68 spark plug and ignition shields

[Kurt B.]

Gentlemen,
I need to purchase all of the spark plug and ignition shields and related supports, fasteners, and grommets.
I have never had these on the engine as I purchased the car in 1972 and they had already been removed.
My question: Can all of these items be installed with the engine in the car or should they have been installed before the engine was bolted in?

Also, the Assembly Manual shows some of the shileds held in place by the exhaust manifold bolts, but the Judging Manual states french locks are used on the exhaust manifold bolts on each end of the manifold.
What is the correct sequence?
Am I correct in assuming the exhaust manifold bolts attach the manifold, french locks, AND shields?
Thank you for any and all input.
Kurt 26406

[Harmon C.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

Kurt The mounts and the shielding takes some time to get them installed right on an engine stand and would not be easy with the engine installed. I would not say it is not impossible if the engine is installed but it may take twice as long to get the job done. I think you leave off the flat washer when you install a shield mount but check the AIM for your year . If you buy new parts expect a deduction for no strech marks and too nice of chrome if you have you Corvette judged NCRS. Lyle

[Wayne P.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

No problem adding shielding with the engine in the car. How else are you going to tune it? It is an aggrevation! Shielding bracket then french lock then bolt head.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

Wayne Getting those little brackets on so the shield lines up good makes taking them on and off easy. Taking off french locks and manifold bolts to add inter and outer shelds is a pain on the old engine stand. Then the V shields as I recall bolt to the engine mounts. I had about four different shield brackets and had try to pick the right ones to use in each location as they were not labeled and only fit one way. Should be a nice project in the car under the exhaust manifold. Lyle

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

Kurt, Lyle, and Wayne----

It's really not that bad. In fact, the best way to get the side shields and brackets on is to assemble the brackets to the manifold bolts, but leave the manifold bolts somewhat loose. Then, install the side shields fastening them to the brackets with the wing bolts. This makes it easy to perfectly and easily align the brackets. Finally, tighten the manifold bolts and torque to spec.

The "V" shaped side shields are pretty easy to install, too. One motor mount bolt has to be removed and the rear 1/4" cap screw that retains the spark plug heat shield has to be loosened. That's it. Of course, this has to be done from underneath the car if the engine is installed in the car, but it's not too difficult.

[Wayne P.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

I agree with Joe. I've done this many, many times. Every old Vette I've bought have most or all the shielding parts missing. The one behind the starter is the worst.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

Joe I use the same method for instalation and in my first post I said it may take twice as long as on an engine stand and I think that is a fair estimate. They can be put on in the car and if he has no A/C will help make the job easier. Lyle

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 spark plug and ignition shields

Lyle----

There's no question that it's easier to install the shielding if the engine is on an engine stand. However, if the engine is already in the car, it's going to be a lot more trouble to pull the engine out and install the shielding than to just do it in the car. It's really not all that much more difficult to do it with the engine in the car. Installing it out of the car might take an hour and in the car, 2 hours.