I'm in the process of tuning up my 1966 327/350hp coupe and have a question. The spark plug wires seem to be pretty worn. I'm not sure how to tell if they are original or not. Anyways I ordered a new set a while back from one of the Vette catalogs that I have (I'm not sure what vendor, because I have a stack of catalogs approx. 2' tall and it's been a while)but they are AC Delco and are supposed to fit corvette sb 55-74. I would like to get as close to correct or correct as I can and any help on determining what I need to look for in correct wires would be greatly appreciated. Also is there any tricks to matching up the correct lengths of these wires when I install them. I've done this to many older chevys that I have owned, but seem to always end up with wires that don't match up according to length. Rich
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Re: C2-Spark Plug Wires
Rich-----
The original wires were dated. The format would be something like " 2 Q 66" where "2Q" is the 2nd quarter and "66" the last 2 digits of the year. If you want as close to original as possible, then you'll need to go with Lectric Limited dated reproductions.
The Delco wires, if they are of 55-74 applicability, are likely the type that have the distributor connector not installed. These are actually the easiest wires to install on a 66 small block since you have to "thread" the 2 forward wires on each side through the motor mount. However, the finished wires may be of somewhat different length than the originals. That's because these lengths are set up for a "one size fits all". That means that for many applications, they'll be too long. They can't make them so that for some applications they'll be too short.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C2-Spark Plug Wires
Joe
When I changed the plug wires in my 77 there was a clip under each motor mount for the 1,3 cylinders and 2,4 cylinders. So this is the same for the 66? My AIM doesn't show this very clearly or I've overlooked it. Will the AC Delco wires suffice, or should I go ahead and order some from Lectric Limited that will match up better? Thanks for the reply....RichComment
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Re: C2-Spark Plug Wires
Rich-----
I wouldn't describe the clip as being mounted under the motor mount. It's attached to the block with one 1/4" cap screw which also retains the spark plug heat shield. However, this clip is also used on the 66 although the part was slightly different than the 77 piece.
As far as the wires go, the Lectric Limited reproductions will be the most correct, overall, including length. However, they will be far more difficult to install since, I believe, they have both ends already attached.
The Delco wires may not be correct as to length, configuration, and color, but they'll install more easily. I've never tried to shorten the length of these carbon-core wires. However, it may be possible.
I think that Delco also makes a wire-set with both ends attached and of the correct length for Corvettes. However, I don't have a Delco part number for it, if it does exist.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Addendum
Rich-----
A little more info on the plug wires:
The Delco parts system-only wire set with both ends installed is known as a Delco 508N or GM #12043782 (not available through the GM parts system, though). This wire set is configured similar to the originals, except that the spark plug boot is red instead of the original black. I don't know if the wire lengths are the same as original. This wire set has 332 applications, so I'm suspicious that the wire length is exactly correct for Corvettes.
The GM parts system-only wire set is GM #8912437. This wire set is the one that does not have the distributor ends installed. I don't know the curent color of the wires or boots. This wire set is also specified for many applications, so I can't imagine that the wires are the exact, original length for Corvettes. However, these wires may be "shortenable"; I don't know, for sure.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Addendum
Thanks Joe..I checked out the wires from Lectric Limited. I didn't expect the price to be that steep. Since I already have the wires from Delco, I'll probably install them for now.You mentioned that the boots were black, these have the orange on one end. If I decide to show the car, then I'll splurge for the correct ones. Thanks again for the info.Comment
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Re: Addendum
No one during this discussion has addressed the thought about the electrical quality of the wires from Lectric Limited when compared to the Delco wires. Comments ?
On a more practical note, who is able to discern a date code on a spark plug wire after installation on a 1966 behind all that metal shielding ?
Also be aware that the clearance provided by the original motor mounts for the wire passage is lost with the installation of the later newer style motor mounts .Comment
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Re: Addendum
Wire date codes only matter during judging, when the upper shielding is removed to check the wires, distributor and cap, and coil; otherwise, makes no difference.Comment
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