Ignition wires - which Accel model to buy as doner set?

eurocarrera · 05-19-2004, 02:38 PM

I did the night time spark plug wire test: Ran the car in the dark and checked for arching. Well, I must have found at least 6-8 places where the wires were setting off little sparks right on top of the fan housing - looks like it's time for a new set. Surprisingly, the car is running great. This is a 1985 Carrera.

Based on previous comments, it looks like it is best to keep the Beru connectors, as they fit the best, and they usually never go bad. Additionally, you can simply unscrew them and then screw them into a new set of wires which ar 7MM.

My question is do I have HEI or non-HEI connectors on the distributor cap (can't find any info on this), and does anyone have experience with Accel or MSD pre-made wire kits for Chevy's or other V-8 engines. As people have mentioned, that would be a great place to start.

I was thinking of going with the 7MM wires for sure, but then before screwing on the Beru ends, placing some of the extra shielding that some manufacturers have been offering, from the plug end to the first location where the wire connects to the wire guides.

If an inexpensive set doesn't work out, it will probably be Magnacor's for me. But after reading about John Walker (and others) adventures, it sounds like a basic task as long as the distributor end is already pre-connected to the wire.

Irony at it's finest = Calling Carlsen Porsche in Redwood City, CA., for a laugh. $353.23 for the left side, and $344.60 for the right side - OUCH - my rear hurts just thinking about that!!!

eurocarrera · 05-19-2004, 02:44 PM

Another question, on the pictures on the Pelican web site, it shows that the stock wires had straight connectors going into the distributor cap, whereas I have 90 degree wires going into my distributor cap. I assume they are stock since they are using the Beru connectors, and surprisingly they have held up since 1985 - Wow.

eurocarrera · 05-19-2004, 04:55 PM

bump1

Wil Ferch · 05-20-2004, 05:08 AM

I personally would rethink the BERU connectors...they have been reported to be junk with regard to moisture tolerance. Many 3.2's report bad running after a rain or car wash....usually fixed with the superior Magnacor units that have better moisture resistance. Ask John Walker as one data point...
--Wil

raceman · 05-20-2004, 07:32 AM

the best source l`ve ever found is Kingsbourne..l think they`re located in San Diego.Fanatastic quailty,custom fit,number labeled these wires are simply the best l`ve seen.l paid $35.00 for a V8 set,arrived within a week and were made to order,they all are.Bulk wiring available in several sizes,7,8,9,10mm as well as several colors.Really,check these guys out

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Stock distributors have non-HEI connectors, to answer your question.

eurocarrera · 05-20-2004, 09:35 AM

Raceman, I did see their web site. It looked like they also offered wire covers for the area near the top of the heads (extra heat shielding).

Will, I was actually thinking of buying a used set of Beru wires and connectors for cheap from Parts Heaven (they are a few miles from my work), and making up a spare set since this is my daily driver. I have just heard that the Beru's seem to last forever, and the connection is very good (a good snap). However, $35 is a small price to pay, just to check out whether the idea works or not. I could probably sell the Beru connectors on eBay for what I paid for them if they didn't work out. BTW, that is the first I have heard about the Beru connectors not working when they get wet. I have never had any problems, but you are right, it looks like the Magnecors have a better fit for the spark plug end.