Spark Plug Wires--Again | FerrariChat
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Spark Plug Wires--Again

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Doc, Nov 3, 2004.

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  1. Doc

    Doc Formula Junior

    Sep 13, 2001
    886
    Latham, New York
    Full Name:
    Bill Van Dyne
    #1 Doc, Nov 3, 2004
    I'm considering alternative plug wires for my '85 308 with long, straight boots so as to eliminate the extenders. I know that this topic has been discussed many times before, but I'm concerned about installing a wire which might harm/ interfere with the proper operation of the Digiplex units.

    What specific type of wire is compatible with the Ferrari Digiplex units , or the Cavis wires (are these just carbon cored)? I'd like to hear from someone with a QV who has used alternative wires--what has been your experience with them? What brands are good to use for this application? I'm aware that Taylor, Magnacore, and Accel have been used by other Chatters with carbed 308's. What about these brands for a QV? What type of specific wire should I ask for?

    Thanks for any input.
     
  2. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,273
    MA
    Full Name:
    John
    #2 spider348, Nov 3, 2004
    No experience with a QV but I did use Moroso Magnacore wires successfully for years on my former 308 GTSi. I believe the GTSi uses the same ignition system as the QV, but then I could be wrong. Good luck.
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,856
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #3 FasterIsBetter, Nov 3, 2004
    I have an '84 Mondial QV, essentially the same ignition system. I changed the wires over the Magnacore this past summer. They work great. They use the extenders, so can't comment on the use of wires with "built in" extenders. Based on what little I know so far, it's recommended to keep the extenders.

    You should not use a carbon core only wire. The system is too high energy and will burn them out. You need a wire with a twisted metal core. The Magnacores are very nicely made. The only problem I had was with the boots they supply. The ones I got did not have a vent hole in them which I needed to do to keep them from popping out. Only a very small hole is needed to allow the air pressure in the plug well to equalize when the engine gets hot. Otherwise, they are really great and the engine runs beautifully with them.
     
  4. Matt Morgan, "Kermit"

    Matt Morgan, "Kermit" Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2003
    405
    Ferndale, WA
    #4 Matt Morgan, "Kermit", Nov 3, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    One different idea that I have recently used is actually from the owner of a Mondy that I am going thru. He had purchased MSD's Super Conductor wire set# 31289, which is spiral wound, to supress EMI, or Electro Magntic Interferance, 8.5mm and fits great. Even the boots seal well. he part # is atually for a Chrysler Hemi, so there is plenty of length to custom fit. For the 2 valve motors, I sanded the small ring at the base, and they fit right in. On the 4 valve, they went right in as is. The J-Peg shows the Taylor wires, and the MSD for comparison. I have ran them, and find they work just fine.
    HTH.
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  5. Doc

    Doc Formula Junior

    Sep 13, 2001
    886
    Latham, New York
    Full Name:
    Bill Van Dyne
    #5 Doc, Nov 3, 2004
    Thanks for the input, guys and especially for the pic. Matt , are the boot lengths on the MSD wires adequate for the QV application? Are they easly graspable once installed on the plug?

    Does anyone know what the core of the stock Cavis wire is made of?
     
  6. LarryS

    LarryS Formula Junior

    Nov 14, 2003
    302
    Fremont, CA
    Full Name:
    Larry S
    #6 LarryS, Nov 3, 2004
    I had some open plug wires on my 308qv when I purchased it. I replaced the inner wire with Belden resistor wire from autozone, just the inner wire. Reused the red housing, 90 degree caps and ends, has worked really good for a couple months, not sure about long term, looks like stock on outside, $21.00 total and about 3 hours. I don't believe all the bull about resistor wires having to have exact resistances, just me. Engine and radio seem happy with these wires.
    Larry
     
  7. Matt Morgan, "Kermit"

    Matt Morgan, "Kermit" Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2003
    405
    Ferndale, WA
    #7 Matt Morgan, "Kermit", Nov 4, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I am not familiar with the Cavis enough to talk about the core.
    The J-Peg is of a Hemi spark plug wire on a 4 valve, to answer your question. They have a solid end, includeing the upper part, as they are intended to be pulled by it. While some ignitions are sensitive to wire type, I have to aggree with McGuy. If the motor purrs, and the music dont. enjoy it!
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