Spark plug wires

Kap142 · 03-02-2007, 05:40 PM

OK how many of you out there have had the unparalleled pleasure of changing plug wires on a 454 BB with A/C?

I haven't had this much fun since my last car accident.

My colleges of great experience, tell me some tricks of the trade. I'm ok on all but the right side front two wires OMG. I'm considering hiring a muscle bound midget with 4 foot long arms and skinny hands.

Jeeze.

But seriously (almost) can I gain access by pulling the wheel and going up from underneath?

Ken

Rich427 · 03-02-2007, 07:14 PM

Ken,

My '69 bb does not have air, but it does have power brakes. So the number 7 cylinder is just not worth fighting from the top. I jack the car up and lay on my back and do the last plug on the driver's side from underneath. One of the downsides of the big blocks. There is a ton of room in there for the small blocks.

Changing plugs is not that bad, wait until you have to replace the emergency brake cable. What a PITA that is!

Rich

Kap142 · 03-02-2007, 07:21 PM

I'm thinking I can live with her parked in gear but "damn the cable"

I really think pulling the R F wheel might give me access I can't seem to get from above.

Ken

Rich427 · 03-02-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kap142

I'm thinking I can live with her parked in gear but "damn the cable"

I really think pulling the R F wheel might give me access I can't seem to get from above.

Ken

Ken,

That should work. You should have a plyable cover that attaches to the inner fender and then wraps around the upper A arm. I you carefully unwrap it from the A arm, it should give you a pretty good look at the number 2 cylinder. This is slightly forward of the plug but should be accessible with a universal on your socket.

Good luck!

Rich

Kap142 · 03-03-2007, 12:50 AM

They're in great condition but I'm going back to braided wires for both the looks and static supression.

Rich427 · 03-03-2007, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kap142

They're in great condition but I'm going back to braided wires for both the looks and static supression.

I also really liked the looks of the braided wires. It was the one downside of putting on the MSD box. Mine has a 3.08 rear and it pulls pretty strong once I get rolling. So the MSD was to help me wind the RPMs up a little quicker, which it really does compared to the stock ignition. BUT, the braided wires somehow are not compatible with the box. So, my dated braids are in a box available to go back on if I ever decide to take the box off.

It is funny, everyone is different about what they want to do with their Vettes. I have tried to keep mine as original as I can. In fact, I have the '69 apart now putting the old smog equipment back on the car. I have own it since 1989 and the smog equipment was long gone when I bought the car. With the value of the big blocks just continuing to rise, I thought it made sense to make the investment and bought everything that I needed to replace the smog stuff. Since I have other Corvettes, I am less concerned about doing vintage drags with this car any more, so just want to get it back close to original.

Well, good luck with the number 2 plug!

Rich

Kap142 · 03-03-2007, 09:24 AM

Okie dokie, it's done. Did have to pull the R F wheel but once I did getting to the plug wire boot was no biggie. The wires are all grounded and they do look nice. Was worth the cuts and scrapes.

Gotta go take her for a ride.