American Autowire - 1970-1972 Engine Wire Harness-GM Truck - 23230H
$205.20
DESCRIPTION
American Autowire - 1970-1972 Engine Wire Harness-GM Truck - 23230H
Restore your classic Chevy truck's engine wiring while upgrading to electronic ignition with this 1970–1972 Chevrolet 396 V8 Engine Wiring Harness from American Autowire.
Designed specifically for 1970–1972 Chevrolet trucks equipped with a 396 cubic-inch V8 engine and automatic transmission, this Factory Fit replacement harness is modified for use with a GM large-cap HEI (High Energy Ignition) distributor.
Unlike an original points-ignition wiring harness, this HEI-compatible version replaces the factory resistance wire with a standard 12-volt ignition feed and includes a connector designed for a GM large-cap HEI distributor.
American Autowire manufactures its Factory Fit engine harnesses according to original General Motors specifications. Each harness arrives fully assembled and taped, connects at the original firewall location, and follows factory-style routing through the engine compartment.
Whether you're restoring a classic Chevy C10, replacing deteriorated engine wiring, or upgrading your 396-powered truck to HEI ignition, this harness provides an application-specific replacement designed for your truck's electrical configuration.
Manufacturer: American Autowire
Manufacturer Part Number: 23230H
Product Type: Engine Wiring Harness
Product Line: Factory Fit
Vehicle Years: 1970–1972
Vehicle Application: Chevrolet Trucks
Engine Application: 396 Cubic-Inch V8
Transmission: Automatic
Ignition Configuration: HEI Electronic Ignition
Ignition Feed: Standard 12-Volt Feed
Distributor Connector: GM Large-Cap HEI
Quantity: Sold Individually
Features
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Designed for 1970–1972 Chevrolet truck applications
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Specifically intended for 396 cubic-inch V8 engines
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Designed for automatic transmission configurations
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Modified for HEI electronic ignition
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Replaces the original ignition resistance wire with a standard 12-volt feed
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Includes a connector for a GM large-cap HEI distributor
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Manufactured by American Autowire
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Part of the Factory Fit original reproduction wiring line
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Manufactured according to original GM specifications
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Fully assembled and taped for installation
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Connects at the original firewall harness location
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Follows factory-style engine compartment routing
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Helps replace deteriorated or previously modified engine wiring
Vehicle Fitment
1970–1972 Chevrolet C-Series – 2WD Trucks
Potential applications include:
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1970–1972 Chevrolet C10
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1970–1972 Chevrolet C20
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1970–1972 Chevrolet C30
1970–1972 Chevrolet K-Series – 4WD Trucks
Potential applications include:
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1970–1972 Chevrolet K10
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1970–1972 Chevrolet K20
Required Vehicle Configuration
This harness is designed for trucks equipped with:
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1970–1972 Chevrolet truck electrical configuration
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396 cubic-inch V8 engine
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Automatic transmission
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GM large-cap HEI distributor
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Compatible original-style firewall wiring connections
Important: American Autowire lists part 23230H for 1970–1972 Chevrolet trucks with a 396 V8, automatic transmission, and HEI ignition. Verify compatibility with your specific truck model and electrical configuration before ordering.
Designed for HEI Electronic Ignition
What Is HEI Ignition?
HEI stands for High Energy Ignition.
GM developed HEI electronic ignition as an alternative to traditional breaker-point ignition systems.
HEI distributors are a popular upgrade for classic Chevrolet V8 engines because they eliminate the periodic adjustment and replacement of conventional ignition points.
Standard 12-Volt Ignition Feed
Original points-ignition systems commonly use resistance in the ignition feed circuit to reduce current through the ignition coil during normal operation.
A typical GM HEI distributor requires a suitable 12-volt ignition power supply.
American Autowire modifies this harness by replacing the original resistance wire with a standard 12-volt feed.
This accommodates the electrical requirements of a compatible HEI ignition system.
GM Large-Cap HEI Connector Included
Part 23230H includes a connector designed for a GM large-cap HEI distributor.
This is an important feature for customers converting from a factory points distributor to a traditional GM-style HEI system.
What If I Have an Aftermarket Distributor?
American Autowire notes that if you're using a distributor other than a GM large-cap HEI unit, the connector may need to be replaced.
Always verify your distributor's electrical requirements and connector configuration before installation.
Specifically Designed for the 396 V8
The engine application is an important fitment requirement for American Autowire part 23230H.
Chevrolet 396 Cubic-Inch V8
The Chevrolet 396 belongs to the big-block V8 engine family.
Big-block and small-block Chevrolet engines can have different component locations and wiring requirements.
American Autowire identifies this harness specifically for 396 V8 applications.
What If My Truck Has a Different V8 Engine?
If your truck is equipped with a 307, 350, 402, 454, or another V8 engine, verify the correct harness for its configuration.
Do not assume that a harness designed for a 396 will fit another engine simply because both are Chevrolet V8 engines.
What If My Truck Has an Engine Swap?
If your truck has undergone an engine swap, verify the installed engine's electrical connections and ignition requirements before ordering.
Designed for Automatic Transmission Applications
American Autowire specifies part 23230H for trucks equipped with automatic transmissions.
Why Does Transmission Type Matter?
Engine compartment wiring can differ depending on whether a vehicle was originally equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.
Certain electrical connections and wiring routes may vary between configurations.
Selecting a harness intended for the correct transmission helps maintain compatibility with the vehicle's electrical system.
What If My Truck Has a Manual Transmission?
Part 23230H is specifically listed for automatic transmission applications.
If your truck has a manual transmission, verify the appropriate engine harness before ordering.
Factory Fit Replacement Wiring
Manufactured to Original GM Specifications
American Autowire manufactures its Factory Fit harnesses according to original General Motors specifications.
This helps maintain the original-style electrical layout of your classic Chevrolet truck while accommodating the HEI ignition modification.
Fully Assembled and Taped
Each harness arrives fully assembled and taped.
This eliminates the need to construct an engine wiring harness from individual wires and terminals.
Original Firewall Connection
The harness is designed to connect at the original firewall location.
Factory-Style Engine Compartment Routing
The harness follows original-style routing through the engine compartment, helping maintain a factory-style appearance.
What Does an Engine Wiring Harness Connect?
American Autowire explains that engine harness circuits vary by model year and application.
Depending on the vehicle, an engine harness may contain wiring associated with:
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Ignition system
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Starter
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Heater blower
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Engine temperature sending unit
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Oil pressure sending unit
Important: Not every circuit is included in every harness. Consult your factory service manual or American Autowire to confirm the exact connections included with part 23230H.
Why Replace Your 1970–1972 Chevy Truck's Engine Wiring Harness?
Replace Aging Factory Wiring
After decades of exposure to engine heat, vibration, moisture, and contaminants, original wiring insulation can become brittle or cracked.
Electrical terminals and connectors can also deteriorate over time.
Replacing an aging harness provides an alternative to repairing multiple damaged wires individually.
Accommodate an HEI Ignition Conversion
If you're converting your Chevrolet 396 V8 from points ignition to HEI, this modified harness provides a standard 12-volt ignition feed and GM large-cap distributor connector.
Maintain Engine and Transmission Compatibility
Part 23230H is designed for the specified 396 V8 and automatic transmission configuration.
Maintain an Original-Style Appearance
American Autowire's Factory Fit harnesses are designed for classic vehicle restorations where factory-style wiring connections and routing are important.
Important Fitment & Installation Information
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Designed for 1970–1972 Chevrolet truck applications.
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Specifically intended for the 396 cubic-inch V8 engine.
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Requires an automatic transmission configuration.
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Modified for HEI electronic ignition.
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Includes a standard 12-volt ignition feed instead of the original resistance wire.
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Includes a connector for a GM large-cap HEI distributor.
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Other distributor styles may require connector modifications.
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Trucks retaining original points ignition should use the appropriate non-HEI harness.
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Manual transmission applications may require a different harness.
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Verify compatibility if your truck has undergone an engine or transmission swap.
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Confirm original firewall connections before ordering.
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This is an engine wiring harness, not a complete vehicle wiring kit.
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Front lighting, dash, and rear lighting harnesses are separate components.
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Consult your factory service manual and distributor manufacturer's installation instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this engine wiring harness fit my 1970 Chevy C10?
It may fit if your 1970 Chevrolet C10 has a compatible 396 V8 engine, automatic transmission, GM large-cap HEI distributor, and the correct factory electrical connections.
Does this harness fit a 1972 Chevy C10?
American Autowire lists part 23230H for 1970–1972 Chevrolet trucks. Your truck must have the specified engine, transmission, and ignition configuration.
What engine is this harness designed for?
This harness is specifically listed for the Chevrolet 396 cubic-inch V8.
Will this harness fit a 350 small-block?
This harness is not listed for 350 small-block applications. Select a harness designed for your truck's engine configuration.
Will this harness fit a 402 big-block?
American Autowire identifies this part for 396 V8 applications. Compatibility with a 402 should be confirmed before ordering.
Does this harness work with a manual transmission?
Part 23230H is listed for automatic transmission applications. Manual transmission compatibility has not been confirmed.
Does this harness provide a 12-volt ignition feed?
Yes. American Autowire confirms that the original resistance wire is replaced with a standard 12-volt feed.
Does this harness include the HEI distributor connector?
Yes. It includes a connector designed for a GM large-cap HEI distributor.
Will this harness work with my original points distributor?
This harness is modified for HEI ignition. If your truck retains its original points distributor, use the appropriate original-style harness.
Can I use this harness with an aftermarket HEI distributor?
Possibly. Distributors other than GM large-cap HEI units may require connector modifications.
Verify compatibility with your distributor manufacturer before ordering.
Does this harness include an HEI distributor?
No. This product is an engine wiring harness. The distributor is sold separately.
Does this replace the entire truck wiring system?
No. This product replaces the engine wiring harness. Other vehicle wiring harnesses are separate components.
Restore Your Chevy Truck's Engine Wiring
Whether you're restoring a classic C10, replacing deteriorated engine wiring, or converting your 396-powered Chevrolet pickup to HEI electronic ignition, the American Autowire 23230H Engine Wiring Harness provides an original-style replacement designed for your truck's specified engine and transmission configuration.
Find the wiring harnesses, electrical components, and restoration parts you need at Tuckers Classic Auto Parts.
Helping Keep Classic Trucks on the Road Since 1993.