Spark Plug Wires - does it matter?

For myself, I can't see any reason why they wouldn't interchange. :shrug:

But then again I buy the aftermarket performance wire kits (Taylor, Accel, Mallory, etc) in kits for V8's and spend somewhere between the 2 prices you quote, and end up with two sets out of the deal.

Thanks

I could not see that there was any difference.

Matt

With 82, began the Bosch ECU. The Bosch wires are supposed to match the ECU ignition output characteristics and impedence. They have expensive shielded metal covers for each sparkplug. I'm not sure you will notice a great deal of difference with a non-Bosch OEM type wire.
Plenty of good reports for aftermarket HT wires on Bosch Spiders. Extensive threads on the "best buys".
The only thing I would insure is that the wire from the coil to the center of the distributor be the right size. Most wiring sets have an extraordinnary long wire for this in order to accomodate the longest distance a model had the coil mounted. (ie designed to fit all).

Brest regards, Elio

That's the nicety of the 'build you own' kits: every wire is perfect length because you yourself make it that way

BTW, if that route is taken, I'd not exceed 8mm diameter wires.

Those just fit into the factory loom thing on the cam cover, and any bigger would require some mods to the loom if you wanted to actually use it.

I bought a set of wires for our '84 Spider from Advance Auto Parts (chain auto supply store). They did have to order them - took 1-2 days. They list two part numbers - the less expensive set does not include the resistor ends (the metal cap items at the spark plugs). I bought the set with the ends.

I've been using the Magnecor KV85 wires, for several years on my Spiders (Bosch, Spica, etc.) without any issues. The part number for a Bosch Spider is 4504. You'll spend around $60-65, but it will pretty much be a one-time purchase.

510rcr said:

I am learning my way around these cars - I have an '83 spider that needs spark plug wires due to vibration wear on outer insulation. Looking at IAP they say '56 to '81 are $31.50 & '82 to '94 cost $114.95. I just cannot see that there would be that much difference. Is there any reason I cannot just use the cheaper ones?

Thank you for the advise

Matt

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Depends on how they are constructed, the older ones didn't need EMI protection, but your year does, so are they solid core wires or graphite impregnated fiberglass??? I'm using Small block Chevy MSD superconductors on mine, nicest plug wires I've ever, ever used!!!

Ordered Centerline

I ordered the $43 set of 82 - 94 silicone with 45 deg boots. They seem much more reasonablely priced and surely are the correct ones. I needed a bypass hose anyway as mine was all gummy on the exterior and breaking down from the outside in? Maybe some chemical got on it? I feared failure and hate walking without it being planned. Never seen a hose break down like that.

Thanks all - this site is a great resource.

I went with the Magnacor 7mm wires at the beginning of the summer and have not regretted it. They have performed well and are substantially less than OEM wires at $42 for the set. Check out their web site http://www.magnecor.com/

I've used the Magnecor wires for ~15 years on various cars, and never had an issue, nor have I ever had to replace a set. On the other hand, I fell for the spiel (7 or 8 years ag) about having to use OEM wires with the Bosch L-Jet system, and have had to replace them. So, I'm sticking with Magnecor on any car that they can fit.

FWIW, I once bought a set of IAP's blue silicone wires (~$25 or 30 IIRC) for my early Spica Spider, and had misfiring problems in less than a year. Total junk, as are many things they sell.

bsn

Bosch claims you have to use the wires with the resistors because of the possibility of interference with the fuel injection. I don't buy it and most other people don't either. The $30 set will work fine.

VELOCEMAG said:

Bosch claims you have to use the wires with the resistors because of the possibility of interference with the fuel injection. I don't buy it and most other people don't either. The $30 set will work fine.

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In our testing at Centerline, we have found that on the Bosch-injected Spiders, you are correct the wires with the resistors are not necessary and resistance type (or "regular") wires will work fine. This is because on the 4-cylinder, the wires are *relatively* close in length.

On the V6 cars the lengths of the individual wires vary greatly, and for those cars the OEM wires really are better than resistance wires.

Joe

rgsspider said:

I went with the Magnacor 7mm wires at the beginning of the summer and have not regretted it. They have performed well and are substantially less than OEM wires at $42 for the set. Check out their web site http://www.magnecor.com/

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Magnacor are premium quality wires without a doubt. I use them in my DD.

Ditto the comments on Magnecore.

Magnecor KV85 deliver a strong spark on my Spica spider. I think they cost ~ $60. It was surprising that the usual suspects don't carry them. I just searched under Magnecor Alfa. Good luck.