Changing Spark Plug Wires Lessons Learned

[golfradict]

I recently replaced my plug wires, I did remove the starter for better access to the shielding. After doing some research I learned some valuable information:

1) Remove the boots off of the ends of the wires on the distributor side to make routing them a breeze, just get a small screwdriver, slip it under the boot and spray some WD-40 in it and the boot will slip right off.
2) The longest plug wires are #2 and #3, because they have to cross in front of the distributor, next is #4 and #1. #5 and #6 are the same then #8 and #7.
3) Just a little diagram I drew for doing my wires. Hope this helps as much as it helped me. s:

 

[LT4man]

Nice diagram.

Good to see how the lengths stack up.

I still remove and replace them one at a time.

So many people do them all at one time and then put them on the cap "one off".

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Unless '81's are different, I don't think the wires are presently in the factory original positions. Number 1 should be where you've got number 8 and so on:



Correcting this would also require removing the dist. and turning the rotor one position so I'm not sure if it's worth the effort.

 

[Peer81]

I always learned get the dist. in so number 1 is facing cilinder one (when cilinder one has just started its power cycle). So the top picture is right to me

Greetings Peter

 

[golfradict]

These pics are exactly how my distributor is positioned.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Must be different on newer C3s then- here's whats used on earlier C3s and C2s:

 

[bill81vette]

Changing the wires is,to say the least challenging at best!!!
I think the diagram is a great idea!!!!

 

[Dad]

Wire position change in 1975 with the introduction of HEI.

 

[golfradict]

Changing the wires is,to say the least challenging at best!!!
I think the diagram is a great idea!!!!

The only thing difficult is removing and replacing the stock heat shields, a real pain to say the least.

 

[Tommy Almond]

We Cheated

Had new wires on mine installed as the new crate engine was being installed. As very expensive way to do it but made the job real simple. And those spark plugs were so out in the open then too.

 

[6880 Mike]

Each assembly instruction manual (AIM) has a page or two showing correct plug wire routing and distributor orientation. The distributor and intake manifold each have stake marks. Bring #1 to TDC, align the stake marks, and the distributor will be correctly positioned. AIM shows the plug wire numbering and location of each on the distributor cap.