What is the minimum spark plug wire length that can be used?

It seems like a stupid question, but I just want to make sure that I bought the correct wires for my Vette. One of them seems really short.

It's in storage right now so I can't check it.

TIA, Les

 

No minimum (as long as it reaches from the dist to the plug!! - or is that your point??).

 

Is it the coil wire?

 

 

Les -
It depends on the wire routing you choose to use. You can run the wires under your exhaust manifolds/headers and up the back side of the cylinder heads for a somewhat "concealed" wire routing, or you can run the wires either over or alongside the valve covers for an exposed wire look. The latter requires a shorter wire, whereas the under-manifold routing requires longer wires.

You can determine wire length by simply using a flexible tape measure (like a cloth sewing tape) and running the tape along your intended or desired routing path for each wire. Jot down the length required for each plug location. You can then go on the MSD web site and look at their plug wire lengths to see which wire kit suits your specific needs: they list the wire length for each wire in their kits along with the boot style for each kit.

For example, if you're going to run the wires under the manifolds, the wire lengths required (listed in numerical order 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) are:
54", 54", 47", 44", 28", 28", 22", 25".

If you run the wires over the valve covers, your required lengths are:
34", 38", 34", 27", 24", 27", 24", 24"

Anything shorter than that and you'll have trouble with your routings.

 

if it's a little short, u can buy a CD ignition, and let it JUMP the rest of the way

 

Not a bad idea, Matt... I was thinking maybe he could tie two wires together with a square knot to lengthen them. With CD ignition, you don't have to strip the ends at the knot, but with regular ignition you should probably strip the ends and wrap with some black tape.

 

What I like to do is use a universal set and trim to the lenght you want. I like doing this when rebuilding an engine and it's on the stand. It makes it nice an easy to route wires and crimp the ends. Requires a good crimping tool like the one MSD sells. Summit has their own brand too.
Gary

 

Summit puts one in with their universal wires sets.

 

 

a SQUARE knot! I knew I was doing something wrong!

*scribbles note to self furiously*

 

Is 21" too short? I think so.

 

If you don't have the right length, you will throw off your timing. Everything will fire at the wrong time.