I replace the spark plugs and wires on my 72 malibu 350. I wrote down the order so I could make sure I put them back in the right order.
I recently lost the paper but I already installed my wires back the way it was originally, my question was is there a site or does anyone know the order of the wires? just wanted to make sure again. thanks!!

18436572

http://www.classiccarauto.com/impala/how_to/images/distributor.png

try that...

wow, the one I got did on mines look different? when I did mines I did them 1 wire by 1 so I would get them mixed up. hmmmm shat If I to set them up that way!?!

as long as the firing order is 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2...it doesnt matter where the number 1 is on your dist... Just made sure 8 is after it...and 4 is after 8 and 3 is after 4 and so on....this is going clockwise. I usually put the number 1 directly at the middle of the carb to help out. Dont forget to get a timing light when you are done to check your timing.

I thought the number one on the distributer must be pointing at the number one plug on the block. and then you go around clock wise?

Yeah if you are at TDC on #1 this is true.

2 7 5 6 3 4 8 1


oppps thats backwards. rule number 1 in hot rodding. know your firing order forwards and backward, drunk and blind

I thought the number one on the distributer must be pointing at the number one plug on the block. and then you go around clock wise?

Nah, it doesnt have too, it can point anywhere...as long as number one wire is on the cap and the rotor is pointing at that socket....and the firing order follows that counter clockwise...confusing huh

The only thing is if #1 is not in the correct spot the vacuum advance might hit on something keeping the distributor from being in position for the timing.

Here's what I was taught many years ago, by an awesome high-school auto shop teacher: Have the distributor cap outlet that you use for the number-one plug wire point at the number-one spark plug. Essentially, the number-one distributor cap terminal will be facing the back of your carb., but pointing off a little towards the number one spark plug.

This arrangement makes good sense, because the distributor cap outlets for the number 8, 4, and 6 plugs will be near the right side of the engine (the 2, 4, 6, 8 cylinder bank) and the distributor cap outlets for the 1, 5, and 7 plugs will be near the left side of the engine (the 1, 3, 5, 7 bank). Only the number 3 and number 2 spark plug wires will have to cross over the distributor to reach their plugs. Perhaps this arrangement keeps the wires neater and reduces wire crossing (and potential arcing).

The only thing is if #1 is not in the correct spot the vacuum advance might hit on something keeping the distributor from being in position for the timing.
this isn't totally true- you can have the #1 wire at the exact opposite side of the cap, and as long as the rotor is set pointing towards that one when you drop the distributor in (assuming you have the #1 cylinder at a few degrees BTDC on the firing stroke), the distributor will sit just like it does if you have the #1 wire where it's supposed to be.
the only way to not have enough adjustment one way or the other is if you drop it in a tooth or more off.
another good reason to put the #1 terminal pointing at the #1 cylinder is that every custom fit wire set on the market will have the wires made for that. if you get it a terminal off, then some wires will end up way long and some will be way short, and they will look like you closed your eyes and threw them in there. this isn't always true with the points distributors, as the wires are close together and come in straight down from the top.
but on an HEI, it can make a huge difference in how the wires lay over and around the engine.

Thanks Derrik, I said "might" but I should have said unless you pull the distributor and re-stab it. but then I guess if you relocate the wire positions in the cap you would have to do that anyway. :o

Is there any reason to put the wires back different than they were originally?

Here's what I was taught many years ago, by an awesome high-school auto shop teacher: Have the distributor cap outlet that you use for the number-one plug wire point at the number-one spark plug. Essentially, the number-one distributor cap terminal will be facing the back of your carb., but pointing off a little towards the number one spark plug.

This arrangement makes good sense, because the distributor cap outlets for the number 8, 4, and 6 plugs will be near the right side of the engine (the 2, 4, 6, 8 cylinder bank) and the distributor cap outlets for the 1, 5, and 7 plugs will be near the left side of the engine (the 1, 3, 5, 7 bank). Only the number 3 and number 2 spark plug wires will have to cross over the distributor to reach their plugs. Perhaps this arrangement keeps the wires neater and reduces wire crossing (and potential arcing).

Malibu is right on there. Number one should always be pointed at basically 7 oclock. thats how they are set up from the factory (on chevys). Its just the way its supposed to be. You must be at TDC and rotor pointing at #1 then just run the wires 18436572. This is also the firing order of chrysler, buick, amc, olds and pontiac small blocks. Some are counter clockwise though. remembering this firing order important? not really,, because its usually stamped on the intake. good luck.