The braiding was installed in an attempt to address cross-talk between wires via magnetic fields - it has nothing to do with the electrical insulation on the wires. Look up the topic of electromagnetic induction. When I replaced the spark plug wires on my '76 911 I used non-braided Beru wires without issue including RF noise on the radio. I have a pop-off valve installed but as long as the point dwell is correct the car never backfires.

I was thinking about replacing my wires, since they probably are the original.
Non braided wires, along with being cheaper, would also tidy up the engine bay a little. The braiding clutter it up a bit.

Didn't know it actually was so much of an issue - this really tests my memory for about 10 years all the way back to high school... thanks for the info.

still a bit confused
 

So with all the above in mind, and knowing my 83 has pop-off valve installed, I am still trying to determine what wires to order. The Pelican catalog says something like "we think Magnecore are the best around", but then I could swear they said something very similar about the Jacobs'.

I went to the Mangnecore Wires. I forget which size. They are the blue ones. I would recommend them. No problems and runs great.

When I bought my car Steve W. recommended a set of the red Magnecore, had them ever since no issues - I hope they last forever so far running 5 years.

The reds are the 8.5mm right? Someone else mentioned blues... are those the 10mm I have heard about?

my 8.5 red magnacores are great. The plug boot clip isn't as idiot proof as Beru's so a little more patience needed imo. I also "break them in" before install on a spare cap/pulgs & heating up w/a hair dryer for a few days till the boots felt ok.

Ron, can you expand on this a bit for my newbian brain. Why the need for the heat, for sealing or ? If this is something basic, by all means PM me...:rolleyes: :eek: :D

the boots are a little tight when brand new imo. It seemed to me that the dizzy cap boots were in danger of working themselves up and out. I also use dielectric which makes the situation worse on a new tight boot. I broke them in beforehand without dielectric.

ot.. thx for offering a stop over in Tenn on my last ride. It didn't work out, so next time.

I have had the braided wires on my 81 SC for over two years now. I beleive they are more durable than most wires out there, IMHO
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1981 SC Coupe

I have had the braided wires on my 81 SC for over two years now. I beleive they are more durable than most wires out there, IMHO
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1981 SC Coupe

The blues are 8mm. From what I've been told, unless you have a modified ignition system (like MSD), there is no reason to use the 10mm wires.

it may be a consideration re. selecting the wire dia. if you want to use the stock plastic cable management parts - they have to be drilled out a bit for the red (dia. not confirmed) Magnacore I have