Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**WorkinLonghorn** · 09-27-2024, 03:03 PM

I need to know what is the best option for my GM crate 350 ("stock replacement") low-po engine. Fixing it up for the sale and I want it to really purr. '69 Owners manual says "R-44" . Maybe just tell parts counter I have a 1979 Chevy? .040" gap or ? Also I think if I do tell them it's a '79 the wires are too short and have to be routed OVER the ram's head exhaust manifolds. What do you guys use for plugs and wires? Thanks, Brian

RichardJ · 09-27-2024, 05:22 PM

>> '69 Owners manual says "R-44"<<

Plug with square shoulder and gasket.

Does your crate engine heads have tapered seat plugs? R44T
What plugs are in it now? Didn't you replace the plugs and wires when the newly installed crate engine was initially running rough?

54blackhornet · 09-27-2024, 05:59 PM

I bought an inexpensive BravX HEI for my 71 C/20. First one lasted one year. Replacement lasted six months. Third one has been working fine for over two years. Moral to story. Great customer support pays off. I used 8 mm wires from Napa. Truck starts much better than it ever did before.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 09-27-2024, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardJ

>> '69 Owners manual says "R-44"<<

Plug with square shoulder and gasket.

Does your crate engine heads have tapered seat plugs? R44T
What plugs are in it now? Didn't you replace the plugs and wires when the newly installed crate engine was initially running rough?

The plugs in it now are ACDelco 45TS and you're correct about it running rough at first. I checked the valves and a number of them were tightened WAY past spec, If I recall, some were like 2 or three whole turns past spec.
Now there is a miss. I'll just get some of what was in there and gap them to .040 I guess.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 09-27-2024, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

I bought an inexpensive BravX HEI for my 71 C/20. First one lasted one year. Replacement lasted six months. Third one has been working fine for over two years. Moral to story. Great customer support pays off. I used 8 mm wires from Napa. Truck starts much better than it ever did before.

Yeah, I've been through a few myself but this last Skip White Chinese Distr. has been going for 6-7 years. I don't drive that much anymore though.

67swb72klb · 09-29-2024, 09:51 AM

late 70s Vette wires always work for me..

Mike C · 09-29-2024, 10:06 PM

Your original motor would have had washer seat plugs and anything after 72 or so would have taper seat plugs. So I would assume your trucks crate motor has taper seat plugs. Just get some for something like a 1980 truck. 75-79 Corvette plug wires route like the original 67–72 truck wires but have HEI terminals on the cap end.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 10-03-2024, 11:13 PM

OK thanks. I'll ask for Vette wires.

**Sheepdip** · 10-04-2024, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

OK thanks. I'll ask for Vette wires.

Just make sure the rest of the truck is up to snuff to handle the extra
Horse Power those Corvette spark plug wires will give it!

09-27-2024, 03:03 PM	#1
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? I need to know what is the best option for my GM crate 350 ("stock replacement") low-po engine. Fixing it up for the sale and I want it to really purr. '69 Owners manual says "R-44" . Maybe just tell parts counter I have a 1979 Chevy? .040" gap or ? Also I think if I do tell them it's a '79 the wires are too short and have to be routed OVER the ram's head exhaust manifolds. What do you guys use for plugs and wires? Thanks, Brian __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

09-27-2024, 05:22 PM	#2
RichardJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,468	Re: Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? >> '69 Owners manual says "R-44"<< Plug with square shoulder and gasket. Does your crate engine heads have tapered seat plugs? R44T What plugs are in it now? Didn't you replace the plugs and wires when the newly installed crate engine was initially running rough? __________________ '67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC

09-27-2024, 05:59 PM	#3
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,392	Re: Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? I bought an inexpensive BravX HEI for my 71 C/20. First one lasted one year. Replacement lasted six months. Third one has been working fine for over two years. Moral to story. Great customer support pays off. I used 8 mm wires from Napa. Truck starts much better than it ever did before. __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

09-29-2024, 09:51 AM	#6
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,471	Re: Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? late 70s Vette wires always work for me.. __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

09-29-2024, 10:06 PM	#7
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? Your original motor would have had washer seat plugs and anything after 72 or so would have taper seat plugs. So I would assume your trucks crate motor has taper seat plugs. Just get some for something like a 1980 truck. 75-79 Corvette plug wires route like the original 67–72 truck wires but have HEI terminals on the cap end. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-03-2024, 11:13 PM	#8
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: Plugs and Wires for Chinese HEI ? OK thanks. I'll ask for Vette wires. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.



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