Help with spark plug wires

[78 L82 4spd]

Long time listener - first time caller......

I was hoping that someone can help a first time shark owner. My current model is a 1979 L82 with a 4 spd. Pretty much stock. I want to replace the spark plug wires but as I examine it closer, I notice that they are some cheap ones on there now and they run on top of the exhaust manifolds.

Can someone either send me a link or some pictures/diagrams of where the wires should be run along the engine and under (?) the manifolds? I will also need to know the proper place for the wire looms.

Lastly, are the stock AC Delco wires good enough for a stock motor? Will I see a big improvement going to MSD? I assume the aftermakrket stuff pays off as a package (headers, manifold, cam, etc...)

Thanks, everybody!

Stephen

 

[Jack]

Welcome aboard CACC Stephen!

I can't help w/ pics ... someone else here might ... but ...

DO NOT use solid core wires.

Yes, the stock AC Delco / GM wires are good enough.

Good quality aftermarket wires having a spirally or helically wound metallic core are most desirable. Accel 300+, MSD, Moroso Spiral Blue Max or Moroso Ultra 40, Pertronix spiral, Taylor Spiro-Pro & others of same design will do the best job ... last long time, deliver strong spark, reduced radio interference.

Whatever brand you choose for your 78 or 79 ... ensure your set has HEI distributor cap ends and 90 degree spark plug boots.

BTW ... dunno about your model ... but if it has the stamped steel channels/ignition shielding on sides of engine block (below heads)for wires to course through ... you'll have a very tough time threading fat wires through em. Typically, shielding not needed if using spiro/heli wires.

Don't waste your time/money on wires that claim to have "noledge" or that have two twisted conductors or that claim magnetic properties ... more hype than substance.
JACK:gap

 

[Stallion]

As far as the wire snaking goes, they do go under and through the manifold. That's what makes it so hard to get at them. Have to go through the bottom of the Vette to get to them I think. I'll see what I can do about some pics.

 

[Tweek]

I just replaced my plug wires with stock Delco replacements, they go thru the shielding fine if you do them from under the car, very easy. I ordered them from one of the larger vendors at the spring Carlisle show, they had 10% off and free shipping

Ron

 

[clar2001]

Jack
Why shoulden't I use solit core wires ????????????

 

[Jack]

Jack Why shoulden't I use solit core wires ????????????

HEI cars came stock with graphite-core Radio Suppression (aka resistor) wires.

Solid Core wires tend to emit very high levels of Radio Frequency Interference (aka Noise).

RFI can play havoc with your onboard electronics and those of your nearby neighbors. Beside your radio/tape/CD ... you do have a small electronic circuit inside the ignition module (inside your 75’s HEI dist). Cell phones (shouldn’t use while driving anyway) can suffer too. Neighbors’ TV/radio too. Potential for aggravating neighbors is increased because your fiberglass vette hasn’t the shielding metal fenders-hood provide.

Spiro-Heli wires will deliver all the spark energy you can ever use ... while providing both excellent RFI suppression & durability.
JACK:gap

 

[clar2001]

Thanks for the info Jack.................

 

[78 L82 4spd]

Oh my goodness! What a great response from everybody! Thank you all very much.

I went ahead and ordered a bunch of AC Delco tune-up items from a local auto parts dealer. Based on what I see below, that should be fine for a stock motor.

Jack - thanks for your answers on the differences of the wires.

Stallion and Tweek - if either of you could provide some wiring diagrams or even better - digital pictures, I would be very grateful. The problem is that I am not sure if all that is orignal is there. I know the current wires in the car now are cheap aftermarket and they did not run them underneath. Did either of your cars come with factory wire looms or is it all held by the stamped steel shielding?

Hopefully, as I learn more about this '79, I will be able to contribute to this forum as well as the rest of you. Maybe in the future, the forum could start an archive of stock pictures. I see some of the outside of the cars but none of the inside......

Thanks, again!

Stephen

 

[Tweek]

Stephen, I will try to dig something up for you, but I don't know how to post it here, soooo if anyone could help with this we can get it posted, if not, I can E-mail something to ya.

I'll look after supper.

Mine has plastic looms that keep the wires neatly seated together, and has sleel sheilding under the exhaust manifolds for the wires to run in. I also used plastic loop fastners around the sheilding to keep them in place. I'm sure my assembly manual has a picture in it someplace I just have to find it. Do you have a fax machine?

Ron

 

[73Roadster]

I'm no expert but..
A buddy of mine who has been racing for years and has been working on vettes MADE me get the summit racing wires. He said that they are the best bang for the buck...helps with radio noise. They work great...cut to legnth...The only difference I see is that they are 8mm when stock is 7mm.

 

[78 L82 4spd]

Tweek -

Thanks for the offer to help. I have a "public" e-mail address of sjp_999@yahoo.com. If you could e-mail me there, that would be great. I think it has a limit of 3MB. That would proably be easist.

If you have digital pictures, there is a place to attach a file when you reply to a message. I see it 1/2 way down the page as I am typing this reply. For a test, I'll attach a .jpg of my own car to see if it works. This may be the better solution for then we have this thread/documentation for future users!!

Also, I have an eFax: 928-223-1425. It goes right to my e-mail so no need for a cover sheet.

Can't wait to see it! I will be tremendously in debt to you!

Stephen