C1 Spark Plug Wires

[Mark P.]

Who sells good quality wires that will pass judging ?

For a 1960 carbureted engine the JM says they are undated, have black straight distributor boots, have black plug boots and wires are stamped with "RADIO GM" and "TVRS" in white lettering.

The wires are black and the spark plug boots are 90 degree, right ?

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

Mark... Good question. However, needs two answers - IMHO...

1. Lectric Limited sells wires that I believe currently "judge well"... visually.

2. In my opinion, driving day to day and across the country with these (L/L) wires installed; their functional lifespan is not good in my experience. In my most compelling case, a two year old set showed 5 of 8 wires would not pass any kind of test. And, as you might imagine, the car did not run - well, I got home OK, but it was nip and tuck. Now, I take the deduct, if judged, and use NAPA steel core wires. They perform and last forever.

Maybe L/L has improved things. I hope so, but don't know.

Good luck, best regards, Dennis

[Mark P.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

Hello Dennis,

If I went with the Napa wires would I get the 5 condition points but loose all 5 originality points ?

Thanks,


Mark

[Nicholas L.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

You would not get any condition points if you do not get any originality points. I believe you have to have at least 20% of the originality points to get condition points.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

No, one of the NCRS judging rules (see NCRS Judging Reference Manual) is that a given part has to score at least 10% of the available originality points to qualify for any condition points...

So, when contemplating TOTALLY INCORRECT replacement parts, consider what you can do to modify them so there is SOME compliment of the original item present. Here are a few examples.

I have factory original exhaust on my '71 but the original mufflers rotted out due to age. I found a set of locally made aftermarket mufflers that resemble, kinda/sorta, the factory originals and welded them onto my original exhaust pipes/tips.

Then, I cut the factory original hangers off my original mufflers and had them 'tastefully' welded onto the aftermarket mufflers. During judging, most judges want to take a full deduction on the mufflers (originality and condition), but I point out during owner debrief that there's SOME content of the factory original muffler there (the hanger straps).

Judges have always scratched their heads, chuckled and changed the score to give me 10% originality and then they're able to also give me condition points...

In the case of solid core, aftermarket plug wires, I'd suggest you might be able to 'transplant' the GM/Packard Electric original distributor and/or plug connectors and boots... Then, there would be SOME content of factory originality to your wire assy's!

[Larry M.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

In the case of solid core, aftermarket plug wires, I'd suggest you might be able to 'transplant' the GM/Packard Electric original distributor and/or plug connectors and boots... Then, there would be SOME content of factory originality to your wire assy's!

Jack: How about using the original boots/nipples with new ACDELCO PACKARD 440 wiring. Mfg. by AC DELCO with the PACKARD logo on the wire, black hypalon covering, and wire diameter as original. I would think a minimal "originality" deduction based on no date code and slight logo differences. Your opinion.

Larry

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

If I were judging, I'd apply NCRS scoring policy and divide the universe of originality points along five axis: Finish, Date, Configuration, Installation and Completeness.

I'd then notice whatever date codes are present don't agree with the car (bye bye 20% of originality points for violation of the Date axis), the insualtion on the wires differs from known originals (deduct another 20% for Configuration), and to the extent the color of the insulation (both wires and boots/nipples) differs from factory original wires deduct some portion or all of another 20% based on Finish.

That'd make an originality deduction in the range of 40-60%. See how the system is supposed to work absent and specific scoring rules (NCRS Judging Reference Manual) or scoring guidelines (applicable Judging Guide book text)?

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

Now, I take the deduct, if judged, and use NAPA steel core wires. They perform and last forever.

What's the NAPA part number for these steel core wires?

[Mark P.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

Are these the right Napa plug wires ? They were the only ones that come up for a 1960 Corvette.

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=BEL&PartNumber=700103&Description=Spark+Plug+Wire+Set+-+Premium

[James G.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

M&H Electric in California at www.wiringharness.com, phone 562-926-9552 has a set for all C-1'S, Fuel injected or standard. 1961 and up are dated.

Don't know about solid core however. They make very good OEM WIRE HARNESS exact replacements for many 50's and up GM CARS.

Tom Marquez was CEO when i used their products in my shop. Mike in their service department was super with service and knowledge. They often will make what you want.

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 Spark Plug Wires

Are these the right Napa plug wires ? They were the only ones that come up for a 1960 Corvette.

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...+Set+-+Premium

Mark, Though I think the Packard 440 wires may be the way to go, as pointed out - my NAPA number says " 801W Universal 7 MM metallic"
Why can't this be easy...??? Best, Dennis