Spark plug lead routeing
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Spark plug lead routeing
I've had a set of taylor spiro-pro leads shipped over for my '80 and would be interested to know the correct or best way of routeing them. At present I've run them parallel to the manifolds, cable tied to keep away from the heat. I presume this isnt right as there is a lot of spare lead floating around just itching to get caught up in something and, as a custom set, shouldn't they fit just right??
Some pics I've seen have leads going straight down from the distributor and then up and under to the plugs, other people have taken the leads over the top of the block and down over the manifolds.
Any views/pics?
Some pics I've seen have leads going straight down from the distributor and then up and under to the plugs, other people have taken the leads over the top of the block and down over the manifolds.
Any views/pics?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (Andrew CM)
Well, I think (key word: think) the factory had them under the exhaust manifolds. But that makes it a real PITA to change or inspect them. Most people will re-run them over the manifolds because it's easy. Either way should be good as long as they aren't touching anything hot or metal. And make sure you get a good set of wire looms, you dont want the wires touching eachother.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (77Dream)
The factory way is down the back of the motor, thru some brackets that bolt to the back of the block. The front ones go thru chrome shields down by the oil pan, behind the motor mounts, and up thru a double clip just above the motor mount. The back ones go directly to the plugs, from the bottom, and thru a double clip too. Joe
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (Andrew CM)
I take yours came with the boots already on them. Most of the people who run them over the valve covers get the universal kind that need to be cut and have boots added and connectors crimped on. This way(over the covers) they can be cut to perfect length for a good fit. The shorter wires will also have less resistance. The factory length wires are ment to be run under shielding down the sides of dist, then turn forward under more shielding under the manifolds. The shielding not only protects the wires from heat but prevents radio interference from ignition wires. Since the vettes have fiberglass skin there is much less metal around the engine to absorb the ignition interference to the radio. I noticed when I ran tossed my factory wires and shielding, and went over the covers with shorter wires, my radio reception went into the dumps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (Jvette73)
Thnaks for all your advice gents. I'll jack the car up this weekend and see how troublesome running the leads from underneath will be. I hadnt thought about interference. Few radio stations play Skynyrd over here so I mainly use CD's!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (Andrew CM)
Hi Andrew,
As stated above, they should run along the side of the block, etc. I've just tidied mine up & have found some wear in the outers where they've been rubbing on things (I haven't got those clips above the mounts that were described). Ive just cable tied mine to brackets, etc, to stop them flapping around & rubbing on things. Like you, my custom leads aren't all the correct lengths. I swapped them out one at a time, carefully measuring each & using a new one of exactly the same length, & have leads for cyls 1 & 4 that are far to long. Artistic routing was needed ;)
Do you play CDs through the stock speakers?!!!
Fired up the Vette last night & it's never sounded so good :D Will see you later this month I hope.
:cheers:
As stated above, they should run along the side of the block, etc. I've just tidied mine up & have found some wear in the outers where they've been rubbing on things (I haven't got those clips above the mounts that were described). Ive just cable tied mine to brackets, etc, to stop them flapping around & rubbing on things. Like you, my custom leads aren't all the correct lengths. I swapped them out one at a time, carefully measuring each & using a new one of exactly the same length, & have leads for cyls 1 & 4 that are far to long. Artistic routing was needed ;)
Do you play CDs through the stock speakers?!!!
Fired up the Vette last night & it's never sounded so good :D Will see you later this month I hope.
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (UKPaul)
Hey Paul - good to hear you are back in business! Cant wait to hear/see the changes, do you think you may make the Fairmile photo shoot this month? The last attempt was a good turn out but the photos were taken too late and it was getting dark.
All my leads were uni-fit 'Halford specials' so comparing the length didn't really provide the answer - I think artistic routing is the way to go!
I have changed all the speakers in my vette, used Pioneer 6x9 in the rear - Bit of a pain as I had to cut the original grills and bend the brackets to get them to fit. Used Pioneers in the dash too, but small high treble output ones - didnt want to mess around too much (and you cant screw them in from the top easily) so duct-taped them in there as they dont vibrate with bass. To top it off added a Blaupunkt amp sub box that gives it the real b#lls. The big advantage is I can unplug it and put it in the Jeep too when I'm using that/or need the space in the vette. Can let you have all the model numbers if you want. Let me know if you are going to the next meet and I'll make sure the sub's in so you can hear what its like.
Fantastic new Skynyrd album out by the way!
All my leads were uni-fit 'Halford specials' so comparing the length didn't really provide the answer - I think artistic routing is the way to go!
I have changed all the speakers in my vette, used Pioneer 6x9 in the rear - Bit of a pain as I had to cut the original grills and bend the brackets to get them to fit. Used Pioneers in the dash too, but small high treble output ones - didnt want to mess around too much (and you cant screw them in from the top easily) so duct-taped them in there as they dont vibrate with bass. To top it off added a Blaupunkt amp sub box that gives it the real b#lls. The big advantage is I can unplug it and put it in the Jeep too when I'm using that/or need the space in the vette. Can let you have all the model numbers if you want. Let me know if you are going to the next meet and I'll make sure the sub's in so you can hear what its like.
Fantastic new Skynyrd album out by the way!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (Andrew CM)
Hi Andrew,
Hope to make it on the 24th (depending on how the 21st goes). Were there many C3's there last month, or have we been invaded by C5's?
Did you route your leads along the sides of the block or "go over the top", & did you notice any difference in running with the Halfords "specials"?
I'd like to hear what your speakers sound like, but you've really screwed up - you've admitted to using Duct Tape on this forum!!!! Now everybody knows that Bubba is alive & well & living in Redhill :(
C U soon
Paul
I've just enabled signatures & have seen yours. So, just wtf is going on here? :D
[Modified by UKPaul, 4:51 AM 6/10/2003]
Hope to make it on the 24th (depending on how the 21st goes). Were there many C3's there last month, or have we been invaded by C5's?
Did you route your leads along the sides of the block or "go over the top", & did you notice any difference in running with the Halfords "specials"?
I'd like to hear what your speakers sound like, but you've really screwed up - you've admitted to using Duct Tape on this forum!!!! Now everybody knows that Bubba is alive & well & living in Redhill :(
C U soon
Paul
I've just enabled signatures & have seen yours. So, just wtf is going on here? :D
[Modified by UKPaul, 4:51 AM 6/10/2003]
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (UKPaul)
I'm obviously out of touch here - what does "bubba" signify? It kinda sounds like a Starsky&hutch term.
Equal numbers of C3's and 4's + 5's with a couple of 2's thrown in. A good mix. Someone had a 50th anniversary which looked really good for a 'modern' car.
I'll do the 70 rev check for you before we meet.
I love your sig pic but when did you visit my place in the country??? :D
Equal numbers of C3's and 4's + 5's with a couple of 2's thrown in. A good mix. Someone had a 50th anniversary which looked really good for a 'modern' car.
I'll do the 70 rev check for you before we meet.
I love your sig pic but when did you visit my place in the country??? :D
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (Andrew CM)
Bubba is a guy that fixes things with Duct tape, a large hammer, chewing gum.....
I was going to ask the same! That's the problem with these modern houses, like modern cars, they all look identical. But if you're looking for something different, I've got a penthouse flat out in the country, with some breathtaking panoramic views, that is available most weekends throughout the summer (although the consumption of large amounts of alcohol isn't advisable whilst residing in the well appointed appartment):
I love your sig pic but when did you visit my place in the country??? :D
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Redhill Surrey, UK
Re: Spark plug lead routeing (UKPaul)
I must be a Bubba then. However sometimes I forget and chew the hammer instead of the gum by mistake...
Love your Penthouse :rofl: can we talk weekly rates next time we meet??
Love your Penthouse :rofl: can we talk weekly rates next time we meet??