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I have what may be the original plug wires on my 66 442, and noticed that one of the wires has some wear (insulation cut). In looking for a replacement set, Lectric Limited has an exact reproof the original AC Delco but it's kinda pricy at $98
https://www.lectriclimited.com/produ...wire-set-1763/
Ebay shows an AC Delco 9188W Spark Plug Wire Set that supposedly fits. I'm not so concerned with originality, just want good quality that works. Anyone have experience with these or suggestions?
Also, I'd like to organize the wire routing. The forward passenger side plug is obscured by the A/C bracket so I'm trying to figure the best way to attach mounts to the lower valve cover bolts.
Personally I would go with Fusick they have been serving the Olds community since 1971. I've dealt with them over the years, they were great to deal with. And in my opinion they deserve the business. The price is in the same ballpark as well. But thats me...
You could also buy a performance wire set like Taylor, MSD, etc. in ready-fit or DIY configuration that you cut to fit your preferences. They would also be thicker than the AC Delco set you're considering (i.e. 8 or 8.5mm vs 7mm,
I would avoid any loom that attaches to ground/engine. Taylor is now offshored, and I've been bit by them, which means they leaked. See where I'm going with this? Leaky insulation bleeds voltage to ground decreasing power.
I've since switched over to a T-clip style separator, and use Scott wires out of NC. Call Travato of you want some.
Found a good quality reasonably priced NAPA set that’s supposed to fit a 66 Olds V8 but the boots won’t fit on the distributor cap. Looks like all of these generic aftermarket boots are all 90 degree boots too small to fit. Assuming that I have the stock distributor, is there something available, preferably 8mm that will fit? Or do I need to change the distributor cap?
^^^THIS! HEI's are a snap fit, points terminals are secured by the boot. If NAPA sold you HEI wires claiming they'd fit a factory-equipped '66 Olds, they need to be taken to school. HEI wasn't available until 1975.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; Jul 28, 2025 at 10:22 PM.
Reason: Addition.
Pertronix and MSD both make small cap electronic distributors which should essentially be plug and play fit for your motor - they can be had with male or female caps so you can choose the plug wire style you want for either of them.
The Pertronix units currently have rebates - I think it's $40 on their distributors and if you can buy it thru Advance Auto Parts, they currently have their own 15% discount code which would apply (GEARUP) on top of that.
I just used a set of Standard Motor Products #27815. I had to use silicone on the plug end due to the tight fit. The Carquest site has the wrong set up with the angled plug end.
I had the guy get the old books to find a wire set that works.
I just used a set of Standard Motor Products #27815. I had to use silicone on the plug end due to the tight fit. The Carquest site has the wrong set up with the angled plug end.
I had the guy get the old books to find a wire set that works.
Pat
Unfortunately, this will not work on the stock distributor cap
Pertronix and MSD both make small cap electronic distributors which should essentially be plug and play fit for your motor - they can be had with male or female caps so you can choose the plug wire style you want for either of them.
The Pertronix units currently have rebates - I think it's $40 on their distributors and if you can buy it thru Advance Auto Parts, they currently have their own 15% discount code which would apply (GEARUP) on top of that.
I have the Pertronix ignition points replacement in the stock distributor. I'm trying to find just a wire set - not looking to replace the complete distributor.
^^^THIS! HEI's are a snap fit, points terminals are secured by the boot. If NAPA sold you HEI wires claiming they'd fit a factory-equipped '66 Olds, they need to be taken to school. HEI wasn't available until 1975.
Still checking with NAPA to see if they have the correct set. The ones I got from them were supposed to fit but I don't think the old style is even made anymore in 8mm.
I use Lectric Limited for the dated coded wires on our 66. I suspect the same wires are being sold by other sellers. The larger diameter colored wires are marketing. This is a high voltage/ low amperage circuit so the relative resistance per foot is of no significance. There were a series of tests performed some time back and published in Round Track Magazine to illustrate this.
I use Lectric Limited for the dated coded wires on our 66. I suspect the same wires are being sold by other sellers. The larger diameter colored wires are marketing. This is a high voltage/ low amperage circuit so the relative resistance per foot is of no significance. There were a series of tests performed some time back and published in Round Track Magazine to illustrate this.
I will probably go with Lectric even though pricey. Seems nobody else is making them for the original factory distributor.
The OP will need the factory. wire loom that attaches to the driver’s side valve cover bolt. Last time that I checked it is not reproduced.
I don't think OP cares that much about authenticity. If I understand him correctly, he just wants a set of non-HEI wires whose terminals will attach properly to his points distributor.
If not changing out the entire distributor to upgrade the cap style, I still think the best Plan-B is buying a performance set that you assemble yourself with the ends needed, that can be sized out to fit the motor - MSD, Taylor, etc.
I don't think OP cares that much about authenticity. If I understand him correctly, he just wants a set of non-HEI wires whose terminals will attach properly to his points distributor.
Stock wires for your car were 7mm and thats all you really need.
Completely agree. I removed aftermarket 8mm wires including valve cover brackets, and installed a set of new spark plug wires on my rebuilt 425 engine in my 1966 Starfire (also equipped with a Pertronix module in the stock small distributor). After almost having overthought it, I came back to the conclusion that 7mm wires were good for decades and still should be. You just want to make sure to use suppressive wires ones to not damage the Pertronix module.
I bought my spark plug wire set at Rock Auto and selected this one: https://www.rockauto.com/de/moreinfo...pt=7224&jsn=13. I'm very happy with their functionality so far, just maybe a bit early to say much since I have now only 700mls on them.
Routing was a bit of try and error due to different wire lengths, but finally the fit was quite good. Also regarding routing, I recommend from personal negative experience to NOT use "universal"clips for 7 & 8mm since they are loose and tend to slip over time. Instead, I bought some nice 7mm specific ones (from a vintage car shop in Germany, link for info following, they have clips for two, three or four wires: https://www.oldtimerbedarf.de/4-fach-Abstandshalter-7-mm-Zuendkabel) and I'm very happy with this solution.
