Need new ignition wires - which kind?

movin · 01-13-2004, 07:20 AM

My '87 is due for a new set of wires with 125,000mi. What is the best way to go, Magnacor or OEM? From what I've read the Magnacor wires are more difficult (PITA) to install requiring some mod's. Some folks out there prefer the OEM Beru type and I tend to support that idea. The OEM wire is a braided copper core, insulated with a tough hide, much tougher than the soft insulation found on Magnacor. Seems that the main objection is to the Beru connectors, they contain a resistor that does fail in time, but I don't mind replacing the whole set.
One more, in the OEM application, why can't we use a non-resistor sparkplug since the connector already has a resistor? The non-resistor wires don't seem to be an issue so why would a non-resistor sparkplug be?
Lastly, I think the '84 wire routing is the best and easiest to do, below the manifold, avoiding diving below the AC mount where access is a PITA and possible chaffing. What do you think?

Rot 911 · 01-13-2004, 07:57 AM

I went with Magnecor on my '86. Installation is not anymore difficult than stock wires other than having to drill out the wire holders a bit. That added about 20 minutes to the installation. There was a thread on here where someone posted the exact size drill bit to use.

BGCarrera32 · 01-13-2004, 08:04 AM

OEM Beru...I tried Magnecors once and was able to shake the connectors right off the dizzy cap shaking the wires 6" away...

I don't doubt their wires per say or the cool color, but I thought the connectors were not so good.

Zeke · 01-13-2004, 08:04 AM

Sounds like you've done most of the decision mnaking process already. The cost between the two is negligable, so that factor is moot. FWIW, I like the fatter, colored wires.They're not a PITA as you say. And the braided shielding is not paramount, Magnacores do fine. Shielding stops spark jump, but you can depend on any 8mm spiral core to effectively shield the spark. So, it comes down to the connector.

ubiquity0 · 01-13-2004, 08:33 AM

I just installed Magnecors yesterday. It took all of 30 minutes- very easy. I haven't secured the wires with modified guides yet (the way they're routed means they're not going anywhere). What type of guides are people using to drill out- my 82SC guides are old & brittle & not worth reusing.
thanks

GrindingGears · 01-13-2004, 08:34 AM

magnecors...

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

There is quite a price difference on the '87 wires.
I paid a little more than $100 for the Magnecores which work great and do not fall off the distributor cap - very snug. The OEM's were almost
$ 300.

ubiquity0 · 01-13-2004, 09:03 AM

Its harder to get a positive engagement on the distributor cap w/ magnecors. You need to wiggle them around a bit sometimes. I think this releases the air trapped under the rubber boot.

KTL · 01-13-2004, 09:04 AM

Factory must have had a reason for changing the wire routing after 84. Don't know what the reason is, just blurting out a rather obvious statement. Just ditch the A/C system and then you no longer have to worry about the hassle of it being in the way.

Magnecors are not a big deal to install. Just the widening of the wire looms. If you don't want to do that, Magnecor offers a 7mm wire set instead of going with the "Competition 8.5mm" bad boy wires. Not poking fun at those who have them. I have 'em too.

The reason BG had a problem with the connectors popping off the dist. cap is because the rubber boot is an air tight fit. As you push the boot onto the cap, the air trapped beneath the boot gets compressed and builds up pressure. What you need to do is push the boot on until it clicks and then peel back an edge of the boot to release the air. I kid you not.

When you peel back the boot, you'll hear it hiss and let the air out!

Also, you don't necessarily have to replace the whole wire system. The cool thing about the Beru factory wires is that the wire itself is screwed into the connector at each end. Therefore, all you really need to do if your connectors are all good (check them with an ohmmeter to be sure- I believe the spark plug connectors should be 5K ohm) is get new threaded, crimp-on terminals for whatever bulk wire (must be 7mm) you choose. Part number is 911 609 310 00 for the terminals. There's also a Mercedes-Benz part number floating around here too.......................

Plug Wire Info Here

Zeke · 01-13-2004, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gr8fl4porsche
There is quite a price difference on the '87 wires.
I paid a little more than $100 for the Magnecores which work great and do not fall off the distributor cap - very snug. The OEM's were almost
$ 300.

Sorry. I didn't realize the 3.2 wires were so expensive as my experience was with a mid year car and an early car. In those situations, the costs are similar between the shielded and the Magnacors.

BTW, "a little more than $100" is pretty awesome for Magnacores. I never found any for that kind of money. More like $160.

yelcab1 · 01-13-2004, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gr8fl4porsche
There is quite a price difference on the '87 wires.
I paid a little more than $100 for the Magnecores which work great and do not fall off the distributor cap - very snug. The OEM's were almost
$ 300.

I found it for a little less than $100. That was an awsome deal