1985 Corvette Ignition Wires
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
1985 Corvette Ignition Wires
Hi, I installed headers on my 1985 Corvette. I also noticed my ignition wires need to be changed, but the problem is, one of the wires is a straight boot, and will not clear the header without be bent. Is there a place that sells all 8 wires with angled boots? And also, the headers will probably melt them, is there anything I can do about that? Thank you very much.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
Hi, I installed headers on my 1985 Corvette. I also noticed my ignition wires need to be changed, but the problem is, one of the wires is a straight boot, and will not clear the header without be bent. Is there a place that sells all 8 wires with angled boots? And also, the headers will probably melt them, is there anything I can do about that? Thank you very much.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Probably the #7 wire is the straight boot right?? For wires sets, Summit Racing has a variety of wires; MSD, Taylor, ACCEL. Moroso, Mallory, and their own house brand. I have Taylor's on my '87; good price and excellent quality.
Either the MSD or the Taylor universal kits have a crimp tool. Definitely get a set of heat socks! I got the Summit Racing heat sock kit for my '87 when I installed headers. The plug wires were a custom fit for the car so I had to work to get the socks over the spark plug end. Took some time but I got them on.
A universal plug wire kit will work the best. The HEI ends wioll be easy to do. If you go with 8mm wire or thinker, you will probably have to get some larger clips to hold the wires in place. The valve covers should be the "perimeter bolt" style and there are lots of options for retainers for the wires.
Either the MSD or the Taylor universal kits have a crimp tool. Definitely get a set of heat socks! I got the Summit Racing heat sock kit for my '87 when I installed headers. The plug wires were a custom fit for the car so I had to work to get the socks over the spark plug end. Took some time but I got them on.
A universal plug wire kit will work the best. The HEI ends wioll be easy to do. If you go with 8mm wire or thinker, you will probably have to get some larger clips to hold the wires in place. The valve covers should be the "perimeter bolt" style and there are lots of options for retainers for the wires.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Check my '85 in my sig pic to the left of this post. It shows a universal 90* boot set with the heat socks as described. I was going to put on headers but didnt. I bought both the wires and boots off fleabay and saved a substantial amount over Summit.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
#6 on the stock plug wire set is "straight" (it's more like a 15° bend in the middle). I think it has to be that way to clear the oil dipstick tube. My car is about 300 miles away right now so I can't go look...
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