MSD and ignition wires

T77911S · 10-07-2008, 04:13 AM

i have heard that the beru wires do not work with the MSD box. this is my current setup. what kind of problems will this cause?

JK-81SC · 10-07-2008, 08:52 AM

I read the same thing from the MSD installation instructions. I just installed an MSD and I'm still running with the stock Beru wires, no problem. I am currently running at the stock spark plug gap.

The warning is due to the increased electrical noise from the MSD system. If you have an amplified stereo you may hear the electrical noise. The Beru wires may not be able to handle a larger spark plug gap as well.

I will install Magnecor wires this winter, and increase the gap to .040 - .045". The manual says you can go up to a maximium of .060", but most people don't go to such a large gap.

I'm happy with the MSD so far. The car starts up easier due to the mutiple sparks at low rpms.

T77911S · 10-07-2008, 09:28 AM

i dont listen to the stereo so thats not an issue. my beru's are only about 5 years old, i too was thinking of going to the magnecore but i need to sell my beru's. so far im happy with the MSD. i have run a gap of .060 and could not tell a difference. the reason i ask about the wires is that i do have some hi RPM issues. 1, i get a miss at 4200. this could be due to the 914 rev-limiter rotor i am using. 2, i get some spark knock. dizzy has been rebuilt, proper mixture, new WUR, new injector seals, intake runner seals along with other CIS rubber. i just retarded the timing about 5 deg and still spark knock.

SCrescue · SCrescue's Garage

Just out of curiosity, what plugs are you guys running with the MSD?

Mike...

jtfreels · 10-07-2008, 09:44 AM

An appropriate thread for me, thanks guys. Going to install an MSD this evening using my stock wires.
Regarding spark plug gap, I'm currently using NGK copper and a .040 gap.

Jay

T77911S · 10-07-2008, 10:09 AM

I was using bosch W7's but i think they are too hot. i have been using a used set of W4's, much colder, without any problems. i was planning on going to W5's which is what i think porsche recomends for my car but i am going with the NGK's this time. BPR7's which = bosch W5

JK-81SC · 10-07-2008, 10:53 AM

If you are running .060" with the Beru wires, the miss may be due to the wires. The stock Beru wires can't run a large gap like the Magnecor's. The Beru's may be allowing the higher energy spark from the MSD to "leak" out of the wire, shorting to ground somewhere. Run the engine after dark , and see if you see any arcing along the spark plug wires.

T77911S · 10-07-2008, 10:56 AM

its back .045

JK-81SC · 10-07-2008, 11:01 AM

Hmm, the only other thing I can think of is a plug wire not seated correctly. Double check all of the connections to make sure they are fully seated.

Otherwise I would change out the rev limiting rotor. I have heard of those going bad and causing problems.

Anyone else have any other ideas for the miss at 4200 rpm?

JK-81SC · 10-07-2008, 11:27 AM

One last comment. You may want to check for the miss with the plugs set at .028", if the rotor
checks out ok. The .045" gap may be too big for the Beru wires, but someone else may want to voice an opinion on this. I'm not sure what's the largest gap you can run with stock wires.

RoninLB · 10-07-2008, 01:22 PM

Beru wires can have mysterious misses, when cold, only when hot, only at higher rpms.

I'm not saying your Beru's are no good, I'm only saying Beru wires suck.

stlrj · 10-07-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T77911S

i have heard that the beru wires do not work with the MSD box. this is my current setup. what kind of problems will this cause?

MSD is a high energy ignition system and the Beru wires are not which means they are not capable of firing plug gaps of more than 0.030" reliably without shorting out.