New to 911, plug wire question

sch2046 · 02-15-2020, 11:34 AM

I just purchased a 1980 sc, I wanted to give it a tune up, but the price of plug wires is all over the place, and what is then difference between an 8 and 8.5, besides .5???
Is there that big of a difference between brands and which brand do you guys recommend?

walt · walt's Garage

went with Magnecor 8.5 blue years ago and never had an issue. Quality ends, highly recommended.

sch2046 · 02-15-2020, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walt

went with Magnecor 8.5 blue years ago and never had an issue. Quality ends, highly recommended.

Thank you! New to this air cooled thing.

MBAtarga · 02-15-2020, 06:05 PM

I ordered the Beru wire set to replace the 37 YO original wires on my SC. However, some have questioned the quality of the actual connectors lately. YMMV.

manbridge 74 · 02-15-2020, 06:55 PM

Original wires from 1980 are likely just fine if they pass the normal tests. The ends are the main issue as the wires themselves are solid copper core. They don’t breakdown like the carbon core wires most people are used to.

Bill Douglas · 02-15-2020, 07:11 PM

Get a multi meter and test the resistance of each one. Mine are old and excellent.

I think one was off so I unscrewed it from the cap and snipped 5mm or 10mm from the end and reconnected it. Works fine.

AG81 · AG81's Garage

I recently did a new set of Beru . There have been some negative comments about Beru quality but so far I am happy..........

stlrj · 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

Original wires from 1980 are likely just fine if they pass the normal tests. The ends are the main issue as the wires themselves are solid copper core. They don’t breakdown like the carbon core wires most people are used to.

But the stranded copper core does corrode where it connects to plug connector with the slightest hint of moisture causing a misfire that will drive you nuts. I still prefer carbon core cables that are impervious to corrosion due to moisture.

manbridge 74 · 02-16-2020, 11:56 AM

Yes, they can corrode but I am used to the super dry climate here so I don’t give it much thought.
Good point.

Bill Douglas · 02-19-2020, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlrj

But the stranded copper core does corrode where it connects to plug connector

Yep, but like I mentioned earlier, snip 5mm or 10mm off the end and reconnect it and the problem's gone.

Instead of replacing, measure the ohms from distributor cap to where the spark plug connects. they should all be much the same.