Spark Plug Wires

The firing order on your car doesn't match the wire order around the cap because of the double-ended distributor rotor, but I'd swear that they made a mistake on how they labeled the 400i schematic, and maybe the cap vendor made it (wrongly) as they were asked.

On the schematics, they show the wire order going around the cap CCW as 1-10-5-7-3-11-6-9-2-12-4-8. Is that what is shown on your cap? If not, please describe.

Assuming that the firing order is really 1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10, and there isn't something uber-complicated about the cap construction, with the double-ended rotor, I would've predicted that the actual wire order CCW would be 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9. Can you please give the actual wire order CCW (going by where the wire goes on the engine, not any labels that my be shown on the wires themselves) -- TIA.

 

Could be; however, if the spark plug wire connected to the dist cap terminal labeled "10" on the schematic went to cyl #12 on the schematic, I'd be more inclined to believe that's what they (knowingly) did -- but it doesn't -- it's shown going to cyl #10.

Thanks for confirming the true wire order (and direction) around the cap (my brain and fingers typed CCW when it should've typed CW) -- with your photo of the dist cap internal construction, it at least confirms that they did get the firing order right in the OMs. Such a shame that they got they wire order wrong on the schematics as there's enough confusion just from the firing order not matching the wire order in this design.

 

I have been watching this tread because I am at this very moment, begnning to snap brand new Taylor wires on to my non- original distributor cap..I was following the schematic. My cap is not numbered, so I started out pulling one wire at a time, but that went south somewhere. Could someone l please give me your diffinitive answer one more time as to the proper placement of the wires, as I got lost on the coulda, woulda, shoulda,theory. My cap is in situ and demands giving up some DNA, and the knowlege of some braile. Thank you ever so much, in advance. Jq.

 

Going around the cap CW, the wire order going to the cylinders should be 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9

 

Thank you Steve. 7 minutes on the return intel. Not to darn shabby...overJq.

 

Greg, it's strange that you post this comment now as I was about to start a new thread on the subject.

I've been contemplating replacing the plug wires on my car simply because at least one is odd when compared to the others so I can't be sure if they're all providing the same quality or strength spark. I have a hesitation when pulling away but I feel this is in the main due to ignition timing and/or carb setup as I also get pops and bangs through the carbs on the drivers (right hand) bank and through the exhaust. That said, the plug wires may also contribute to these problems.

My main question is why did you replace the plug wires - what symptoms (if any) were you encountering ?

 

Thanks Greg, hat's pretty much what i expected you to say.

If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost of the replacement set and what colour are they ? I have seen white replacement lead sets varying in cost from £450 - £725 (which is insane) but have been recommended to Magnecor leads at the less eye watering cost of around £180.

Magnecor leads come in varying construction and diameters, I believe 6,7 and 8mm and each size/type is a different colour. Before ordering I will consult the manufacturer for their recommendation.

Any and all advice re replacement leads is very welcome.

 

Sorry to appear dense but remember I'm the other side of the pond so am unaware who Taylor's or Bob Hendrickson are. Are they connected somehow or does Bob supply Taylor products ?

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

 

I bought mine at JEGS.com....two sets of eight less than $100USD..and you get to choose the type dist. ends..I had been force-fed the black "original" wires by my so-called "Ferrari " specialist at $400USD. They are s..t. period. Some folks will choke on the fact that American-made are better than factory spec. I take great pride in putting the Jegs label face up, just to fly in the face of "purists". Jq.

 

Just remembered the name of the "original" brand of wires. Covis. In my humble opinion..they are the WORST spark plug wires that I personaly ever experienced...but what do I know after 31 cars..over. Jq.

 

1. What parts numbers -- Taylor and Jegs -- did you guys use?
2. Why no love for MSD? I have no use for MSD spark boxes, but I love the big plug boots on their 8.5 mm plug wires.
3. Do you think 8.5 mm wires would be too big for the Ferrari grommets?

P.S. *I* am currently running Auto Zone generic wires on my car. About $25 for an 8-cyl set. But I was thinking to replace them soon, with some MSD units.

 

Those must have been some really bad wires if the motor wouldn't run.

I'm not saying the Auto Zone generics are suitable for long term use. I just put them in to see if they would help the coil arcing problem that my car has had since I've owned it. (They did not.) Funny thing is, their construction is *identical* to the (presumably) OEM Ferrari wires that they replaced: a single very thin, silver (aluminum?) conductor wire running down the middle of the insulator sheath, with none of the spiral copper windings you see on the typical $50-$80 American V8 hot rodder sets, like the ones from Taylor and MSD and Jegs. I tend to think the electrons traveling from distributor to spark plug don't care if that thin conductor had a $450 Ferrari price tag on it, or one for $25 from Auto Zone.

Whatever. I'm already planning my move on to stage 2. That brings up a question. The Taylor wires are 8 mm aren't they? I saw that Jegs has 8 mm sets from MSD, bearing the brand name "Street Fire." Again, I like the MSD because of the big plug boots. So I would use these if an 8 mm set will go through the grommets.

 

Greg, thanks taking the time to explain and for the updated info. I'll make some enquiries locally and if I have no luck I'll contact Bob.

Thanks again

Russ

 

Correccion Senor

Cavis 400--Black wire, white lettering

 

Does anyone have any opinions on these products?

The plug wires are $40/eight, universal, 8 mm, spiral wound, and Kevlar core, and the plug boots have the characteristic MSD "flange" to give you something to grab on for removal.

The extra set of distributor boots are straight in, the benefit being a less crowded situation on the distributor cap, than if I use all 90 degree boots. $10/eight. One option is to use a mix of these straights and the 90s that come with the MSD kit.

The third thing is some polymer wire separators, to try to impose a little order on the wires in the distributor area. $13/sixteen.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Greg,

Today out of the blue I had a PM from a Ferrari Chat member who specialises in ignition systems and imports Taylor wires into the UK. I called and we had a long, friendly chat and he is obviously very knowledgable about plug wires.

Turns out that his company keeps all sizes and colours of these cables and will make them specifically for my car if I take it to his premises (not a workshop as such but has all the relevant tools to make cables as required). Price was discussed and agreed inc. making to order and fitting and I'm really happy with his genuine attitude.

I've booked the car in for 20th Feb and will keep you posted.

Thanks for the advice.

Russ