The Ford Barn

54FordYBlockGuy · 07-24-2023, 07:35 AM

I may have posted this question in another one of my posts, a different subject; so let me post it again under the "correct" subject.

New to the "Y Block" engine; and in checking over this recently obtained 54 Customline; I noticed (since on this Ford the distributor is in the rear) the spark plug wires running behind the engine.

On my 54 the wires were running, coming into contact with the carb linkage; just didn't look correct.

I did some "gathering", utilizing the "zip tie plug holder" system, and somewhat gathered and lifted them away from the linkage.

Q. Does Anyone have a good pic, drawing, or schematic as to how those wires run, any clamps needed, etc.:

Dobie Gillis · 07-24-2023, 10:00 AM

Here are some pics from an old post on the Y-blocks Forever forum. There are several clamps and they all need to be there mainly to keep the plug wires from contacting the exhaust manifolds, and to provide separation to prevent cross firing. Installing the clamps and routing the wires with the engine in the car can be a PITA but worth the effort. The clamps are available from most classic Ford parts suppliers.

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic138933.aspx

NoahVail · 07-24-2023, 12:29 PM

Many things to love about this engine. Plug wire paths aren't any of them.

Flathead Fever · 07-24-2023, 06:40 PM

Years ago, I inherited my mom's 312 '57 T-bird she bought new, it still had the original plug wires. Those were the worst wires I ever had to put on an engine running behind those heads, and I had to stand stood on my head in big truck engine compartments replacing them.

paul2748 · 07-24-2023, 07:27 PM

This is how they are supposed to be. All the brackets are available, some vendors have wires and brackets all assembled and ready to install.

fordor41 · 07-24-2023, 10:21 PM

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A bit off subject but I agree as to how hard it is to route the plug wires but I can't find a plug wire long enough to go from the dist. to #5 & 6 plugs on our '60 ford 292. sets I've found are at least 4" too short for those 2 plugs. guess make my own is next step.

Daves55Sedan · 07-25-2023, 08:02 PM

Some of the repro parts suppliers offer a kit that includes all the brackets with their rubber grommets for the plug wires. They also offer OEM style plug wire sets for Y-blocks.
Look at Dennis Carpenter, Mac's or Concours. Many others.
It's a good idea NOT to eliminate the use of the OEM style brackets. Those help keep heat away from plug wires especially running under exhaust manifolds.

07-24-2023, 07:35 AM	#1
54FordYBlockGuy Member Join Date: Jul 2023 Posts: 82	54 V8 Y Block Spark Plug Wire Running I may have posted this question in another one of my posts, a different subject; so let me post it again under the "correct" subject. New to the "Y Block" engine; and in checking over this recently obtained 54 Customline; I noticed (since on this Ford the distributor is in the rear) the spark plug wires running behind the engine. On my 54 the wires were running, coming into contact with the carb linkage; just didn't look correct. I did some "gathering", utilizing the "zip tie plug holder" system, and somewhat gathered and lifted them away from the linkage. Q. Does Anyone have a good pic, drawing, or schematic as to how those wires run, any clamps needed, etc.:

07-24-2023, 10:00 AM	#2
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	Re: 54 V8 Y Block Spark Plug Wire Running Here are some pics from an old post on the Y-blocks Forever forum. There are several clamps and they all need to be there mainly to keep the plug wires from contacting the exhaust manifolds, and to provide separation to prevent cross firing. Installing the clamps and routing the wires with the engine in the car can be a PITA but worth the effort. The clamps are available from most classic Ford parts suppliers. http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic138933.aspx __________________ Often wrong but never in doubt.

07-24-2023, 12:29 PM	#3
NoahVail Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 69	Re: 54 V8 Y Block Spark Plug Wire Running Many things to love about this engine. Plug wire paths aren't any of them.

07-24-2023, 06:40 PM	#4
Flathead Fever Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,095	Re: 54 V8 Y Block Spark Plug Wire Running Years ago, I inherited my mom's 312 '57 T-bird she bought new, it still had the original plug wires. Those were the worst wires I ever had to put on an engine running behind those heads, and I had to stand stood on my head in big truck engine compartments replacing them.

07-24-2023, 10:21 PM	#6
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,518	Re: 54 V8 Y Block Spark Plug Wire Running Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) A bit off subject but I agree as to how hard it is to route the plug wires but I can't find a plug wire long enough to go from the dist. to #5 & 6 plugs on our '60 ford 292. sets I've found are at least 4" too short for those 2 plugs. guess make my own is next step.

07-25-2023, 08:02 PM	#7
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: 54 V8 Y Block Spark Plug Wire Running Some of the repro parts suppliers offer a kit that includes all the brackets with their rubber grommets for the plug wires. They also offer OEM style plug wire sets for Y-blocks. Look at Dennis Carpenter, Mac's or Concours. Many others. It's a good idea NOT to eliminate the use of the OEM style brackets. Those help keep heat away from plug wires especially running under exhaust manifolds.