You've got me scared.. plug wire replacement | FerrariChat
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You've got me scared.. plug wire replacement

Discussion in '308/328' started by Saabguy, Sep 15, 2012.

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  1. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3

    Mar 28, 2012
    1,785
    Shreveport, LA
    #1 Saabguy, Sep 15, 2012
    HI all,

    so after reading countless threads on replacing plug wires it occurred to me that as long as I was going to replace the plugs the wires should go in as well. But every thread speaks to things going all pear-shaped afterword.

    Now, this isn't my first rodeo, I've replaced the wires on race cars for decades, I've replaced the wires on the E-Type with Magnecor wires. But none of them had silicone covers.

    So, other than send them to Dave, what recommendations or pitfalls to avoid come to mind?

    Thanks,

    Lester

    .. and no, I FULLY recognize that Dave is the ultimate answer but I've got to give this a shot to keep my "man card"
     
  2. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    May 1, 2005
    4,004
    #2 PT 328, Sep 15, 2012
    I purchased just the wire from Dave and rebuilt my wires myself, no issues.
     
  3. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,107
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    Snike Fingersmith
    #3 GrigioGuy, Sep 15, 2012
    I simply put new wire inside the existing cover, new ends, new plug extenders, done. I think I used 7mm and lubed the hell out of them, but it's been a while. I used some sort of wire-on-a-spool from the local auto parts place, no issues in several years.
     
  4. cmt6891

    cmt6891 Formula 3

    Feb 25, 2008
    1,337
    Encino, Ca
    Full Name:
    Carl T
    #4 cmt6891, Sep 15, 2012
    Ditto on buying the wire from Dave. I would add to lightly sand, 600 grit, the distributor cap screw and fitting before screwing down the new wire. Replace extenders as well.
     
  5. Tostapchuk

    Tostapchuk Formula Junior

    Aug 19, 2004
    278
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    TJO
    #5 Tostapchuk, Sep 15, 2012
    Don't be scared. They're only plug wires.
     
  6. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
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    Marin
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    Geno
    #6 Sledge4.2, Sep 15, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    1) buy set taylor spirocore wires
    2) buy new extenders
    3) remove grey ends of spirocore with exacto
    4) refit wires on boot ends using dialetric grease
    5) measure and cut wire set using old wires as template
    6) clean, wire brush dist terminals, check carbon cap for wear and spring return
    7) strip small bit of end of wire and double back the inner element on itself so the set screw has two chances to pierce the element
    8) jam the end in the dist cap, using dialectric grease, and remove a little of the plastic sheathing to get in the hole, dont overtighten set screw
    9) test resistance from cap terminal ends to extender, wiggling each end to ensure solid connection
    10) install wires and go man go
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  7. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3

    Mar 28, 2012
    1,785
    Shreveport, LA
    #7 Saabguy, Sep 15, 2012
    Sledge,

    that was one of the numerous threads I read. I'm partial to Magnecor wires although there may be no functional difference between brands. I went with the pre-cut kit for no reason other than I didn't want to mis-measure, order, then be in trouble when I needed to get it done. Spending a few additional bucks won't make a difference over the next 20 years or so.

    My only real concern is removing the silicone covers and re-using them. Yes, I know that Magnecor offers new material if I need it but I hope to keep the original "patina".




    HAHAHAHAHAHHAAAA... sorry, I couldn't keep a straight face.. with the patina remark.. I actually think that mine are in good enough shape to re-use.

    Lester
     
  8. Matto

    Matto Formula 3

    Dec 26, 2011
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    Mooresville, NC USA
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    Matthew
    #8 Matto, Sep 15, 2012
    +1 apply common sense and care....you'll be ok.
     
  9. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,058
    Savannah
    #9 thecarreaper, Sep 15, 2012
    Ive done like 6 sets with the 8 308s ive had. It aint hard guys. Do it on the couch while watching a movie. :) Hot soapy water helps to slide off the boots and red silicone covers, gets them clean too.
     
  10. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,379
    Houston, Texas
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    Bubba
    #10 BigTex, Sep 17, 2012

    You can buy the OEM sets, they come separate for each side, at about $415 each.

    Jus' sayin'........ReOriginals stocks them.

    j/k
     
  11. lostbowl

    lostbowl Formula 3

    Apr 30, 2009
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    Tom
    #11 lostbowl, Sep 17, 2012
    "man card" right on ! Lost
     

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