Author Topic: Which plugs and wires?  (Read 5448 times)

Old Man

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Which plugs and wires?
« on: July 03, 2007, 02:17:19 PM »
I just finished changing my 69 350 from a points type distributor to a Mallory Unilite HEI distributor and coil. Which plugs gapped at what gap works the best and which wires should I use? The plugs were A/C R44S if that helps. Thanks

67camarorsss

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Re: Which plugs and wires?
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2007, 09:42:48 PM »
The Mallory unit, although a Hi Energy Ignition type distributor, is not the same as a GM HEI distributor, which has the coil in the cap and is considerably larger in diameter than either the old points or Mallory Unilite distributor. The Unilite uses an external coil (similar to the stock unit) although a 40KV or better coil is recommended. If you're talking about the Unilite (red cap type) then you can gap the plugs around .040" to .045" versus .035" for the points type distributor. I have a Mallory Unilite distributor (small red cap type) that I bought back in the 80's when they 1st came out. At the time I was drag racing a Camaro so I didn't get a vaccuum advance with it. You can dial in mechanical advance with the stepped key supplied with the unit. It's been on top of several engines and has a bit over a hundred thousand (yes 100K miles +) miles on it. The only part I've had to replace (besides the cap and rotor) was the electronics unit when it burnt out at around 60,000 + miles. I always gap the plugs at .045" and have never had a problem. You can use any plug wire, although a solid copper core wire will interfer with radio reception.

The Pertronix unit fits under the stock cap on the stock distributor, replacing the points. I've installed this on several cars for customers that wanted a "stock" appearing ignition. It works really well and is not very expensive.
- 1967 RS/SS 396/TH400 (loaded clone restification)
- 1998 Z28 LS1/M6 (daily driver)
- 2002 Z28 LS1/4L60E (12 sec toy/bookend to the 67)

hotrod68

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Re: Which plugs and wires?
« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2007, 03:08:59 AM »
I've used a Pertronix distributor and wires as well--they look relatively stock, although without an MSD box .045" sounds a little wide to me, but that's just me. And 44s sound a little cold unless the engine has a lot of compression--for my part I'd use R45S plugs set at .035". And like 67 said, don't use solid-core wires--use a spiral-wound wire like the Pertronix or Moroso Blue Max. They greatly reduce crossfire. My 2 cents.
HotRod'68  1968 SS350 coupe undergoing frame-off resto/rod. 386/350/4.11s
Butternut Yellow    black standard interior

67camarorsss

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Re: Which plugs and wires?
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2007, 07:50:14 PM »
Sorry, I guess I wasn't as clear as I should've been. I run my plugs at a .045" but I'm also using a 40KV aftermarket coil.
- 1967 RS/SS 396/TH400 (loaded clone restification)
- 1998 Z28 LS1/M6 (daily driver)
- 2002 Z28 LS1/4L60E (12 sec toy/bookend to the 67)