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Where do spark plug wires run???

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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 08:43 PM
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Default Where do spark plug wires run???

Just bought a 74 with L-82 engine and the engine is not firing all cylinders. Going to replace all plugs, wires, and distributor just to be on the safe side. All of the wires are running on top of the engine, but a friend of mine (mechanic) says that they should be running under the engine. Which is the correct way to run the wires? I'm worried about rubbing and heat.
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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Goofy Vette
Just bought a 74 with L-82 engine and the engine is not firing all cylinders. Going to replace all plugs, wires, and distributor just to be on the safe side. All of the wires are running on top of the engine, but a friend of mine (mechanic) says that they should be running under the engine. Which is the correct way to run the wires? I'm worried about rubbing and heat.

The wires are supposed to be routed down the rear of the block and then foreword; the front two on each side passing between the motor mount and the block. Someone will likely chime in with some pictures.
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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 09:17 PM
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Default To each his own!

You can go over the top or from the bottom as was stock.
Having stock cast exhaust or headers plays into the decision.
Stock wires:
Attached Images   
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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
You can go over the top or from the bottom as was stock.
Having stock cast exhaust or headers plays into the decision.
Stock wires:
Great pictures. This helps a lot!! I can see where everything goes
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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 09:46 PM
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Happy to help!
Have you looked under your Corvette to see if you still have the 'boomerangs' in place?
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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 09:59 PM
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They are not there and the shields above the plugs aren't there either.
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Old Sep 25, 2017 | 10:04 PM
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Then just go over the top.
There are many styles of wire holders so Google Chevy ignition wires and see what type you might like.
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 05:37 AM
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To the spark plugs.......sorry couldn't resist.
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Old Sep 26, 2017 | 06:19 AM
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Hi GV,
It's important to have the heat shielding as Pb's photos show.

The four heat shields above the pairs of spark plugs help protect the plugs from the intense heat generated by the exhaust manifolds.

The 2 boomerang shields help protect the pairs of wires that are running forward behind the exhaust manifolds to the forward pair of spark plugs on each side.

Running the foreword pairs through the motor mounts as 71VL suggests is impotent too in order to keep those plug wires away from the exhaust manifold heat.
Regards,
Alan
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