Aftermarket HT leads | FerrariChat

Aftermarket HT leads

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by magd1272, Jul 27, 2023.

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  1. magd1272

    magd1272 Rookie

    Mar 1, 2023
    31
    Staffordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Richard
    My 87 TR is misfiring and, long story short, I’ve been told I need a new set of HT leads, two new distributor caps and two new rotor arms. I’m being quoted £620 per bank for the leads, ie £1,240 for 12. Complete sets are available on eurospares for half the price (eurospares approved, but not OEM) and on Ferrari Parts for slightly more (Maranello approved).

    Does anyone have a view on the wisdom of using one of these sets rather than the official Ferrari set?
     
  2. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,424
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    You can buy the wire and terminals and make your own - that's what I did years ago for my TR - as well as for a few other's cars. You will re-use the the spark plug boot and outer sheathing from your original wires. I'd guess the total cost should be less than $200 for everything. Just takes a bit of patience.
     
  3. magd1272

    magd1272 Rookie

    Mar 1, 2023
    31
    Staffordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Richard
    Thanks carguy. You’re absolutely right, but 1) I don’t have the time or skill and 2) one of the reasons I need new leads is that a couple of the boots have broken springs. Also, my TR is currently in the workshop awaiting instruction on which parts to order. Is there realistically any difference between OEM and good aftermarket?
     
  4. pshoejberg

    pshoejberg Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 22, 2007
    1,824
    Denmark
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    Peter H
    I’ve recently bought a set of maranello approved wires for my 512BBi. They are not appearing in same visual quality as the original but have worked flawless for 3000km so far. I’m not even sure if you can buy the original wires anymore unless you find a NOS set and that might not be smart since the wires deteriorate over time.

    Best, Peter
     
  5. pshoejberg

    pshoejberg Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 22, 2007
    1,824
    Denmark
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    Peter H
    Here you have a picture of my old set versus the new Maranello approved set for your info. Different wire type. Slightly less bulky rubber o-rings and slightly less nice looking metal brackets. I transferred the metal brackets from the old set and reused them on the new wires to maintain as much of the original appearance as possible.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  6. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,090
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    I run a Ferrari shop and have been doing this for many ears. I say what gets used on client cars. I am responsible for the job. My reputation rides on the quality of the work that gets done. Sorry to say I just cannot have any professional respect for a shop that is happy to use whatever you decide to supply.
    At this point I am far less confident in them than in the part selection.
     
  7. magd1272

    magd1272 Rookie

    Mar 1, 2023
    31
    Staffordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Richard
    To be fair to them, they’ve quoted for the use of OEM parts and said clearly that’s what they recommend. I’ve just raised the question with them (and on here) of whether there is really any difference between an OEM set of leads costing £1,200 (which seems excessive) and a Maranello-approved set costing less than half the price which is being sold by a known and reputable Ferrari parts supplier.
     
  8. magd1272

    magd1272 Rookie

    Mar 1, 2023
    31
    Staffordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Richard
    Thanks everyone for your replies and images. Much appreciated. I had a long chat with the tech, who basically said that there are some areas where fitting aftermarket parts doesn’t matter too much, but the leads need to be OEM to ensure correct resistance. I trust him and have decided to take his advice, much to my wallet’s pain!
     

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