[C1] Spark Plug wires
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 85
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From: Park Hills Kentucky
Spark Plug wires
After longer than I'd like to admit, I'm planning on putting new plugs & wires on my mostly stock '62 Corvette (250hp...mild cam+Hooker headers - stock distributor & points). The wires I will be replacing are the original wires that were on the car when I bought it 50 years ago.
I believe original early Corvette wires are longer than most small block Chev wires because of the ignition shielding & go behind/under the stock exhaust manifolds. When I put the Hooker headers on, I used the same (long) wires, but could no longer use the shielding on account of the headers. I'm thinking, now that I'm getting new wires (and keeping the headers on), I should get a set of wires that is cut for a 'normal' small block & run these wires from above the headers with looms attached to the lower 2 valve cover bolts on each side, like most Chevy guys do.
Before getting these wires I thought I'd ask around on this site in case I'm missing something. I'd also welcome spark plug wire brands (and even looms) and/or part numbers from anyone who has done this. No sense in re-inventing the wheel.
Thanks!
I believe original early Corvette wires are longer than most small block Chev wires because of the ignition shielding & go behind/under the stock exhaust manifolds. When I put the Hooker headers on, I used the same (long) wires, but could no longer use the shielding on account of the headers. I'm thinking, now that I'm getting new wires (and keeping the headers on), I should get a set of wires that is cut for a 'normal' small block & run these wires from above the headers with looms attached to the lower 2 valve cover bolts on each side, like most Chevy guys do.
Before getting these wires I thought I'd ask around on this site in case I'm missing something. I'd also welcome spark plug wire brands (and even looms) and/or part numbers from anyone who has done this. No sense in re-inventing the wheel.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,102
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Just went through this exercise with my 57. Replaced wires with stock, under-manifold routing. First set I tried wouldn't reach without laying against manifold - way too tight. Found out they made a longer "stock" version that increased wire length by about 4-6 inches. Made all the difference in the world for having proper clearance. 
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
Just went through this exercise with my 57. Replaced wires with stock, under-manifold routing. First set I tried wouldn't reach without laying against manifold - way too tight. Found out they made a longer "stock" version that increased wire length by about 4-6 inches. Made all the difference in the world for having proper clearance.
Did the kid at AutoZone who sold you the first set of wires look like this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,008
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From: Richmond Kentucky
2025 Corvette of the Year Winner- Modified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year (stock)
C2 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
2017 C1 of the Year Finalist
Welcome back John. I see you haven't lost your sense of humor. It's GREAT to see you on here again.
Rex
Rex
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,939
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From: Richardson Texas
John,
Welcome Back...and, with your great sense of humor in place. Are you still in second gear or have you moved up to third?? Again, great to see and hear of your truly miraculous recovery to this point
Welcome Back...and, with your great sense of humor in place. Are you still in second gear or have you moved up to third?? Again, great to see and hear of your truly miraculous recovery to this point
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 171
From: Colorado Springs, CO
I think the first set they sold you was for the Camaro/Nova/Chevelle application that used "log" manifolds with the (shorter) wires routed ABOVE them; full-size pass. car and Corvette used "ram's horn" manifolds with a different (longer) set of wires routed BELOW the manifolds, along the pan rail and up to the plugs.
Did the kid at AutoZone who sold you the first set of wires look like this?
Did the kid at AutoZone who sold you the first set of wires look like this?
Great to have you back, John!
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