Plug Wires
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 7,996
Likes: 0
From: McAlester Oklahoma
Plug Wires
On my '82 I want to run new plug wires over the top of the motor instead of running them under like the factory set up. That should mean that the wires will need to be shorter. Do any of you know what year I should order then. I want them to look good as this car is becoming more and more my Vette of choice for car shows.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
thread link
In this thread I posted a couple of links to wires and a tool you might find usefull to make a custom cut to length set for a perfect fit. I found that when I tried using standard sets, they are made to fit too many different cars and I had some slop in the length. The 8.5mm wires come in black or red and smaller dia wires come in blue.
Jim
In this thread I posted a couple of links to wires and a tool you might find usefull to make a custom cut to length set for a perfect fit. I found that when I tried using standard sets, they are made to fit too many different cars and I had some slop in the length. The 8.5mm wires come in black or red and smaller dia wires come in blue.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch MS
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by Casper
I'm about half-way scared to try cutting to fit. The length looks pretty close on the wires off my '89.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Originally Posted by brooksman9
It is really not that difficult of a job. If you can cut, strip and crimp you can do it. Make it look like you want it to look.
Once u waste enough money on wires that just don't fit right u'll want to try it. Really simple once u practice a bit with some extra wire and terminals. NAPA sells bulk wire and terminals by the piece if u need extras. Bought my stripper/crimper at NAPA for $30. Just keep practicing with one wire for crimp fit into cap with a snap and not pull terminal off when u pull the wire back out. Keep trying and u'll get it right. 
Look at how ur old wires are made up at the terminal. Stripped off insulation then just laid back and terminal metal crimped on top. U only lose when u cut the wire too short so start with ur longest wire 1st and if it gets too short u can use it for a shorter wire.One trick is the stripper should not cut to the wire but close enough so u can just twist and pull the insulation off without nicking the wire conductor.
Hope this helps. cardo0
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by vetteguy75
Everytime I see wires over the top, they always have aftermarket headers. How does one do it with stock "ramshorns" headers?
I tried to run over the top with ram horns... all I got was a pile of burnt wires...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 5
From: Granbury, TX
I installed the wires this weekend. Cut to fit is no big deal. As noted, just be careful not to cut the wire when you strip the insulation. Wire crimping pliers will help. I know my install was successful because the engine runs smoother and stronger than before.
Regarding running over the top wires with Ram's horns, you may be able to use strait pug boots to hold the wires out from the block. Allow plenty of extra wire so you will have a big loop away from the manifolds. Good luck.
Regarding running over the top wires with Ram's horns, you may be able to use strait pug boots to hold the wires out from the block. Allow plenty of extra wire so you will have a big loop away from the manifolds. Good luck.