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Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition #765720 11/16/06 09:09 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 391
87_Montero Offline OP
Mudrunner
I have an MSD ignition on my 1989 Gen I 3.0 liter V6.
MSD recommends the use of spiral wound spark plug wires.
What brands/vendors are cost-effective alternatives to MSD?


DDs:
Projects: 86 Ram50
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: 87_Montero] #765721 11/16/06 09:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,649
fasteddy Offline
Web Wheeler
*****
Poot on MSD wires. NGK or Magnecore. The latter are supposed to be a little better, but harder to find. AutoZone had ngk's.


Not responsible for advice not taken...
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: fasteddy] #765722 11/16/06 09:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,741
powerRam50 Offline
Body Damage is Cool
i have the magnecore on my truck they are great.


87 dodge power ram 50,35" tires,5 1/2" total lift,4.6 gears,lockers front and rear,Rancho RS5000's,custom front bumper,custom rock sliders,cct extended diff breathers,75 amp alt(40 amp stock),thorely header,K&N,wheeled hard...
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: 87_Montero] #765723 11/17/06 09:06 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 342
Racer4 Offline
Mudrunner
I was an engineer for MSD a couple of years ago. In the engineering department, we all admitted this was our company's weak link. Many wires are better than MSD's. Taylor wires are good. I remember a black wire with gold lettering, I think it was Accel. They were particularily good.

Look for spiral wound wires with low resistance per foot. The spiral winding keeps the radio frequency noise down and low resistance delivers better spark.

Good Luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


88 Montero with Gen 3 alloys, 31 inch Toyo's, A/T, Dual Bouncy Seats, Midland CB radio, Rebuilding 2.6L . See the details http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/710921
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: Racer4] #765724 11/18/06 05:31 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,494
B
BobShaw Offline
Body Damage is Cool
Be carefull with the wires. I installed a MSD coil and had to go up to 10.5mm wires just to keep from burning thru the wires. You might want to check with Summit Racing Equipment.


87 Raizer, 4.3V6, Mod TH700R4,231CHD, detroit rear and LSD front, bouncy seats, 2" lift and 32x15 BFG MT tires.
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: fasteddy] #765725 11/19/06 04:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 749
M
MI_Mitsu Offline
Rock Warrior
***
Based on other posts written here an my own investigation into build quality, etc. I also plan to go with Magnecor. Originally I had intended on going with NGK, but Magnecor seems the best option at the moment, even though I am simply running stock equipment. The wires I had on my original Monty before the rebuild and on my parts donor are simply pathetic and belong on a Hyundai.

From the parts # thread stickied on the index page:

<<<<<<<<<<
(Magnecor retail pricing as of 5/2001)
'84-'96 2.6L I4 Montero:
Electrosports-70 (7mm) = P/N 4705 ($50.31)
Electrosports-80 (8mm) = P/N 4005 ($53.82)
KV85 Competition (8.5mm) = P/N 4505 ($86.42)

'89-'94 3.0L V6 Montero:
Electrosports-70 (7mm) = P/N 6714 ($63.38)
Electrosports-80 (8mm) = P/N 6014 ($67.41)
KV85 Competition (8.5mm) = P/N 6514 ($105.89)

As for everyone else's model: sorry, but you'll have to do the footwork. You can download their catalog at Magnecor

Unfortunately, they don't have online ordering, but you can get 'em direct from Magnecor through these old-fashioned methods:
Call: (248) 471-9505
Fax: (248) 471-9506
Email: mag@magnecor.com
Write:Magnecor, 24581 Crestview Court, Farmington Hills, MI, 48335

EDIT: Contact information updated 08/24/04
>>>>>>>>>>

The actual post is 3 years old and the pricing is outdated. I know because I called! Plan on about 20% higher. I wrote down the new prices, but left them at work.

Work happens to be only 10min from Magnecor and they offered me a 10% discount in addition to waiving the shipping charge because they don't have to deal with packaging and freight.

I haven't picked mine up yet because I wasn't that close in my reassembly yet. I planned to go with the 8mm. On a stock system (even with a mild future upgrade) 8mm should be enough. I can't justify the price jump to 8.5mm which are going for well over $100 now.

If you want Magnecor, I can pass on the 10% discount and I'll pick them up for you. YOu'd still of course need to pay for actual shipping (from my work zip: 48150), but hey 10% of $80 will pay for lunch the day you install these things. This goes for any future post readers too - just PM me for arrangemnts and I'll see what I can do.

I have no experience yet with Magnecor, but their website and reputation seem real good. I'll be putting my money on them soon.

-MI/Mitsu


89 Montero LS 3.0L/Auto
90 MightyMax 2.4L/Man

Parted/gone - parts available!
89 Montero LS 3.0L/Auto [Blue/Blue] (2 of 2)
89 Conquest SHP
88 Conquest SHP
87 Dodge Raider 2.6L/Auto
91 Montero RS 3.0L/Auto

Others: 37 Lincoln
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: MI_Mitsu] #765726 11/19/06 05:38 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,238
FrankR Offline
Web Wheeler
****
I hope your experience is better than mine with 8.5mm Magnecor wires. I like the wires very much, but I can't say I care for the combination of the wire weight and the connectors at the spark plug end. The wires are heavy and springy - a good thing so long as you have a very positive/firm spark plug connector - BUT - the inner sleeve/ferrule in the connector is brass... a good thing for rust prevention... a bad thing for firm retention on the plug. The combination of weight/springiness of the wires and softness of the brass plug sleeve ferrule connector appears to me to cause the wires to work loose over time with engine vibration and traverse on rough terrain.

A telephone discussion with a Magnecore representative about my experience went like this:
Quote
Me: I'm having a problem with a set of your 8.5mm wires.
He: I can help you with that - what's the nature of the problem?
Me: They won't stay on the plugs - I've found as many as 4 of 6 vibrated loose in one inspection.
He: Well several things could cause them to come off. Did you use a lot of silicone grease in the boots?
Me: No, none - they were installed dry.
He: Well, then you must have installed them at an angle and bent the connector so it opened up. Have you looked at the connectors?
Me: Yes, I've looked at them - they're perfectly round because I use great care to push them on straight and not force them. In fact, I install the boot just far enough to feel the plug tip and then gently move the ferrule until it slips over the tip of the plug.
He: Well, how old are the wires?
Me: I bought them a year ago and they have 5K miles on them.
He: Well, have they been abused or anything? What condition are they in?
Me: They look just like they did when they came out of the box - no abuse.
He: Hmmm, well something's definitely wrong there.
Me: Yes, I know. Are all spark plug tips the same diameter and are all of your connectors the same diameter?
He: Yes - some plug tips might be slightly different, but they should still fit.
Me: Yes, I know, but they don't. Have you had any other complaints about your wires staying on NGK plugs?
He: Oh no - we've had no complaints at all.
Me: Well, how come I'm having one?
He: Well, our wires are pretty springy and sometimes that can cause a problem.
Me: Yes, I know they're springy and I think that's why they're vibrating off if the tip connectors aren't tight enough - but I'm using the correct wire looms and the only way they'll stay on is if I squeeze the connector to make it smaller.
He: Well, you can do that, but you shouldn't have to.
Me: Yes, I know. So if there's not a problem with NGK plugs and I haven't created a problem with installation and I'm using the correct wire looms, that only leaves the possibility of the wire connector being too large, because there's no positive snap when they slip over the plug tip.
He: Well, there's nothing wrong with our wires - they aren't manufactured as a set so the odds of having 4 come off are pretty long odds.
Me: I understand, but they did, so what can we do to ensure I remain a happy Magnecor customer?
He: Well, you can send them back and if we find anything wrong with them we'll send you a new set.
Me: That would mean I would have to go out and buy another set of wires while you decide if anything was wrong (which you've already told me there couldn't be) and I don't feel like I need to buy another set of wires - I need a set that will stay on my plugs.
He: Well, I'll sell you another set at wholesale ($46 including shipping) and you can return yours and if we find anything wrong with them we'll refund your money.
Me: No, what I said was I don't need to buy another set of wires and if you really don't think you ever produce a set with a problem - and I have a problem, then it would appear to me that I have the wrong brand of wires for my truck - and with that thought in mind, I certainly don't want to own 2 sets of them - even at a discount. If you'd like to send me another set to try at no charge I'll be happy to see if they're any better and if they are, I'll send you back the bad ones and tell everyone how nice you were and how much I like Magnecor wires. If not, I'll try another brand until I find one that works better and I'll tell folks about those.
He: Well, no I can't do that.
Me: Well, then thanks for your time and if the next order doesn't come in, it was me.


Thread

If after installation you begin to hear what sounds exactly like an incurable valve tick, check the plug connectors.... especially #6 and I think you'll find the source of the noise.

Good luck,
Frank

Last edited by FrankR; 11/20/06 12:54 AM.

'89 [color:"white"]G-Raider[color:"white"] [color:"black"]Supercharged 3.0L, MegaSquirt 2, lockup A/T, 2.5" exhaust, 172k, Cibie H4s/Oscar SCs, Hella Micro DE fogs, Cobra CB, Superwinch hubs, LSD rear/Aussie Locker front, Bilsteins, Lifeline AGM, Rust-Oleum
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: 87_Montero] #765727 11/19/06 09:15 PM
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,132
K
Kevin C Offline
Trail Leader
****
I have been using MSD 8 MM wires for years with good results. They have never failed or had any problems, this includes running them with a MSD 6A box.

I have had some issues with carbon core wires that were 7 mm deteriorating when used with an MSD. With the fast rise time of the ignition you induce enough of a voltage to get a corona on the outside of the wire, the ozone then deteriorates the insulation.

Kevin


87 Turbo Intercooled Raider, roller cam, torsen rear diff, LSD front diff, lockup auto with modified converter, V6 brakes, low transfer case gears...
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: FrankR] #765728 11/20/06 01:50 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,712
OldColt Offline
Roll Me Over
*****
I have had consistent problems with Magnacore wires. I have tried them on a number of applications with problems every time. Problems have ranged from not staying on to wrong length wires in there kits making fitment a problem. Magnacore WILL place all the blame on the customer, Every time. I have a few more of there wires to give away still, no sets though.

I do like the Taylor wires, I generally buy V8 universal sets and make up custom fitments myself. No failures yet.
I have had good luck with MSD wires other than a few spark plug ends pulling off. They crimp back on though.
I will not use MSD coils or 6A units anymore, tired of installing the spares I carry with me. There are other more reliable units out there. It took me a long time to diagnose the first coil failure, I just did not expect they would fail, they do though.


Cheers, Charlie
If It ain't broke, Modify it!
87 Montero turbo Converted back in Spring1989
95 Montero SR 3.8 DOHC Only one?
93 Pajero 3 door 6G75 Mivec with paddle shifted 5 speed
Then a Gen2 SR with full coil independent suspension.
Re: Spark Plug Wires for MSD Ignition [Re: OldColt] #765729 11/20/06 03:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,413
dadrab Offline
Body Damage is Cool
Quote
I will not use MSD coils or 6A units anymore, tired of installing the spares I carry with me. There are other more reliable units out there. It took me a long time to diagnose the first coil failure, I just did not expect they would fail, they do though.


I feel the burn - except mine was with an Accel coil. And, with a brand new one at that. I replaced it with an MSD Blaster II and it's been fine.

I run factory wires, but had been thinking about replacing them. Maybe not now, though. Perhaps I should adopt the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy.


87 Montero, bought new, by me -
88/89 intercooled Starion Turbo engine-
with awesome audio.


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