| Author | Message | ||
| James Christian (Jimc)
New member Username: Jimc Post Number: 25 Registered: 7-2002 |
The Cavis wire is actually not too expensive. The trick is to remove the old wires from the red jackets, (at least for my 328), and clean them up with spray silicon for reuse. Before installing the new ends, push in a small piece of stainless steel aircraft style safety wire in about 3/4 of an inch down the center, between the conductor and the black silicone insulation. Then, fold the wire over the ouside of the insulation and clip so that it's about 1/4 of an inch long. Now, when you crimp on the new ends, they will not only penetrate into the conductor, but you will crip them on over this piece of wire. This will make an excellent connection on each end. Slide the red jacket over the wire and then add the new end to the opposite end of the wire.  | ||
| Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
Member Username: Caribe Post Number: 413 Registered: 2-2001 |
Billy, I bought 10 ft of Cavis wire to replace the plug and ignition wires when I did my major service and as I recall they charged me about $8.00/ft. Call other dealers as they sell does in bulk. | ||
| Bill V. (Doc)
Junior Member Username: Doc Post Number: 127 Registered: 9-2001 |
John--I too have been told by a very reputable Ferrari mechanic that the 308QV and 328 coils are exceptionally reliable. However, the ignition wires seem to break down with regularly for , God only knows, what reason. I recently purchased my '85 308 and , after 2 weeks, had failures of a coil wire and pick up sensor. In reviewing the documentation I got with the car, both coil wires were problematic before( both replaced within the last 3,000 miles). It absolutely astounds me how / why a car in this class can't come with decent wires. I've heard mixed messages about using aftermarket items , such as Accel, and as soon as I get a straight, confirmable answer from someone , I need to change my wires asap ( as per the Ferrari dealer's recommendation--the same one who charged me $78.50 for a stinking 18" piece of coil wire!). Any thoughts/ experiences out there re: aftermaket, metal-cored, ignition wires? | ||
| John A (Jarends)
Junior Member Username: Jarends Post Number: 152 Registered: 7-2001 |
Thanks James, we'll take a look. John | ||
| James Christian (Jimc)
New member Username: Jimc Post Number: 23 Registered: 7-2002 |
On a more serious note, the plug wires in the 328's are well known to "carbonize!" This happened to my car at about 20k. I rebuilt the wires using Cavis wires and new ends as it was much cheaper than new. At the 30K, I will probably replace the set with factory new. So, given my experience with other cars, this may be the reason why some would be replacing the coils. My suggestion? Keep your wires in good shape! | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 828 Registered: 4-2002 |
dont forget the tubi exhaust as it will make you go faster for the "early bird specials" your buddy me | ||
| John A (Jarends)
Junior Member Username: Jarends Post Number: 151 Registered: 7-2001 |
Thanks buddy, Linda has the wheelchair (painted red with the Scuderia shields (stick on not the mounted one)I'll make the engine sounds. yes and hearing aid at the ready. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 827 Registered: 4-2002 |
john maybe you are hearing things at your age, that big one is coming up soon  bruce | ||
| John A (Jarends)
Junior Member Username: Jarends Post Number: 150 Registered: 7-2001 |
Thanks for your input, I wonder what the heck he was talking about. If I hear different, I'll post it. John | ||
| Kurt Kjelgaard (Kurtk328)
Junior Member Username: Kurtk328 Post Number: 124 Registered: 3-2001 |
I agree with Edward - coils are quite reliable | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1879 Registered: 2-2001 |
If you carry every potential failure item on a Ferrari as a spare you better get a U-Haul trailer. I have not heard of any pattern failures of coils on a 328 however. | ||
| John A (Jarends)
Junior Member Username: Jarends Post Number: 146 Registered: 7-2001 |
At the New Hope auto show, someone told me that I should be carrying two spare coils as the 328 coils are known to fail often, shutting down the engine. Any experience with this. John |