V8 Firing Order

Do small, simple projects become extremely large and a little out of your league when it comes to your ride? A simple distributor cap and rotor change could get pretty ugly; or that once well-mannered carburetor can suddenly become a smoke puffing, gas spitting monster.

For example, say you've just installed a new cap and rotor kit, changed the spark plugs, and you're now ready to install a set of new wires. But which wire goes where?

To help ease this confusion, there are numbered shrink sleeves available. But what if it's 7:00 o'clock in the evening and the local parts store is closed? Wouldn't it be nice to know your engine's firing order?

Here's a guide for V8 domestic engines that might make the next "late-night" tune-up a little easier:

  • AMC (most V8 engines): Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Buick (most V8 except HEI): Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Chevrolet: Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Small Chrysler: Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Big Chrysler and Hemi: Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Ford (5.0L HO, 351W, 351M, 351C, 400): Counter-clockwise 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
  • Ford: Counter-clockwise 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
  • Oldsmobile (1967 and up): Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Pontiac (most 1955-81 V8 engines): Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Note: 307 Pontiac V8 engine rotates clockwise.


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