Okay, let's break this down step-by-step. This is electrical work, and safety is paramount. If you're even slightly uncomfortable or unsure, please consult a qualified electrician. Working with electricity can be dangerous, and incorrect wiring can lead to fire hazards or electrocution.

Here's what to consider


Identifying Wire Materials



Aluminum vs. Copper

The key difference is color. Aluminum is a dull silver color. Copper, when clean, is a bright, reddish-brown. You mentioned the bare wire is likely aluminum, which increases the likelihood the insulated black wires are also aluminum.

Very important

If the black wires are aluminum, they will likely be marked "AL" on the insulation. Look closely.2.

Wiring Configuration (Old vs. New)



Old (1998)

Your old setup is a 3-wire configuration. In 1998 it was common to use the bare wire as both the ground and the neutral.

New (Oven)

Your new oven has a 4-wire configuration, which is the modern standard. This separates the ground and neutral.3.

Connecting the Wires (with Major Caveats)



General Idea (Assuming ALL wires are Copper and 4-Wire is Required)

Black (from wall) to Black (oven) Black (from wall) to Red (oven) Bare (from wall) to White (oven) and Green (oven) - Connect the white and green oven wires to the single bare wire coming from the wall.

Aluminum Wire Considerations (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT)

If any of your existing wiring is ALUMINUM:

Do NOT directly connect copper and aluminum wires. This will cause corrosion and potential fire hazard. You MUST use special connectors designed for aluminum-to-copper connections. These are often called "Alumiconn" connectors or similar. These connectors are specifically designed to prevent corrosion and ensure a safe connection. Oxidation

Aluminum wire oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air. Clean the aluminum wire thoroughly with a wire brush and apply an anti-oxidant paste (specifically for aluminum connections) before making any connections.

Torque

Use a torque wrench or screwdriver to tighten the screws on the connectors to the manufacturer's specified torque. Under-tightening can lead to loose connections, and over-tightening can damage the wire.

Pigtailing

A common method is to "pigtail" the aluminum wires to short lengths of copper wire using the appropriate connectors. Then, connect the copper pigtails to your oven's wires using standard wire connectors.

4-Wire Conversion (with Aluminum)

Because your new oven requires a separate ground, you might need to install a new ground wire from the metal chassis of the oven to a known grounding point in your electrical system. This is even MORE reason to consult an electrician because it depends on your specific electrical setup.4.

Code Considerations



Local Codes

Electrical codes vary by location. What was acceptable in 1998 may not be acceptable now. Your local code might require you to run a new 4-wire circuit (two hots, a neutral, and a ground) from your breaker box to the oven location.

Critical Steps and Warnings


Turn OFF the Breaker

Before touching ANY wires, turn off the breaker that supplies power to the oven circuit. Verify it's off with a non-contact voltage tester.2.

Double-Check Everything

Before making any connections, double-check your wiring diagram, the oven's installation instructions, and your understanding of the process.3.

Aluminum Wire Identification

Be absolutely certain you've correctly identified the wire material.4.

Proper Connectors

If aluminum is present, use ONLY connectors specifically rated for aluminum-to-copper connections (e.g., Alumiconn).5.

Torque Requirements

Use a torque screwdriver or wrench to tighten connections to the manufacturer's specification.6.

Grounding

Ensure proper grounding. If your current setup doesn't provide a dedicated ground, you may need to run a new ground wire.7.

Consider an Electrician

Seriously consider hiring a qualified electrician to perform this work, especially if you suspect aluminum wiring. They can ensure the installation is safe and code-compliant.

In summary: You cannot simply connect the wires as you described if your existing wiring is aluminum. You must use appropriate connectors and potentially add a new ground wire. Given the age of your house and the potential presence of aluminum wiring, having a professional inspect and perform the work is highly recommended. Flag for review