Electrical: Replacement Spark Plug Wires

[mjeansonne]

I know that some out there will probably think this a silly question, but you won't when you start having more Senior moments!!

I would like to put some new plug wires on the Hawk... nothing special about it, 289 c.i.d. V-8. Will wires for a Chevrolet 283, 305, etc. fit? Are the wires long enough or do I want to find a universal wire set? I've replaced the wires in the Champ Pickup and the Hawk, but for the life of me, I can't remember what I used!!!

[Transtar60]

One of the vendors sells exact replacement wires but I cant remember who I got them from. Its been a couple of years, but they were made to fit exactly and even came with instructions.

charlie

[41 Frank]

Most of the Studebaker vendors stock the exact plug wires for your car.

[Bud]

Wires meant for small block Chevrolets don't work well on Studebaker V8's as they have a 90 degree plug terminal and Studebaker engines want a straight terminal. You can use a universal wire set, or buy a set from one of the Studebaker parts vendors. I make my own wire sets using bulk wire and terminals and boots that I buy from NAPA. I like building my own plug leads as I can make them fit better than the commercial wire sets. Bud

[studegary]

Brian S. has a business that makes secondary ignition wiring. John P. (JDP on the Forum) has retailed these wires made for Studebaker engines at a very fair price. Check with JDP.

[jclary]

Wires meant for small block Chevrolets don't work well on Studebaker V8's as they have a 90 degree plug terminal and Studebaker engines want a straight terminal. Bud

True Bud, but the Chevy wires are fairly inexpensive and you can take those 90 degree V8 sets and make six of them fit a Studebaker flathead six. I have had problems finding a good set of 90 degree 6 cylinder wires locally. Use a Chevy set and keep the extra for spares or just throw them away.

[ozarkman]

We tried a universal set for a 6cyl from Tractor Supply. The results were shocking! We ended up getting some from SI through a local garage that gets a discount, and didn't mark 'em up for us!!

[Bud]

jclary; you're correct, the Chevy V8 wires are perfect for the Studebaker sixes as they look better with the 90 degree plug ends. I see those engines with the straight plug ends and they look kind of sloppy to me. Bud

[Jackson]

I used Auto Zone 4386 on my 63 R2.

[CHAMP]

45 degree wires

Univeral for 6 Champion from NAPA, looks good to me!

[JDP]

I thought I was out of my custom made Studebaker plug wires, but I found a set, $35 to your door. They are made by Scott performance wire, he's a NASCAR wire maker.