Need plug wire recommendation...

[Lucky]

I think it's time to replace my 16 year old plug wires... what's the best set for the $$$? For my '86 Carrera.

[greensc]

I don't have an answer, but a closely related question:

Is it important to stick with SSS (Stainless-Steel Shielded) plug wires, or do good quality core wires work fine?

What does everyone think?

[juanbenae]

magnicor, you are about to hear it over and over

[pwd72s]

Here's a link to one of many plug wire threads here...if you click on the search icon at the top of the page, you'll find more...
Spark Plug Wires

[buttjoint]

Call pelican and ask them. They will tell you OEM

[Lucky]

I looked through the old threads on the 911 and 944 boards, and don't see much quality information other than: 1) OEM are just fine (but expensive), and 2) Magnacore are a good value but leave a little to be desired in terms of the quality of plug end connectors (i.e., they are fragile, don't seal well to the valve cover openings, and are soft which makes them hard to snap onto the plugs).

One other recommendation I found was Kingsborne. They use genuine Beru connectors. Has anyone bought a set from them? Were they as good as they look on their site? How about price -- how did that compare to OEM?

Thanks!

[Argo]

Using Magnecor 8.5's and I'm all smiles....

Argo
88 Targa

[Joe911]

Just put a set of Magnacor wires on my 1984 - very high quality - improved off idle throttle response. I opened up the wire holders with a drill - took about 2 hours total.

[ChrisL]

John,

Last year I replaced the plug wires (with a set from Pelican) on my '86 Carrera. They're expensive, no doubt, and don't come with standoffs. I reused my old ones -- if you're careful you can unclip them and snap them on the new wires. Also, there is some rubber tubing that covers the wires as they pass over the fan shroud which the new ones didn't have. I used windshield washer hose, split down the middle, to wrap around the plug wires in that area. New wires seemed to make the car run more smoothly, so I think they're a good investment.

Chris.

[IROC]

Another vote for Magnecors. You get what you pay for.

Mike

[Rot 911]

Magnecore

[JackT]

If you are not increasing the current through the wires from stock, OEM are great, and look good too. If you are putting a MSN or similar ignition system, I would use a larger diameter wire. There are many to choose from.

[carreradpt]

Magnacors as well. I installed them a few months ago. Good quality, easy to install, good fit blah, blah blah. And good price. Drilled out the wire holders ever so slightly. As you can see they are spelled many different ways depending on where you live.

[Lucky]

... but that's a lot of votes for Magnecor. There, I finally got the spelling right!

Anyone with Kingsborne's?

I'm gonna call Kingsborne and price 'em out. I'll post what I learn.

[Superman]

I think, like George Bailey, that I'm the richest man in town. On the other hand, the Potters have more money than I have so I like to be, ahem, resourceful. And besides, I like to fix things. I've found that screw tips are a dollar each, and good 7mm wire is no more than a dollar a foot. As long as the connectors (ends) are good, I can replace my wires for about $20.

[Wil Ferch]

In contrast to one poster ( here) I believe the Magnacors to be superior to OEM ( Beru) connectors...just the opposite of what was said. However, the Magnacor are 8.5 mm diamter where the OEM are 7, and some had to bore out the connectors. Makes for a tight fit on the distributor cap too. I think they make 7mm also ( anyone confirm?) and that would be the ticket in my book.
--Wil Ferch

[sammyg2]

I installed the magnecors last year, very happy with them, if I had to do it again I would stick get magnecors over OEM.

[marcesq]

Originally posted by Superman
I think, like George Bailey, that I'm the richest man in town. On the other hand, the Potters have more money than I have so I like to be, ahem, resourceful. And besides, I like to fix things. I've found that screw tips are a dollar each, and good 7mm wire is no more than a dollar a foot. As long as the connectors (ends) are good, I can replace my wires for about $20.

Ok I give up where can I find 7mm wire for $1/foot. One resourceful person to another.

[kstylianos]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
In contrast to one poster ( here) I believe the Magnacors to be superior to OEM ( Beru) connectors...just the opposite of what was said. However, the Magnacor are 8.5 mm diamter where the OEM are 7, and some had to bore out the connectors. Makes for a tight fit on the distributor cap too. I think they make 7mm also ( anyone confirm?) and that would be the ticket in my book.
--Wil Ferch

Magnecore Blue (Electrosport) = 8mm
Magnecore Red (Competition) = 8.5mm

[Lucky]

Here's what Kingsborne says about their wire sets and prices.

Welcome to Kingsborne....where the finest Custom Ignition Wire Sets are manufactured and sold every day. Kingsbornes performance wire withstands 650 deg.F. and are made from100% SILICONE giving our wire a very long trouble free life. Every wire is cut to exact lengths and is factory terminated. Kingsborne wire sets are made with SILICONE HEAVY DUTY distributor,coil, and spark plug boots. Custom made performance wires are designed to fit each vehicle perfectly.To enhance the appearance of your engine compartment Kingsborne sets are available in the following colors : black, blue, red, and yellow .

SET NO. 09-744.......FITS PORCHE 911 CARRERA 1986 3.2 LITER.

ANY COLOR ( BLACK, BLUE, RED, YELLOW ).......PRICE $ 246.29.

FREE UPS FREIGHT.

From their web site descriptions, it looks like they use the same wire stock as Magnecor. Connectors are Beru, however. As an OEM alternative, these look like good sets but they cost the same as OEM.

I think I'll give Magnecor a try.