Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

[William C.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Actually the OEM factory spec was 3000-5000 ohms per foot. That is what the olds systems were designed around, with the #1-4 wires getting close to four feet long, anything under 25,000 ohms is very acceptable.

[Jim T.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

David since you asked for recommended spark plug wires, I have been using a set of Moroso Blue Max stainless steel sprial core wires on my 68 327/350 for over twenty years. They come pre cut to fit my Corvette with formed/sealed ends on each wire. Subsequently I installed them on my 70 and my 85 Corvettes many years ago. These are my drivers.

[John M.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

I had the same problem, 69 BB with dated wires. I bought a roll of Packard (100ft, $55?) plug wire with stranded conductors from an antique auto place and used the ends and boots from the LL stuff soldered to these wires. Problem solved.
Maybe recommended by Dick Whittington?

[Larry M.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

The Packard 440 copper conductor ignition wire (7mm) is still available from GM. Part number #1851208. Comes on a 100 ft roll. Discounted cost about $50. Reuse your old boots or purchase new.

Good hi-performance or street wire. Just like we used in the 60's. However, the solid core wire causes radio static when the engine is running. Unless you have sidepipes, in which case you can't hear the radio anyway.

Larry

[John M.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Radio? Is that what that thing with the knobs is? Never heard a sound from it (or anything else, other than that beautiful sound just outside the window)

[Joe L.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Gosh, I am guilty and I should know. Do the Delco or other wire brands come in the correct lenghts? I hate it when I see wires snaking around like a river all over everything. Thankfully Dennis, you can get the wires in a nearly correct color. I also hate to see yellow wires as much as I do blue gasket sealer. JMHO

David----


Yes, they do. Delco #508N, aka GM #12043782, is a wire set fully assembled and in the proper lengths for 63-72 Corvettes. However, these are radio interference suppression-type wire and the spark plug boots are orange/red. The rest of the wire is black. I've used this set for years with no problems. Cost is about 30 bucks for the set.

[David K.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Thanks for all the replies. I was away all day. It sounds as if I can get good wires that are not yellow for my '62. I would assume that the '63-'72 wires would fit my '62.

[Joe L.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Thanks for all the replies. I was away all day. It sounds as if I can get good wires that are not yellow for my '62. I would assume that the '63-'72 wires would fit my '62.

Dave----


Yes, the same wire set will work for a 1962 as well as 63-74.

[Dennis C.]

Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

John,

IIRC, Mike McCagh deserves the credit for suggesting the use of Packard 440 wires - which woke up his '54 POS. I'm amazed that's all it took. I'd have suggested something far more sinister than that: a match...

Best, Dennis

[John D.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Jerry, be VERY gentile installing those LL wires,they're very fragile compared to Delco wires. Probably wouldm't be a bad idea to ohm the new ones once they're installed. Good luck, Bob
PS how come you didn't sign off "having fun"?

My 63 FI car has LL spark plug dated wires and they work fine. Trick though is to NEVER install the POC distr shield. If you do expect problems.

[Rick S.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Surprisingly she still idles but a little rough, and I only feel the miss once in a while on accelleration. No wonder I only got 16 mpg going to the San Jose Chapter meet.

Holy Cow Jerry, if I remember correctly, don't you live in the Sonora, Ca area? If so, how many one way miles do you travel to the San Jose meet? At the price of Calif gas, (my Pleasanton, Ca son says he pays around $4.70 a gallon,regular) you are a dedicated NCRS chapter member.
Rick

[John D.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

John,

IIRC, Mike McCagh deserves the credit for suggesting the use of Packard 440 wires - which woke up his '54 POS. I'm amazed that's all it took. I'd have suggested something far more sinister than that: a match...

Best, Dennis

Dennis,Does this mean u ain't gonna tell me nice Car Quest part #??? You promised. I need to recommend something good for customers who drive their POC. I see u prefer saying POS over POC.
I hope the Car Quest wires aren't ugly like the Delco 508 N's though. Hate those red boots. What color boots on the CQ wires???

[Clem Z.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

My 63 FI car has LL spark plug dated wires and they work fine. Trick though is to NEVER install the POC distr shield. If you do expect problems.

or drive the car.

[John H.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Pertronix makes a very nice set of standard-diameter black spiral-core wires made specifically for the Corvette small-block application; their #708101. Right size, right length, right color - just no code printing.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Update on Spark Plugs-what's wrong here

Rick,

It's only 280 miles round trip Sonora to San Jose. The cost of gas is why I'm keeping a close eye on the mileage. I usually get better mileage on the 67 than my 82 El Camino with a 6. Did 17.5 mpg on over 1400 miles going to Flagstaff in 2006 (avg speed 65 mph, with my Vintage Air blasting). Was really surprised at only 16 mpg going to SJ.

Geez, it is hot in Sonora today, 104, it was 100 when I got home at 7 PM.
Supposed to get up to 110 by the end of the week. Maybe I should take another run to the coast.