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miller19jMale Offline
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 09 2003,4:55 pm Post # 1 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
How important are plug wires? Do you need really trick ones and how often do they need to be replaced?

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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 09 2003,7:18 pm Post # 2 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
"How important are plug wires?", well try taking them off and see how the motor runs!. Sorry bud couldn't resist!. :laugh Wires are important but it depends on the type of ignition you have wether you need the "Trick" ones or not. A real high output ignition needs a wire that can handle the voltage along with good insulation. With a stock type ignition, a good quality wire is adequate. As far as when to change them, that depends on how you take care of them. Keep them off the headers, keep them clean and keep the ends from corroding by using Dielectric grease when changing plugs and caps. I've had mine now for over 15 years and they are still like they came out of the box!.. :good
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miller19jMale Offline
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 10 2003,8:16 am Post # 3 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Smart Ass! :D


Mine look pretty good. So I guess I am OK. Thanks GoFast!  :good

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GoFastRacerMale Offline
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 10 2003,11:07 am Post # 4 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Quote (miller19j @ Dec. 10 2003,8:16 am)
Smart Ass! :D


Mine look pretty good. So I guess I am OK. Thanks GoFast!  :good

A little tip, keep your wires separated!.  :good
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miller19jMale Offline
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 10 2003,12:20 pm Post # 5 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Yep…..I separated mine after you guys chastised me about it before.  :good

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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 10 2003,6:02 pm Post # 6 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
There's a pretty good thread on this topic in Gear Heads on Hot Boat.  As you increase the spark plug gap all kinds of secondary voltage leaks can evolve.  Caps, rotors, and Plug Wires all can become leakage points.  Wires that work great at .030 gap may not work so great at say .045 or .050.  Basically the secondary voltage only rises to the point it takes to jump the plug gap.  So even if you have an ignition system that's capable of 60000 volts, you won't see that unless the plug gap requires it to jump the gap.  For hot ignitions with wide gaps use MSD spiral core 8mm or larger or equivilent.  

Also with wide gaps distributor cap design becomes an issue.  That is where all the large diameter caps come into play.  More distance between the terminals translates into less likely for spark crossover.  Also carbon tracks to ground become much more troublesome with wider plug gaps.  

Just a few things to be aware of with ignition systems.

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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 10 2003,6:34 pm Post # 7 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
That is a good thread on that topic, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Guess that's why I run a mag, just plain and simple!.. :D
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87 ColeMale Offline
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,7:48 am Post # 8 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Quote (GoFastRacer @ Dec. 10 2003,6:34 pm)
Guess that's why I run a mag, just plain and simple!.. :D

Hey GFR, I switched from a Mag to MSD. I have a good mag for sale if your interested. Came off my BBC. I made the switch but can't really tell a difference other than a 300 rpm gain. After I built the new motor I went with new everything.

Brad doesn't need no stinking plug wires. :stupid  :bebe

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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,9:26 am Post # 9 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Another thing to consider is resistance per foot and the diameter of the wire, smaller wire more resistance less voltage at the plug, if you are running a dual point set up this could cut some power at the plug.

If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests???
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,10:59 am Post # 10 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Quote (blown 472 @ Dec. 11 2003,9:26 am)
Another thing to consider is resistance per foot and the diameter of the wire, smaller wire more resistance less voltage at the plug, if you are running a dual point set up this could cut some power at the plug.

That's true, that's why I never make wires any longer than they have to be!.. :good
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,11:03 am Post # 11 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Quote (87 Cole @ Dec. 11 2003,7:48 am)
Quote (GoFastRacer @ Dec. 10 2003,6:34 pm)
Guess that's why I run a mag, just plain and simple!.. :D

Hey GFR, I switched from a Mag to MSD. I have a good mag for sale if your interested. Came off my BBC. I made the switch but can't really tell a difference other than a 300 rpm gain. After I built the new motor I went with new everything.

Brad doesn't need no stinking plug wires. :stupid  :bebe

Thanks Cole but I have 3 of them now, how much you want for it I may know someone who might want it?? :good

BTW, you probably gained the extra R's from the motor being all nice and fresh!. :laugh
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,11:29 am Post # 12 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
I have an MSD Ignition and have used Taylor wires with no problems

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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,12:36 pm Post # 13 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Quote (Jetboat Brian @ Dec. 11 2003,11:29 am)
I have an MSD Ignition and have used Taylor wires with no problems

I have heard that taylors are great, they should know about wire as they make all kinds of wire, see their stuff at work all the time.

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GoFastRacerMale Offline
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Post Icon Posted: Dec. 11 2003,7:08 pm Post # 14 see this member send this member a private message  quote this post in reply
Taylor is one of the better wires out there!.. :good
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