HEI plug wires

[Seventy468]

Hello, I am switching a points style to HEI distributor in a 72 chevy SBC 350 with factory exhaust manifold and was looking for best plug wires for this swap.. anyone have any input? (by best I mean length wise, because the current wires were routed behind the block and up through the motor mounts to the four front cylinders, and the rear looked pretty normal length wise, but the front four appear to need to be longer than normal) any input is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Seventy468]

** I did do a quick search on the forum with no immediate results... if I over looked it please give me keywords to search for... i have no problem doing some digging.

[TBONE1964]

Look up spark pug wires for a 1978 Corvette. They will be for an HEI set up and be the proper length to route correctly behind the manifolds and up from the back like the factory ones do.

Just so you are aware, most aftermarket plug wires you buy are a little bit on the long side, meaning you will have some excess wire when they are routed correctly.

Another option is to make your own with the correct crimper.

[Seventy468]

Just the info I was looking for, thank you TBONE.

[Seventy468]

After purchasing and attempting to install, wouldn't these wires do better with a straight boot instead of the 90? I cant believe how awkward those manifolds make routing the wires.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Seventy468

After purchasing and attempting to install, wouldn't these wires do better with a straight boot instead of the 90? I cant believe how awkward those manifolds make routing the wires.

I know they are a pin to install. The 90 is better to keep the wires close to the block as they run back. Do you have all of the factory ignition wire looms/holders? They will also help keep everything in place.

You are lucky it is not a 78 Corvette you are actually putting these wires on

When you are finished, your effort will show and you won't have spark plug wires hanging out all over like spaghetti.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by Seventy468

After purchasing and attempting to install, wouldn't these wires do better with a straight boot instead of the 90? I cant believe how awkward those manifolds make routing the wires.

To clarify...
The way you describe the wire routing in your original post is the way the factory routed them and the way the Corvette wires fit. Hence, the 90 degree boots.

[Seventy468]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

You are lucky it is not a 78 Corvette you are actually putting these wires on

I believe that. I found one wire out of that set is pretty tight, so I may purchase another set today and piece it together so they're routed the correct way, and yes the engine does have all the correct wire holders routing them down and under the manifolds.

[OhioDan]

Here's the way I routed mine. Same route as point distributor.Around rear of engine, and between motor mount and block. Factory wire holders work great. Got my holders from GMCPaul, but most vendors should have them. Used plug wires for 1975 Corvette, 350 with HEI ign, and rams horn exh. They changed exh. manifolds after 75.

[Seventy468]

Thanks for the additional info OhioDan, using autozones website, the wires (bosch) come up the same for 78/75 vette. Granted I know autozone isn't always the most accurate, I am going to look around, maybe check Napa out see if they're any different. Thanks again.

[Lee H]

Originally Posted by Seventy468

Thanks for the additional info OhioDan, using autozones website, the wires (bosch) come up the same for 78/75 vette. Granted I know autozone isn't always the most accurate, I am going to look around, maybe check Napa out see if they're any different. Thanks again.

Don't know about the Bosch numbers but the ACDELCO & MSD part numbers are the same for 1975 - 1982 Corvette. There is a dance to get the wires in the right location on a vette and may not fit exactly right if not routed correctly or using the factory vette looms. I, like lots of others, buy bulk and make my own. A little spendy out of the gate but very cost effective as replacements are needed. If your running headers you will need to replace a few wires in time.

[Seventy468]

I looked into that.. best place to buy in bulk.. summit/jegs.. or is there somewhere else to pick that stuff up.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Seventy468

I looked into that.. best place to buy in bulk.. summit/jegs.. or is there somewhere else to pick that stuff up.

A couple of thoughts. You will want to get 7 mm as they are designed to fit into the looms. 8 mm will not fit and you can damage the wire insulator by trying to force them in.

Many good quality manufactures such as MSD, Accell, Magnecor. The most important part of make your own sets is the crimper. Get yourself a nice $50.00 crimper or borrow one to do this. It make the job so much nicer.

[Seventy468]

well i put my big girl panties on, had me a snickers, and then went back at it, and the truck runs better than it did before. I have some fine tuning to do but overall much happier with the HEI swap. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions/help.

[thelawdoc]

I spoke with the folks at Magnecor. They are pretty vehement in urging that one not use a cheap crimper for their wires. They consider a $50 crimper to be cheap and say that we either use the one they sell, or buy another of the same quality. Their web site also talks about this issue a bit. The crimper they say their wires call for is about $300 or so. I let them do my wires.