Help on HEI spark plug wires for 400 engine

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Old Apr 7, 2020 | 12:03 PM
  #1  
Billyaxe's Avatar
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Help on HEI spark plug wires for 400 engine

I need to replace my wires on my 68 442 with a 400. Ive tried to get it at my local auto parts stores and they get confused because I have electronic ignition. What should I ask for?
thanks —Billy
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 12:07 PM
  #2  
droldsmorland's Avatar
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A 75-76 A body Olds with a 455.
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 12:07 PM
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Ask for spark plug wires for a 1974 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with a 350 c.i. engine. Aftermarket HEI distributors are just clones of later OE units. Or you could get DIY spark plug wires from Summit/Jegs.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-881000
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 12:11 PM
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This is all assuming you actually have an HEI distributor and are not incorrectly calling a points conversion "HEI".
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 01:49 PM
  #5  
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I have been holding on to this set of 8 mm for years, not sure why, I hate HEI distributors. The're yours for $35 + the ride if ya want 'em.

Old Apr 7, 2020 | 01:51 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by Olds64
Ask for spark plug wires for a 1974 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with a 350 c.i. engine. Aftermarket HEI distributors are just clones of later OE units. Or you could get DIY spark plug wires from Summit/Jegs.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-881000
HEI didn't come out til 75 I believe.
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 02:11 PM
  #7  
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As mentioned above, please confirm that you have an actual HEI distributor and not just a conventional-style distributor with an electronic conversion kit. Is the cap really big and do the leads snap into the receptor nipples making a positive connection? Is there a separately mounted coil or is it incorporated into the cap (HEI)? Yes? Then that'll be HEI.

Once you're clear on what you have, you should be able to find part numbers from various aftermarket suppliers online. You can either order there or use these when you talk to those parts guys that keep getting confused.

Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; Apr 9, 2020 at 12:00 AM.
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 02:18 PM
  #8  
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HEI pic. Could be a black cap, most were.

Old Apr 7, 2020 | 05:55 PM
  #9  
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Thanks for all the info. Let me check what I have. —Billy
Old Apr 7, 2020 | 08:17 PM
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My recall is yes for '75 being the first year for HEI. Cadillac offered HEI as an option in ' 74.
Old Apr 18, 2020 | 06:47 AM
  #11  
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I'm looking into wires myself and checked out the link to Summit and read the reviews, the wires did not live up to their description. My car has an older set of Mallory wires on it and they got good reviews $99 at Advanced minus 20-25%. Still looking

Steve
Old Apr 18, 2020 | 05:47 PM
  #12  
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Here is what I use.

http://www.taylorvertex.com/spark-pl...sal-wire-sets/
Old Apr 18, 2020 | 08:06 PM
  #13  
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Here is what I used:

https://www.holley.com/products/igni...rk_plug_wires/
Old Apr 19, 2020 | 06:40 AM
  #14  
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Thanks for the feedback. I looked locally and Advance auto had the MSD wires in stock and I got 20% off so I'll go that route.

Steve
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