Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

[David C.]

I have just finished the tedious task of replacing the original spark plug wires on my 1973 small block. The car has all of the shielding, including grommets and most of it appears original. However, I note in the 1973 AIM that there is a "Retainer" which is free floating, which separates the wires at around valve cover height. It is only on the R.H. side. The part number is 2965736.

This piece is not on my car, and I could not find an application for 1973 indicated in any of the repro parts catalogs. The only reference for this part number was for 1965-1966 big block, L.H. side. Is it possible this was not used in actual production?

[Leif A.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

David,

Could this be what you're looking for?

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-spark-plug-wire-grommet-1956-1974.html

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

David,
My 73 SB doesn't have that particular plug wire retainer either. There is a difference between a retainer and the rubber grommet. The grommets have the slot or groove around the edge to slide into the bracket that bolts to the bell housing on the left side. The right bracket has the rubber coating on it where the wires are clipped in. The retainers are mostly plastic clip types. These both help to retain and separate the wires. I don't know how the verticle shielding would fit over that retainer you are asking about. I wondered the same thing when I was doing all my shielding,after seeing it in the AIM. Maybe it is for the big block Didn't notice anything in the TIMJG. Hope I was some help. Maybe someone else will respond.

[John S.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

Hey guys, I also have a '73 SB and I am interested in the retainer you are referring to (also not on my car). What page of the '73 AIM are you seeing it on ?? Just paged through mine and could not come up with any reference to that retainer.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

John,
Its on page 288 section 6Y. Part 11-retainer.

[John S.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

Jimmy - that explains it, my AIM jumps from 286 to 289 !!?? If it's not too much trouble could you send a scanned copy or pic of that page to: valkman57@sbcglobal.net. Hope I can return the favor, Thx.

[Joe L.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

I have just finished the tedious task of replacing the original spark plug wires on my 1973 small block. The car has all of the shielding, including grommets and most of it appears original. However, I note in the 1973 AIM that there is a "Retainer" which is free floating, which separates the wires at around valve cover height. It is only on the R.H. side. The part number is 2965736.

This piece is not on my car, and I could not find an application for 1973 indicated in any of the repro parts catalogs. The only reference for this part number was for 1965-1966 big block, L.H. side. Is it possible this was not used in actual production?

David-------


The GM #2965763 retainer was specified for 1973-only small blocks. It was not specified for any model year prior to 1973 and not specified for any model year subsequent to 1973. While it once was available in SERVICE, it was never cataloged in any P&A catalog for any Corvette application. However, it was once widely used for Chevrolet and most other GM carlines and models. All of this makes me question whether it was ever actually installed on a 1973 Corvette, especially the fact that it was not specified for 1974 Corvettes. However, it is possible it was used on 1973 Corvettes without factory-installed radios.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

Will do.

[John S.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

+1 on Joe's reply, I just checked the AIM's I have for 1970 and 1972 and found the same basic page with no mention of the bracket in question. I also noticed on the '73 page it appears in both views that the bracket is attached to three of the four wires. I know these were hand drawn illustrations, not the CAD models we have today, but it certainly looks like the bracket is holding three wires not four.

I also think it is strange that the bracket is shown on the RH side only. I know there has been issue in the past with separation of #5 and #7 wires on the LH side because they are right next to each other in the firing order and some cross arcing is possible. I would certainly believe it if this was a service part to help correct that issue on the LH side but not the right

[David C.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

Thanks all!
I am inclined to think that the R.H. spark plug wire retainer was not used.
Also, I don't see it necessarily fitting well into the vertical ignition shield.

[Russ S.]

Re: Spark Plug Wire retainer on 1973 SB

My low mile 73 L82 with it's original spark plug wires doesn't have it either.