I have been trying to correct a rich running condition on my 57, and I have been informed that the type of spark plug wires I have will make a difference. I was told to use a 'braided metal core' wire as opposed to the 'soft carbon suppression core' wire. I still have the original dual point distributor, which is only good for about 20,000v. The suppression core will reduce that in half by the time it reaches to plugs, resulting in a weak spark. I would appreciate any thoughts and/or recommendations. As usual, thanks!
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
go to local ac delco dealer and order(doubt they;ll stock it)a roll of the delco packard 440 spark plug wire, take the boots and metal connectors off the repo carbon cored wires(which are junk) and make up a set of the metal cored plug wires. lacquer thinner will remove the delco 440 ink stampings. have the local rubber stamp maker create a stamp that will be a copy of the stampings on the repo wires. your 283 will love em.takes a couple of hours. also forgot to mention that the use of a plug wire connector crimping tool(snap-on thruck) will make for tight connectors or you can silver solder the metal wire(core) to the 18 connectors. mike -
Is this the same for a 235?
Mike, is this the same wire you recommended for a Blue Flame 6 years ago in the Restorer? Eric #3,182Comment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
I use the carbon wires on my 57 with no problem. I also use points in a 891 dist and dual WCFBs. The bigest problem I have had was fuel quality. I just went to a little hotter plug and my problems went away. What are you running for plugs ? I have a friend with a 58 that's in the same boat.
Bob
Bob's Chevy CornerComment
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Re: Is this the same for a 235?
yes. it is all i use on all the vettes and ole chevys, olds and dodges. . mikeComment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
I am using 'AC R43S' plugs.Comment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
Way to cold a plug for today's use. Service bullitens from the era recommended AC44 and AC45, closest today is R45 or R45S. BTW, the ignition system on your car was the same as used thru 1974 in principle, including 327 365 and 375 hp engines, so I think it has enough power if properly maintained.Bill Clupper #618Comment
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Try AC R45S Plugs... *NM*
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
They are a little cold, as said try R45S AC plugs or I used RJ14YC Champions in mine.
Bob W.Comment
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Re: Try AC R45S Plugs...
Should they be gapped at the original spec of .035". Is it the general opinion that the repo plug wires should function well enough?Comment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
I spoke to the people at Daytona Carburator (I bought the kits there) and explained to them that the carbs seem to be running rich. I can turn all four mixture screws in until they bottom out and the engine still seams rich. They told me to check fuel pressure (rebuilt AC pump installed) and to use the sight holes on the side of the carbs (fuel level is below the holes). The fuel is being drawn out of the main venturi feeds at an idle, which leads me to believe that the idle screw on the rear carb is opening the plates too far in order to maintain an idle of 850rpm's. I'm thinking of dropping down the idle speed a little on the rear and bringing it back up to specs with the front. The biggest thing they told me was to use the 'metal core' wires to keep the voltage strong at the plugs. Unless I make the metal core wires myself, I'll have to use the carbon core, which I understand was original production.Comment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
As a compromise, you can still buy a replacement set of wires from GM or AC-Delco made with modern materials and assembled with state of the art equipment.Bill Clupper #618Comment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
Mike -
What carbs do you have that have fuel level sight plugs? WCFB's didn't have sight plugs.
The rear (primary) WCFB on 2x4's was intentionally jetted on the rich side, as the design of the manifold resulted in poor mixture distribution to the front four cylinders in normal (primary carb only) operation. That generated fouling issues, and Flint Engine began installing AC 46 plugs instead of 44's in mid-'57 2x4's to handle that issue; the plug change went out to the dealers in a Service Letter, but the change never appeared in the owner's manuals or Shop Manuals (ST-12).
The repro wires are pretty much junk, and are VERY delicate; handle them too much, and they go open. I use MSD "Heli-Core" wires on my project cars (now available in black, used to be blue only); same diameter as the stock wires so they fit all the grommets, etc. I use the "Universal" set with molded 90-deg. plug boots, and use the included tools to cut, strip, and install the distributor-end terminals and boots after routing them to proper length. They're "forever", like the Packard 440 wires Mike mentioned.Comment
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
John, I was told that the two silver screws on the side of the main body are to check fuel level. With the screws removed, the level of the fuel should be at or below the openings. My level is slightly below.
From your suggestion on the plug wires, I am assuming that you recommend and use the metal core wires. I plan on installing the 'Hidden Audio' system from Custom Auto Sound. Will those wires create static or does the ignition shielding take care of it?
What's your recommendation on the plug type? I was planning on using R45S. Do they still make an R46? What are you using in yours?
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Re: 57 Spark Plug Wires
Mike -
AC 46's were discontinued several years ago - I used AC R45S plugs in my '57 270 for years with no fouling issues (had fouling with 44's), and continue to use them in my '69 Z/28 and '67 327/300 Corvette. The MSD "Heli-Core" wires won't affect the radio - don't know about the Packard 440's in that respect.Comment
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