I got a set of nice OEM style plug wires to replace the AutoZone specials on my 383.
Three of the 8 plug boots are straight, and the rest are angled. Two of those three I am assuming go on plugs #7 & #8 way in the back, judging by the length and layout of the heat shields under the manifolds.
I am unsure of where the last straight-boot wire is supposed to go. It's a relatively long wire, so I'm guessing #6; since #5 is crowded by the steering box????
I suppose I could just put it wherever the length fits, but I'm wanting to know which is the correct location. I've looked in the service manual, and can't find any info on this, nor any quick internet searches.
Also, The new wires I got have 90-degree bends at the distributor end. (whereas the AZone junk has straight-off connections) Is that correct? I don't even know
Thanks for any help! & any underhood shots of your wires would really help!!!!
Joined: Sat Dec 10 2005, 04:28PM
Location: United States
Posts: 4954
Good question. I am pretty sure the straights go in 3, 5 and 2
The correct is the 90 degree for the cap. Auto Zone is crap. Standard Ignition is pretty close to correct except for the length. They tend to make them a bit longer. But the Standard is superior to the Auto Zone shtuff
Yeah my brother got them off the Paddock; they're the SMP reproductions... not really 100% accurate or anything, but close enough for me. www.smpcorp.com pt. number 9887 The length seems to be okay.
Joined: Tue Oct 11 2005, 07:54PM
Location: Ypsilanti,MI
Posts: 128
Hi Brian,heres an underhood shot but it really doesn't show you much.When I bought my Accel 300+ wires I got 8 with the 90* degree and two extras with the straight boot,the straight ones are still hanging on the wall.
Joined: Mon Oct 31 2005, 12:48PM
Location: Bakersfield, California
Posts: 1755
I hate to admit this, but I always replace Mopar plug wires with Chevy style wires. I buy the non-precut wires. I do this because I prefer straight cups as opposed to the Mopar angled ones. I have had too many burn off on the exhaust manifold.
A buddy of mine who races his '71 Charger 440 does the same so I think I am in good company.
Only diehard Mopar freaks notice the difference at car shows.
Just my opinion, but I would say dump those mopar wires and go Chevy. You will be happier, especially on your next tune-up.
Yeah, I just finished up putting them on. I agree, this would be a lot simpler if they all just came with straight boots.
I ended up just laying them out and installing them in order from shortest to longest and matching it up with the relative distance from the dist. Worked fine and she started up and ran smooth, so I figure it's okay for now. I kept them all way away from the exhaust, and used all the original loom clips, so Hopefully I won't fry any of them near the manifold.
Luckily there's a little more clearance with the 383 than the 440. I just wish the damn heater hoses weren't routed along the valve cover.
This is how it looked w/ the Old wires....shameful I figure I have bigger problems than how correct the wires are, but hey.
I was 'this' close to cutting them to length myself, but I don't happen to have a decent crimper, so anyhoo.
Thanks for the info!
<span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sun Jan 01 2006, 07:07PM ]</span>