Tune Up
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: New York
Tune Up
I apologize in advance as I'm going to ask some pretty basic questions but I just have no idea...lol I plan on giving my 78 Pace Car a tune up in the next week or two. This will be the first tune up I ever try and tackle. I can't seem to get past ordering parts - I had no idea there were so many options when ordering plugs, wires, etc. I'm assuming to get the cleanest look I probably want to get wires that I can crimp myself to get sizing to fit perfect? What should I be looking for in wires? I'm not really sure what spark plugs are best for older cars, I read that copper wears quicker but is better for older cars, is that what I should be looking to get? Are there any differences in distributor caps or gas filters? Any info that I can get is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Eric
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 1,191
I apologize in advance as I'm going to ask some pretty basic questions but I just have no idea...lol I plan on giving my 78 Pace Car a tune up in the next week or two. This will be the first tune up I ever try and tackle. I can't seem to get past ordering parts - I had no idea there were so many options when ordering plugs, wires, etc. I'm assuming to get the cleanest look I probably want to get wires that I can crimp myself to get sizing to fit perfect? What should I be looking for in wires? I'm not really sure what spark plugs are best for older cars, I read that copper wears quicker but is better for older cars, is that what I should be looking to get? Are there any differences in distributor caps or gas filters? Any info that I can get is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Eric
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...park+plug,7212
AC Delco R45TS Plugs.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+wire+set,7224
AC Delco 608D Ignition wires
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...butor+cap,7120
AC Delco D336X Distributor Cap
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...tor+rotor,7136
AC Delco D448X Rotor
I use the OEM parts for the cleanest and most original look. No measuring wires.
Last edited by KingRat; Sep 30, 2019 at 09:00 PM.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,597
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I apologize in advance as I'm going to ask some pretty basic questions but I just have no idea...lol I plan on giving my 78 Pace Car a tune up in the next week or two. This will be the first tune up I ever try and tackle. I can't seem to get past ordering parts - I had no idea there were so many options when ordering plugs, wires, etc. I'm assuming to get the cleanest look I probably want to get wires that I can crimp myself to get sizing to fit perfect? What should I be looking for in wires? I'm not really sure what spark plugs are best for older cars, I read that copper wears quicker but is better for older cars, is that what I should be looking to get? Are there any differences in distributor caps or gas filters? Any info that I can get is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Eric
Differential oil for your specific differential
Automatic Transmission fluid and filter for your year car
or
Manual transmission oil for your gearbox
Siphon brake fluid from reservoir and refill with new fluid/you could gravity drain one caliper at a time until clear fluid came out off bleeder
Engine oil & filter
Coolant
Grease all suspension parts
Grease all u-joints
Replace grease in front wheel bearings
(Rear wheel bearings are a PAIN until you repack them the first time)
Grease or lubricate all cables, door, decklid, hood latches with appropriate grease or oil or graphite
Other members can advise you about your other questions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Id stick with AC Delco like suggested above. Crimped spark plug wires once which was more than enough for me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 750
Likes: 180
From: Springfield Missouri
FWIW and this is just my opinion.
I run Taylor Spiral core wires and there are more expensive but unless you have a race only car they're unnecessary. I don't like OEM because they are cheaply made and prone to failure.
I would buy the highest dielectric strength cap and rotor available since the cheap ones are prone to arcing which might require MSD as I don't know who makes Standard Products at this time.
I am running E-3 spark plugs in my 76 and am very happy with them.
I run Taylor Spiral core wires and there are more expensive but unless you have a race only car they're unnecessary. I don't like OEM because they are cheaply made and prone to failure.
I would buy the highest dielectric strength cap and rotor available since the cheap ones are prone to arcing which might require MSD as I don't know who makes Standard Products at this time.
I am running E-3 spark plugs in my 76 and am very happy with them.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: New York
You didn't ask about fluids/oils.....I would make a check-list:
Differential oil for your specific differential
Automatic Transmission fluid and filter for your year car
or
Manual transmission oil for your gearbox
Siphon brake fluid from reservoir and refill with new fluid/you could gravity drain one caliper at a time until clear fluid came out off bleeder
Engine oil & filter
Coolant
Grease all suspension parts
Grease all u-joints
Replace grease in front wheel bearings
(Rear wheel bearings are a PAIN until you repack them the first time)
Grease or lubricate all cables, door, decklid, hood latches with appropriate grease or oil or graphite
Other members can advise you about your other questions.
Differential oil for your specific differential
Automatic Transmission fluid and filter for your year car
or
Manual transmission oil for your gearbox
Siphon brake fluid from reservoir and refill with new fluid/you could gravity drain one caliper at a time until clear fluid came out off bleeder
Engine oil & filter
Coolant
Grease all suspension parts
Grease all u-joints
Replace grease in front wheel bearings
(Rear wheel bearings are a PAIN until you repack them the first time)
Grease or lubricate all cables, door, decklid, hood latches with appropriate grease or oil or graphite
Other members can advise you about your other questions.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: New York
RockAuto.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...park+plug,7212
AC Delco R45TS Plugs.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+wire+set,7224
AC Delco 608D Ignition wires
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...butor+cap,7120
AC Delco D336X Distributor Cap
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...tor+rotor,7136
AC Delco D448X Rotor
I use the OEM parts for the cleanest and most original look. No measuring wires.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...park+plug,7212
AC Delco R45TS Plugs.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+wire+set,7224
AC Delco 608D Ignition wires
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...butor+cap,7120
AC Delco D336X Distributor Cap
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...tor+rotor,7136
AC Delco D448X Rotor
I use the OEM parts for the cleanest and most original look. No measuring wires.
