I am going to be replacing the plug wires on my 69BB. The vendors list two sets - one for early and one for late. What's the difference between the two sets? I believe mine is late, but there seems to be some gray area's on that - how can I be sure which I need?

 

What is your production date?

 

If you have points, it would be 7MM wires.....the second set is for a HEI ignition and carries 8MM wire.....Depends on the year of the car and I`m not sure when the HEI system was introduced....{I think 1974} just tell the the year,,,,you may be better off at a local parts store rather than the inter-net,,,whatever you have, you must match the wires to the cap as they are not interchangeable...Tell whoever you buy from the year and they can figure it out .... ,

 

If you're looking at the dated OEM style repro wires, they're offered with the choice of two dates: 3Q68 and 1Q69. You would choose the date that's less than 6 months prior to the build date of your engine (not car).

Unless you're going for NCRS type judging, you don't want these specific wires anyway- terrible reliability.

 

October 68. Memory failed me and I was thinking mine was made in the fall of 69, but the birthday calculator tells me October 68, so - it is early


I failed to mention that I am looking for the cables with the braided shield. The on-line vendors list two parts, depending on whether it is an early or late production model. I would like to know what the difference is between the two parts.

Perhaps WILCOX can jump in, as they offer two items.

 

Hi Roy,
All the vendors I looked a listed 2 sets as you've said, but from what I read it only has to do with date coding on the wires. Not a difference in the wires.
Did I miss something that you saw?
Regards,
Alan

 

The only difference between the "early" and "late" wires, is the date on them. Physically, there is no difference to them.

I think they figure the break for the dates, to be at some point around VIN 17,500 to 17,600. So if your VIN is between 00001 and around 17,500, buy the early ones (3rd qtr 1968). If your VIN is higher than 17,500, buy the late 69 wires (1st qtr 1969).

Actually, there should be 3 sets sold for 1969. 1969's were built for 16 months. Anyone with a very late 69 (one with a VIN after about 28,100), who buys the wires advertised for late 69's, will get wires dated 1st qtr 69. Since 69 production continued into Dec. 69, the wires sold as late 69 (with a 1st qtr 69 date), would be to early for a 69 built between August and Dec. 1969. Someone with a 69 built after Aug. 69, should be buying the wires listed for early 70, the ones dated 3rd qtr 69.

If your not doing NCRS, you don't need the dated wires. You can save a few bucks by buying the un-dated wires. Not all vendors carry them, but they are available, and cost about $15 less than the dated ones. That's enough of a savings on them, to pay for the freight.

You can barely see the dates on the braided wires anyway, the braiding hides all but about an inch of it on each end of the wire.

 

No HEI in 69.

 

Thanks Alan
I didnt really see any reference to the difference other than there were different items depending on early or late. You've cleared it up for me.


Thanks Glenn

 

And to repeat- unless you're doing the NCRS thing, you don't want those particular wires anyway.

 

The date codes don't matter to me, but I would like it to have the right general appearance -- including the braided shielding.

Any recommendations?

 

Hi Roy,
I'm out of my league here.
Can you buy 'good' wires and put the braided shielding on them?
I'm thinking a set with 'loose' boots?
Regards,
Alan

 

I got my wires for my 68 BB, complete with the braided covers, from my local supplier "Corvettes and Classics" out of Taunton, Mass 1-877-464-6150 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting********* *****1-877-464-6150******end_of_the_skype_highlighting. They look correct and have performed flawlessly for several years. I know there have been issues with the correct style wires but maybe I got lucky. Good luck

 

That would be the best strategy. The present repro wires do have braiding over them but it's not 100% correct in appearance. The wires inside are of poor quality and tend to break down easily. Suitable for chasing points in judging but that's about it.

Maybe try to find a used braided set on eBay and put modern black silicone 7mm wires inside?