I think they probably are OEM Bosch. You can still buy similar modern ones: Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia Spark Plug Wire Sets

Due to age and use there may be some issues with increased electrical resistance, but they might clean up and work fine with an electronic distributor.

 

When I got my Duetto in 1967 the wires were green. If you get an advanced ignition kit like the 123, I would get new wires/leads too.

Veloce and Wille R.

 

Tom,

I think the 67's had green wires like Wille said and bakelite connectors at the plugs. The 69's also had green wires but rubber connectors at the plugs.

 

Ahhh! I see. They're period correct, but not factory equipment. Like Wille says I definitely would be better off with new, modern leads when I change ignitions. Why do half the job? They do look really cool though!

 

You can still get green plug leads if you want, from the Roadster Factory. They were also used on TRs back in the day. Maybe from the same supplier too. Here is a link to the TRF catalog: TRF TR6 & TR250 Parts - Oil Filters And Air Filters Green Ignition Wire Sets For TR250 And TR6 (The Roadster Factory TR250/6 Glovebox Companion page 13)

The also sell them for Spitfires and GT-6s. The stock TR sets may come up too short for use on an Alfa as the dizzy is closer to the sparkplugs on TR engines; you could buy two sets I suppose.

 

The stock TR sets may come up too short for use on an Alfa as the dizzy is closer to the sparkplugs on TR engines; you could buy two sets I suppose.

Or just buy the correct green Cavis wires from an Alfa supplier

 

There ya go!

 

Cavis look good too!

 

What's the gold wire in the Centerline Photo for?

 

Low tension lead from the distributor to the coil would be my thought.

 

I am certainly not going to discourage you from buying new plug wires, but you should be aware that the 123ignition distributor does not put a higher demand on them than a points system. the 123 distributor cannot be used with high energy coils unless you use a spark box such as an MSD.

I have the Centerline green wires with my 123/MSD/low impedance coil ignition system on my Spider.

 

Hi,
Keep in mind that the green wires are solid core and the bakelite ends are suppressors for radio noise. My '69 Berlina came fitted out this way. (and still is)
Regards Ian

 

Aren't the bakelite ends reusable? I still have some Champion bakelite sparkplug ends of about the same vintage rolling around in a coffee can. They have a pointed, threaded prong that allows you to screw them onto a replacement lead wire. If the old Bosch bakelite ends you have are like that you could buy the new Cavi set and cut the rubber ends off.

 

The Bakelite ends on these are reusable. The leads have a wire core. They're pretty old. I wonder if the ends can be used with carbon leads. I can't see that it would make a difference. I'm glad I can use them with the 123. Looks like I'm going to buy some new leads. I think I can get a cut to fit kit at NAPA. Thanks to all on the BB who answer all my questions. A special thanks to Ed for all his posts on the 123 distributor.

 

Hi,
As far as I know, you should not use the Bakelite resistors with the carbon core wire, as it means you are doubling up on your resistance. That was why carbon core wires are used in the first place. (to stop radio interference) Regards Ian

 

Tom,

The wires in your original post look like the stuff that was used on the 80's vintage Bosch injected cars. I would also be concerned with installing your ends on a new cable set from NAPA. Most of the sets will be made up with a resistive carbon core that will not be robust enough for your ends to screw into, and will fail in a short time. Also, your ends probably have a built in suppression resistor. That in addition to the resistance in the wires can be a problem. Unless you can get solid wires, I wouldn't go that route. Get a good set of silicone covered wires, or get the Centerline set if you want the vintage look.

Dick Stachowiak
71 GTV
71 Spider

 

I get all of my OEM stuff @ NAPA...;^)
Seriously, if you are not going the 'show' route, there are plenty of performance wires out there. I would get the ones with angled ends at the spark plug to clear the air crossover tube.

 

For show, you should get a set of these....
with the correct upper water hose clamp.

 

Spark wires

In my 83 S3 Spider...the wires are red....

 

Hi Spiderfrek,

Hope you are doing well. Where did you get your spark plug wire set? And how long is the wire from the distributer cap to the coil? Also, what is the best way to get spider parts in Italy (I am in Rome).

Thanks!

 

Where can you get that clamp?

 

If you aren't complusive about originality, in my opinion Magnecor ign. wires are the absolute best. Lots of racers use them for just this reason. They aren't cheap, however. I also like/use wire sets from Kingsbourne. They're a small company in San Diego and are Beru distributors. Their Alfa wire sets closely resemble the red Cavis oem wires. I paid $25.00 for a set last summer.

 

Thanks 180OUT - very helpful! I spoke with both Kingsbourne and Magnecor - one set is $99 for 8.5mm and the other is $25 for 8mm. Is there much of a difference, my engine is all stock - what do you think? Also, do you know how long the coil wire should be? It is a Euro speck carb car with the coil attached to the firewall - the same set up as Spiderfrek's photo above.

 

The Kingsbourne wires will work fine and last a long time. I've dealt with the company for years. The Alfa sets are sold with 2 lengths of coil wire. Just make sure you ask for the long wire set. Just to be on the safe side you might measure your existing coil wire and compare it with the length of the Kingsbourne coil wire. It should fit but, if it doesn't, they can make you a wire that will fit.

 

Does anyone know in what year they swapped to the red cables?

I have a 69 GT Junior in need of new HT leads but I'm unsure on what color to buy...

 

I've always had great success with "Bougicords" on all my Alfas. Carbon core, fully moulded ends. From France if I am not mistaken, (but I have been in the past!).