spark plug wires 59 fi

[Patrick M.]

The judging manual states that 1959 290 HP engine has straight red boots on the plug wires which go on the plugs and 90 degree boots to the distributor. All others have angled boots. I can't find anyone that sells such an animal. They all say angled boots. If straight were used how do you put on the shields? Pat McPherson

[John H.]

Re: spark plug wires 59 fi

The judging manual states that 1959 290 HP engine has straight red boots on the plug wires which go on the plugs and 90 degree boots to the distributor. If straight were used how do you put on the shields? Pat McPherson

Pat -

You don't. If that's what the JG says, it's in need of revision.

[Bill M.]

Re: spark plug wires 59 fi

Pat -

You don't. If that's what the JG says, it's in need of revision.

From the '58-'60 JG with yellow cover (Summer 2001, Fourth Edition), p.60. It has been revised for this latest edition (yellow page):

"Carbureted plug wire distributor boots are straight; FI boots are 90* for 1958 cars and straight for 1959-60 cars. Plug boots are black. Wires are not dated and are marked with "RADIO GM" and TVRS" in white lettering."

[Joe L.]

Re: spark plug wires 59 fi

From the '58-'60 JG with yellow cover (Summer 2001, Fourth Edition), p.60. It has been revised for this latest edition (yellow page):

"Carbureted plug wire distributor boots are straight; FI boots are 90* for 1958 cars and straight for 1959-60 cars. Plug boots are black. Wires are not dated and are marked with "RADIO GM" and TVRS" in white lettering."

Bill------


That makes more sense. I'm not aware of any Corvette small block that ever used straight spark plug end boots.

Also, if I were replacing the plug wires for a DRIVEN car, I'd forsake reproduction wire sets and go with a Delco #508N wire set, aka GM #12043782. The distributor end boots on these are straight. The spark plug end boots are red in color but I'd live with that for the benefits of an OEM-quality wire set.

[Ken A.]

Re: spark plug wires 59 fi

The 508N set is for a 340 Chrysler and has 2 wires that are too long plus the red boots.

[Joe L.]

Re: spark plug wires 59 fi

The 508N set is for a 340 Chrysler and has 2 wires that are too long plus the red boots.

Ken-----


Not according to Delco. The 508N wire set has only Chevrolet and GMC applications. I've used this wire set on C2 and C3 small blocks with no problems.

Yes, a couple of the wires might be a bit long. However, if one wishes, one can obtain a few spare distributor end contacts and shorten those wires, as desired.