I'm going to be putting on new headers as soon as they come (next week or two) and I'd like to replace the ignition stuff while I'm in there.

I bought the regular AC Delco spark plugs. However, I'm not sure what else I need. I read the sticky at the top and I'm guessing I need:

-Cap
-Rotor
-Coil???
-Plug Wires
-Points??
-Condensor??

My engine is pretty much stock (open air mod) and hasn't been tuned-up in at least 25,000 miles.

I'm not sure if I should go with MSD or Accel for this stuff. I'm just here to get some recommendations for brands and exact part #s would be really helpful too.

Any would this stuff work on an LT1 too? I might be swaping to one of those in the next year..

 

a few other things to do when doing tune up
fuel filter and I think on these cars there might be two. one inline and one in tank but don't hold me to it since I don't own one.

check your timing

oil/oilfilter

also since I think your car runs hei there shouldn't be points on there.

tranny fluid

rear end fluid

also there is a tune up on the v6 board called the TomP tuneup
he list many more things to take care of then I do and most seem to take his advice very well on the tune and get good results
try doing a search you should come up with it

 

first before I start the list, I'll want to tell you that you'll need all 90 degree plug wires for your headers, or you'll be burning them and buying new ones not too soon after.

25,000 miles... I'm guessing a thorough tune-up probably has never been done on the car then. Do the following:

spark plugs
plug wires
dizzy cap
rotor
O2 sensor
coolant temperature sensor
oil & filter
air filter
fuel filter
tranny fluid
differential fluid
coolant


also it's probably time for a good chassis lube-down.

and you're probably due to have your brake pads replaced, and rotor turned.

assuming you have a carb: get a carb rebuild kit... it's only about 50 dollars and you'll save a ton of money in gas mileage to make up for that 50 dollars real fast.

if you have fuel injectors, just use fuel cleaner additive in the fuel, that seems to work out pretty well.

then check your IAC and TPS and make sure they're working to proper specs.

am i missing anything short of a rebuild? lol

 

I upgraded all my ignitions to MSD and Taylor wires.

Made-For-You has wirelooms you can mount centered on valve covers and they look great. Engine bay looks organized. I have a set installed.

Are you planning to keep your A.I.R. ?

 

Yeah, I have to keep the AIR cause I live in CA.

Brakes and rotors are good.
Should be due for an oil change though (been about 3000 miles)

So I should go with:

MSD wires 8.5 mm?
MSD cap/rotor?
which coil?

 

Well if money isnt an issue, then go MSD man but be warned youll be spending about 80 on wires, 60-80 on a coil, and no idea on the coil rotor but Im thinking around 180 bucks just in those three things!

Myself, I love MSD products but I bought all ACCEL and have noticed great performance on my 92 RS. I bought the coil, which cost me 42.99. The ACCEL 8mm SuperStock wires ran me 34.99 and thats the same price for either the straight plug ends or 90 degree ends. Make you you specify 90 degree ends for your kit and the premade ones make life MUCH MUCH easier, trust me! I make my own ends and I spurt a few cuss words in the process As for the Dist. cap/rotors button, I know mine from ACCEL only cost 22.99.

$23 Dist Cap/rotor button
$43 Coil
$35 8mm Plug wires
=
$101

of course I bought ACCEL's Header Plugs too...just for the little extra performance

 

Also, if you are lookin for some col centerbolt wire looms, I know Summit has some in their magazine that are shaped like a chevy symbol, pretty nifty and they cost liek 30 bucks tho.....I got mine in my 82 from Moroso and they cost 20 bucks form the local speed shop.

 

Here's what I got from Summit. The part numbers are for red colors. The plug wires are 8mm with 90* boots and universal so i had to put em together. I went Taylor wires because they "fit the looms better". The looms can handle up to 8mm and I believe MSD wires were 8.5mm so they were a lil too big. I'm sure someone may have got them fit though.

MSD Dist Cap: MSD-8426 $21.99
MSD Rotor: MSD-8427 $7.39
MSD Blaster Coil: MSD-8226 $39.88
Taylor Wires 90*: TAY-73251 $56.39
Looms: MFY-5035613 $43.99

=$169.64

 

Wow, thanks for the great info.

I might go with the msd coil, cap, and rotor, but probably the accel wires to save some money.

Does it matter if I get 8mm vs 8.5mm?

What are the wire looms btw?

 

I think 305's usually use 7mm wires. Maybe someone can clarify if it really matters if you go higher.

Here's a pic of my bay with red wire looms on top the valve covers. The looms help separate the plug wires and keep them organized. Sorry if the pics are dark. i just took em tonight.

You can see how much cleaner the bay looks without AIR.