1938 Sixty Special - Firing order

[joeceretti]

I've received some great advice on this forum and now am hoping someone can help me again. I am very appreciative.

I'm trying to reconcile the order of spark plug wires on my motor. Some conflicting information on the web.

I need the firing order and which cylinder is #1 and also which terminal on the distributor is #1.

Some posts say that cylinder 1 is on the left front... but then conflict as to whether the left is from the drivers seat or from the front of the car.

As far as I can understand. The distributor is 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 if I can figure out which is 1.

then firing order 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 Odd numbers left bank and even numbers right bank. (is the left the passenger side or the drivers side?)

Problem is mine isn't wired at all like this but runs.

An earlier post here is as follows...

----------------- Question
I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME ONE CONFIRMING TO ME THE  FIRING ORDER FOR V-8 LASALLE SERIE 50 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2- AND NUMBER |#1 BEEN ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE ON ENGINE
SAME SIDE AS THE FUEL PUMP IS THIS CORECT ? ALSO IS THEIR A MARK ON THE DISTRIBUTOR THAT SAY WHERE IS #1 ? THANKS
-----------------
----------------- Reply
Firing order is correct.

If you look at the distributor number one is the first one to the left of the rear clip holding the cap on the distributor (viewed from the front of the engine).
---------------

This posting is for the 38 LaSalle which I am assuming is the same. Assumptions can be dangerous though...

Confused,

Joe Ceretti

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Hi Joe: If you stand in FRONT of the car and look down on the engine, cylinder 2 is the first cylinder on the front LEFT side of the engine followed by 4, 6, and 8. Of course cylinder #1 is the first cylinder on the right front of the engine followed by 3 ,5, and 7. Look at the PDF below and it will show you the cap numbering for the wires from each cylinder. The other PDF shows the cylinder numbers using the front of the engine as the reference point.   Bill

[Steve Passmore]

Just to add to what Bill has said Joe, all literature and Cadillac books refer to looking down on the car from above facing forward, so in that situation number 1 cylinder is front left, If your stood in front the engine it would be on your right but the books never describe it that way.

[Wayne Womble 12210]

Its the cars left, not your left.  Put yourself in the position of the car and look out of its headlamps.

Most all normal V8s have the same 90 degree crank arrangements and the same piston configurations, thus, no matter what the assigned cylinder numbers are, the firing order is essentially the same. Two pistons are up at any one time and either one could be firing depending on the cam arrangement.   So if you start at number 1 left front it is the same as a Chevrolet 18436572.  Any one of the pairs can be switched if the cam is ground to operate the valves that way. Many early cars and many racing engines are switched up by flipping 4&7.  That is what is done with the early Cadillac engines, Then you get your 18736542.

[joeceretti]

THANK YOU! My car was running ok with the wires the way they were, or so I thought. Much better power and smoother with this CORRECT wiring! This all explains the occasional sputtering I was getting as well.

This is all VERY clear!!!! To show my appreciation I have made an all in one Diagram to help others. Anything else should be added or changed? I am sure this fits other years but I don't know which.

VERY APPRECIATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Staying true to the spirit of this fine car,

Joe Ceretti

Edit: If the CLC needs any other diagrams or tables to clarify things like this, I can make them and even include the CLC logo or other identifying marks.

[Bill Ingler #7799]

 Thanks Joe for a great diagram.     Bill