| Author | Message | ||
     Geoff Wootton Experienced User Username: dounraey Post Number: 24 Registered: 5-2012 |
I need to replace my spark plug wires (HT leads) and am considering using solid copper core wires. Given that these wires have zero resistance they will deliver a higher voltage and produce a stronger spark. Also, they will last much longer than carbon or composite cored wires. My guess is that when these cars left the factory in the 1970's they were fitted with copper core HT leads with suppressors. However, I have read conflicting articles on the internet, some of which state that the RF frequencies produced by these wires can interfere with the computers and radios of other vehicles. Others say that this is nonsense. I'd be really interested if anyone has any information on this or whether they use copper core HT leads without any problems. | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 419 Registered: 1-2008 |
In the past I've used very heavy speaker cable to make HT leads along with none suppressor plugs to give a much fatter spark. Despite all the warnings there was no sign of RF interference. Note that the cable was industrial grade "Monster Cable" which has a conductor made up of well over 100 hair thin wires all of which serve to channel the RF along their surfaces. Modern resistor leads still seem to work just as well as long as you don't also use resistor plugs. If you have access to a "Bullseye Motorist's Centre" you will find they actually list a set of good leads for the Shadow at a more than reasonable price, although you may have to wait up to 24 hours for delivery from their central warehouse to your nearest branch. | ||
| Brian Vogel Prolific User Username: guyslp Post Number: 149 Registered: 6-2009 |
Jan, Just FYI, both Geoff and I are in the United States. His and my paths have electronically crossed elsewhere as well. If you have specific brand/model information on the spark plug wires that would be helpful. Though we don't have any "Bullseye Motorist's Centres" the various auto parts chains over here will almost certainly carry the same lines of plug wires given that the number of actual manufacturers is relatively small. Brian | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 420 Registered: 1-2008 |
Oops! I mistook his user name for his location as I'm used to it on other forums (?fora?). Dounreay is a little like your 3-Mile Island in that it doesn't need street lighting at night from all the radioactives in the environment. | ||
| Geoff Wootton Experienced User Username: dounraey Post Number: 25 Registered: 5-2012 |
That settles it then, I shall go ahead and make up a set of copper cored cables. Should be interesting. In my search for information I came across a Rover P5B site and their suggestion if rf could be detected outside the car was to make sure the bonnet/hood was earthed. My car still uses points ignition so there will be no issue with interfering with electronics under the hood, since there aren't any. I'll be able to test for rfi next time I pull alongside a police car at the lights; just look across and see if their in car PC screen goes blank. Brian and Jan, thanks for your replies. Jan, I am also English, currently living in the US, which is great as it means I can understand the workshop manuals. Regards, Geoff. | ||
| Mark Aldridge Frequent User Username: mark_aldridge Post Number: 84 Registered: 10-2008 |
Geoff, have been using copper leads with supressed caps on my S1 with electronic ignition and modern audio for years with no ill effects.I always ran my prewar cars with copper leads connected to the plugs and no suppressors with no complaints ! Mark | ||
| Geoff Wootton Experienced User Username: dounraey Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2012 |
Mark, Thanks for your reply. I was wondering if I might get some dire warnings but have only received positive responses. A kit is now on it's way - should be here by Thursday. | ||
| Jayesh Singh Yet to post message Username: scsi784 Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2013 |
Hi Guys, I would like to change the Spark Plug Wire. Where did you get the wire from. I have a: 1977 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II. VIN: LRX31636 Located in San Francisco Bay Area (California, USA) | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 345 Registered: 5-2012 |
Jayesh It depends what type of wire you wish to use. You can buy fully suppressed composite wire kits from Autozone. These come with a built in connector at the distributor end and a spark plug suppressor cap which screws in at the other after you have trimmed the wire to the correct length. As I mentioned above I used copper wire which I purchased off ebay, also as a kit with unsuppressed connectors. Geoff | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 530 Registered: 1-2008 |
I don't know how things are in the US or Oz, but here in Blighty it's almost impossible to find the spark plug or dizzy cap ends without a set of leads (wires) already between them. Then they are joined in such a way that you can't really remove them for reuse after the leads have passed their use-by-date. Not that I would rely on a set of ends that are probably well on their way to breaking down. As I put before there are flexible audio cables used in semi-professional setups (I used heavy duty 'Monster Cable) which would sneer at the 80+ kilovolt pulse and are specifically designed to channel all the RF energy along the conductors for better efficiency. Most have insulator materials that are virtually immune to heat - within limits of course - and completely fire retardant. If I could have obtained some new lead ends I would still be using it for that purpose. However I eventually used the last of it to support the extra relays supplying current to the 100 watt xenon bulbs in my front lamps. All 8 of them! |
