Choice of Best Spark Plug Wires

M491Cabriolet · 02-10-2009, 03:50 AM

Hi. I have a 1972 2.4 liter 911T and a 1989 3.2 Carrera. My mechanic tells me I need to replace my spark plug wires on the 911T. He told me I should get Beru and not Bosch wires for some reason. Does anyone know which are the best tested and proven spark plug wires for a 1972 2.4 liter 911? Thanks.

While I am at it, I'd like to ask the same question for the 3.2 liter Carrera. Thanks!

sc_rufctr · 02-10-2009, 06:05 AM

Good question. I wouldn't mind knowing as well.

Are the Magnacore wires as good???

moneymanager · 02-10-2009, 06:13 AM

Most people seem to think Magnecores are a superior product. At least one highly knowledgeable member of this list considers Nology wires to be junk. As to Bosch and Beru, the factory used them, though I've heard expressions of concern about Bosch quality control in recent years. FWIW.

85carrera · 02-10-2009, 06:47 AM

and is there a way i can test my wires on my 85 targa? they've been on there for who knows how long.

back in my big block days, i could tell if the plug wires were arching/missing and then it was time to replace.

David · David's Garage

I'm happy with my Clewett wires and they're cheaper than the Magnacores

85carrera · 02-10-2009, 07:01 AM

how much is "cheaper"?

moneymanager · 02-10-2009, 07:06 AM

Wires can be checked by measuring resistance end to end, moving them vigorously while the meter is attached to reveal any breaks. Resistance should be very low.

David · David's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85carrera

how much is "cheaper"?

http://www.clewett.com/

stlrj · 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moneymanager

Wires can be checked by measuring resistance end to end, moving them vigorously while the meter is attached to reveal any breaks. Resistance should be very low.

But resistance tells you nothing about the dielectric strength of the insulation that would prevent arcing or shorting to ground or how much voltage it is capable of transmitting before breaking down.

A simple, more effective test I like to use is simply spraying some windex on the wires at idle and see if it starts to miss.

Any wires that can't pass that test are junk no matter how new they look or how much you may have paid for them.

Cheers,

Joe
74 w/ 86 3.2 conversion

cdrik915 · cdrik915's Garage

Magnecor wire set and totally satisfied for the moment.

85carrera · 02-10-2009, 08:29 AM

anyone cut their own wires? I've done it before for my dodge. 9mm wires. easy as cake.

It just seems that the wire prices for the 3.2 motronic are ridiculously overpriced. it would be so much cheaper to cut your own wires....

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

magnecor here and happy

stlrj · 02-10-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85carrera

anyone cut their own wires? I've done it before for my dodge. 9mm wires. easy as cake.

It just seems that the wire prices for the 3.2 motronic are ridiculously overpriced. it would be so much cheaper to cut your own wires....

How about borrowing some from another car:

Chrysler LH ignition wires on my 86 3.2

Here's my 86 3.2 with a Jeep Cherokee distributor cap/rotor :

This conversion allows the use of conventional HEI ignition wires without the need of modifying the cap connectors or boots to fit a Beru cap.

Joe

Jeep Cherokee cap and Chrysler HEI ignition cables-extreme wet performance

With the stock cap-not waterproof like above example.

Hard to beat OEM Chrysler ignition wires for extreme wet performance.

Cheers,

Joe

carrera turbo · 02-10-2009, 08:41 AM

whats wrong with nology's i have run a few sets of them and not had any problems?

ed

carrera turbo · 02-10-2009, 08:48 AM

stlrj

what holds all the stuff together is that velcro and zip ties? how long have you ran this setup. that is very ingenious of you. but do you have to custom make your tune up kits if you have a problem on the side of the road?

just curious would like to here more.

ed

David E. Clark · 02-10-2009, 08:57 AM

I have a 1973 911E and have had Jacobs "Energy Core" wires (no longer available from our host) and Magnecor wires on mine. The Jacobs were just OK. They were VERY hard to remove from the plugs for tuning up and just as hard to get back on properly. Even after you got them on the plugs, the fit was just OK. If you managed to get them seated correctly they performed fine. The Magnacors on the other hand are terriffic. The fit is fabulous as is the quality of construction. I've not had a single problem with them for the last two years. Two thumbs way up for the Magnacors. I'd only recommend Jacobs if you can't find or afford the maganacors.

sailchef · sailchef's Garage

I use the clewett wires. I don't race my SC, strictly street. Had them for 5+ years no problems.

M491Cabriolet · 09:32 AM

How about Beru and Bosch? Do early cars require different wires? I inferred from my mechanic, possibly incorrectly, that they do (or might).

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

I have Bosch on my `87 for the last 5 years and they have been great. They are much less expensive than Beru. Do a search-there are tons of posts (and opinions) about different wires.

rothaus · 02-10-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlrj

How about borrowing some from another car:

Chrysler LH ignition wires on my 86 3.2

Here's my 86 3.2 with a Jeep Cherokee distributor cap/rotor :

This conversion allows the use of conventional HEI ignition wires without the need of modifying the cap connectors or boots to fit a Beru cap.

Joe

Jeep Cherokee cap and Chrysler HEI ignition cables-extreme wet performance

With the stock cap-not waterproof like above example.

Hard to beat OEM Chrysler ignition wires for extreme wet performance.

Cheers,

Joe

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