MSD and Plug Wires
 

Hello -

I'm going to be installing the MSD unit, tach adapter, and new coil in place of my old defunct Perma Tune. I currently have a brand new set of Beru wires. My question is - do I absolutely have to go with a set of heli-core or spiral-core wires in conjunction with an MSD ignition, or can I install my already purchased Beru set? Thanks in advance for the help.

Hey Leadrsa.....
I put in the MSD with my "old" set of Bosch wires. I say old.....they were in the car for a year. So, you don't need to upgrade from your "new" Beru set.

Thanks Sean, that's really good news! I didn't want to have spend another $150 or so on another new set along with everything else.

But don't expect to take advantage of the high energy available with the larger gap spark plugs that the MSD is capable of delivering.

Solid core Beru's or Bosch wires are only good for stock plug gaps which defeats the purpose of installing the MSD unit.

BTW, what year engine are your dealing with?


Cheers,

Joe

Thanks Joe -

Is there any risk to the MSD unit or engine if I run the stock plug gaps and Beru wires for now? If not could I buy the spiral core wires later, install them, and adjust the plug gaps then? Would the engine timing be different with Beru wires and stock plug gaps Vs. spiral core wires and .05 plug gaps?

Thanks!

Stock plug gaps will not damage anything. You just will not get any of the benefits of the MSD unit unless you are able to open the plug gaps.

If you are lucky, however, you might be able to open the gaps anyway, without the new wires. It might be worth a try.

So are you saying that if I did open the plug gaps, the Beru wires wouldn't be able to generate a spark at the plug?

All I am saying is that you may be lucky and they may work. The problem rises from the fact that Beru wires are not HEI (high energy ignition) rated, but then, neither is your distributor cap or rotor.

To do it right, you need all your ignition components to be HEI rated.

what is your reason for switching to MSD?

if its performance gain, then buy the new wires and coil. I did MSD, blaster coil, and Magnacores, new copper plugs at the same time. This is optimal.

if you have a bad permatune, and are switching to MSD because you dont want permatune... then of course you dont have to do it all.. just realize that you will spend some time installing and getting the wiring sorted out.. with no gain in performance. Might be better to buy a used Bosch off the classifieds that you can rebuild for the same price as a Blaster Coil, MSD, and new wires.

just my .02.