Aftermarket ignition wires installed, PIA, next time back to OEM!

[movin]

Just installed new Clewett ignition wires on my '87, what a PITA. To begin with you have to relocate the AC compressor out of the way by un-bolting it from its base and moving it on top of the intake manifold. Next salvage all the plastic separators/standoffs from the old wire set and then drill out the holes to 5/16 " to 11/32". Next try to remember or figure out where these separators should go with the new wires. Referring to the old wire set may help. Next task is installing plastic corrugated sheathing over the wires where they may contact or rub on something. Note, I ordered red wires thinking they would look cool. Wrong, after so much handling during the trial/error determining for routing they get somewhat soiled. Additionally, since you have to provide sheathing in some areas, I used black, the red sort of disappears. May as well have used black! After this tedious experience, if I have to do it again I'll pay the additional $150 or so and go with BERU OEM wires, a simple swap.

[jwetering]

That sounds frustrating.

I went with Magnecors - 8 mm I think, they were blue anyway. Installation was easy, and they look great. Mind you...I'm running carburetors and my a/c is long gone so there were no fitment issues. Then again, wouldn't installing a set of stock wires still require moving the a/c, and wouldn't they also require protection?

Anyway - I wouldn't *not* recommend Magnecors. They're nicely constructed. FWIW

[stlrj]

First of all, you don't need the wire separators on Clewett ignition wires. They're only needed for the problematic Beru wires that have a tendancy to short out too easily.


Joe

[RoninLB]

I use 8.5 red Magnecores. The color is perfect with a Ruby Red shroud.

I want to post some pics of my wire seperators w/RSR "spark plug wire hold down", SmartRacing, pn 926701 on another wire seperator thread form a few of days ago but haven't done it yet.

meanwhile long runs of bunded wires should definately be avoided If a bundle has one wire firing after the other. It's an induction issue. We don't. Fire jumps from one side to the other. 162435

the other serious bundle issue is crossfire with beat wires.

I carried a spare Beru plug connector in days of old. There are 2 different attachment designs which don't quickly substitute.

[stlrj]

"meanwhile long runs of bunded wires should definately be avoided If a bundle has one wire firing after the other. It's an induction issue."
-Ronin LB-

Nonsense. GM, Ford and Chrysler bundle and their engineers don't seem to have a problem with it.

When I have the time I will post a picture of my 95 Chrysler Concorde 3.5 ignition cable bundle that will amaze you.

Joe

[ZOA NOM]

Just installed new Clewett ignition wires on my '87

See this thread ASAP.

Then check out kingsborne.com.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by stlrj

"meanwhile long runs of bunded wires should definately be avoided If a bundle has one wire firing after the other. It's an induction issue."
-Ronin LB-

Nonsense. GM, Ford and Chrysler bundle and their engineers don't seem to have a problem with it.

I haven't been able to find your update.

I searched a Clinton Ford manual and a Chrysler workshop manual. At least the Chrysler said to clean the wires. The Ford didn't even say that. Most of the Chevy racing engine build books I have don't even mention ignition wires except Smokey Yunick's Smokey says to use spiral wires and seperate them at least .5" and use non grounded holders. But Smokey's info is old and yours is new. Waddell Wilson's racing engine build book covers Ford, Chevy, and Ford and he doesn't even mention wires. Meanwhile I caught a conflict with Waddell and an aircraft ignition guru concerning detonation damage.

So if you can help me on your new info that would be great. The texts I used for my info should be updated.

Unless you use Detroit mfg for your model of a high performance ignition? I don't think so because you must be absolutely informed to diagnoise "nonsense" when you read it.

Thx in advance.

[Gogar]

I installed Clewetts and although I agree about RED, They weren't too difficult. But I don't have AC.

I ordered some Magnacore "wire seperators" and they worked fine, as opposed to trying to get the ones off of my OEM wires.