 03:38 PM.

11-28-2004, 04:05 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	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. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-28-2004, 02:51 PM	#4
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	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.

11-28-2004, 03:00 PM	#5
crustysarge Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Aviano, Italy Posts: 221	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.

11-28-2004, 03:58 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	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)

11-28-2004, 04:14 PM	#9
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,144	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? __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

11-28-2004, 04:18 PM	#11
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I'm just running some cheapos from Orielly's.Been 2 years and I don't see a problem yet. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

11-28-2004, 07:49 PM	#12
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	PICKMUP, I am 99.9% sure they are 90 degree boots. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

11-28-2004, 09:11 PM	#13
Nelson Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: cambridge,ont,canada Posts: 128	76 Vette wires from Napa. Nothing special, but they work at a good price! __________________ Nelson 1970 C10 350 Auto. A/C not Working

11-29-2004, 09:28 AM	#14
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	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!!!!

11-29-2004, 09:53 PM	#15
Gator70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Turner Valley, Alberta Posts: 91	I used a set from a 454 mid-late 70s motorhome all straight boot. easy to route and loom. __________________ 1970 GMC K15 - Canadian built 2nd Owner truck 68k miles 2014 Denali 1500 6.2L

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