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Spark Plug Wiring Routing


Bob Moretto
10-12-2005, 07:55 AM
Can anyone tell me the proper spark plug wiring routing on a 1969 Chevy 350. When I dismantled the engine, before having it rebuilt, I did not pay attention to the routing of the spark plug wires and when I got it back they gave me a small box with left over parts which should have been removed before rebuilding. Inside the box were some clamps/holders for the wires but I'm not sure where they go.
On a 69 Chevy 350, the wires come out of the distributor and to the back on the engine onto clamps on both sides. From there they route down the side of the engine but I'm not sure if the wires go behind the exhaust manifold. I've seen many pictures where the wires are routed over the valve covers to each of the cylinders but I would rather keep the original look.

MagicRat
10-13-2005, 06:43 PM
It depends on the type of plug wires you have.
Straight plug boots should go over the valve convers.
Often, if you have plug boots bent at a right-angle, they must come up from underneath to clear some types of Chevy exhaust manifold.
Other types of manifolds require an over the valve cover installation, as do wire sets where the wires are quite short.

If given the choice, I prefer the over-the valve cover method. This is the most direct route and the easiest way to keep the wires away from exhaust heat and from touching each other. You want to minimize their touching to prevent an induction effect from making the spark energy jump from one wire to another, causing a misfire.

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