So I figure it's time to change plug wires, and I have this brandy-new MSD cap for my points-style distributor...with HEI style connections at the cap. Good deal, gonna upgrade to modern connections. Cool!
Gotta lie a bit to get what I need...hey parts counter guy, let's pretend it's a 77 Camaro. Back from the parts store, pop the hood, open the package...hmm... 8 plug wires, no coil wire.
After some grumbling, it occurs to me...a real HEI has an integrated coil, and therefore needs no coil wire.
So...how do I get a coil wire? Are there any stock applications out there that have the HEI connectors, but include an external coil wire? Are the recent vintage GM small-body HEIs set up that way?
I just got that same cap for mine and got the MSD super condutor wires for it and it works out good. I ordered the wires from Summit part # is MSD-35659
ya, the points cap and the HEI cap have different connector styles. The points style one is like the connector at the top of the coil. The HEI style is kind of like a spark plug top.
HMMM Well thay fit lol thay made the little click when I put them on so I wasent too worried about it. Thay look like the ones that were on my truck that had a HEI.
Usually, aftermarket wires that come with the HEI style ends also have a coil wire and ends included in the kit. The guy in the parts store gave you just what you asked for. What brand wires were they anyway? Dave
The trick is finding an original application that I can get wires for at the local parts place. I know...get an aftermarket set...but they're 2x as expensive, and I'm a cheap so-and-so...
Ignitionman sez: buy Borg Warner 'select' series 8mm wires. I'm trying!!!
On 6 cylinders, the 1975 and 1976 versions had a separate coil; maybe the V8's did the same thing. Also, if you are not opposed to making your own wires, you can get MSD kits with or without a separate coil wire.
as was said, a 6 cylinder had the coil on some mounted on the side of the block... have the counterguy look in the back of the buyer's guide/numerical list... the separate individual wires are available. prolly a special order, but shouldn't be a biggie.
at least it wasn't a big deal ta order years gone by...
Get the wires for a newer GM pickup like a 88 - 96 5.7.. It has the little cap like you have and an external coil.. the boots on the end should be the same.. If you get wires for the large cap GM HEI it wont have the coil wire.
Mitch
patman said:
So I figure it's time to change plug wires, and I have this brandy-new MSD cap for my points-style distributor...with HEI style connections at the cap. Good deal, gonna upgrade to modern connections. Cool!
Gotta lie a bit to get what I need...hey parts counter guy, let's pretend it's a 77 Camaro. Back from the parts store, pop the hood, open the package...hmm... 8 plug wires, no coil wire.
After some grumbling, it occurs to me...a real HEI has an integrated coil, and therefore needs no coil wire.
So...how do I get a coil wire? Are there any stock applications out there that have the HEI connectors, but include an external coil wire? Are the recent vintage GM small-body HEIs set up that way?
Get the wires for a newer GM pickup like a 88 - 96 5.7.. It has the little cap like you have and an external coil.. the boots on the end should be the same.. If you get wires for the large cap GM HEI it wont have the coil wire.
Camaros also used the remote mounted coil setup for a smaller computer controlled EFI HEI for their V8 engines, later 1980's.
The Borg-Warner "Select" series of wires are just as good as any 8mm performance wire, and if purchased from an outlet called Pep Boys, they are lifetime warrantee.
What you are looking for is a wire that has magnetic suppression for the voltage medium, and "spiral" or "magna" core (shielding medium), which will give the greatest R/F shielding.
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