C3 Spark Plug Wire Problem

[don justham]

Bought a standard set of plug wires from the local part store (mistake)and they are too short. Just want to make sure that I am routing them correctly. Could not find details in the assembly manual. Am I correct that only the front two on each side are routed through the chrome heat shield that is on the side of the engine? The back two on each side just go to the back of the engine and then up? I guess I will have to go back to the store and try and find a longer set. Please help with the routing of the wires in case I am trying to do it wrong. Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Spark Plug Wire Problem

Don,

In the AIM, UPC 6, page B6, or page L191 in my 1971 manual.

You are correct in that all the wires travel from the distributor, through the uprights and then another wire support at the rear of each head. The two to the rear cylinders then go directly to each plug. The ones for the front plugs travel through the "V" shields, through a clip on the oil pan (usually hidden by the shield) then out of the shield through the motor mount. They then clip to a small clip on the block and then to each of the front plugs.

Paying a few dollars extra for a set of AC-Delco wires of the correct length is usually worth it. You may find them locally, or from a supplier such as The Last Detail (www.tld-corvette.com).

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Spark Plug Wire Problem

Don-----

If the car is a 68-74, GM wire kit GM #8912437 will be a direct fit kit that will SERVICE your application. If I recall correctly, this is a kit with the distributor end for the wires needing to be attached by the user. This can be helpful with a Corvette since, in addition to the front 2 wires on each side going through the V-shields, they also go through the motor mount area. It's hard to get the wires through if they are pre-assembled on both ends. Ordinarily, I prefer a pre-assembled wire, but this can be a problem with small block Corvettes. This wire set GM lists for about 50 bucks, but you can get it for less through Delco.

[Roberto L.]

Re: C3 Spark Plug Wire Problem

Hello Joe, Patrick and friends. I noticed when I installed Delco brand new wires through the shields, that there are differences in length with the original wires in my 70. These seemed to have accurate and different lenghts, while the new Delcos have two or three (don't remember) different lenghts, so you have to be a bit more cautious to slide/install them through the shields and the shield box.

I changed them three years ago and they worked without problem. I decided by the time to avoid more visually correct repros because I drive the car often.

Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C3 Spark Plug Wire Problem

Don
I have found it much easier to route the wires to the front plugs if you remove the distributor end boots from the wires (both the old one and the new one). I then attach a string to the old wire and pull it through the shielding and the motor mount. Once the old one is through , remove the string and attach it to the new wire and reverse pull. This is just like pulling electrical cable through conduit. The only hang up is the clip inside the "V" shield that you might have to get the wire out of and back into.
Hope this helps.
Jeff Salz