What kind of spark plug caps do you use on the 60's cars?
I have been using the VW bakalite caps. They look the part, but they have a 1k-ohm resistor inside. I am looking for something vintage looking but without the resistor. Any suggestions?
john
Spark Plug Caps
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John Vardanian
- Posts: 1908
- Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2002 12:13 am
- Location: San Francisco Area
Spark Plug Caps
PF Coupe
i am not knowledgeble with electrical. can you explain the
pros and cons of the the resistence caps and what would
be best?
also, i have seen at some local speed shops an impressive
"tester" that demonstrates the effectiveness and potency
of better spark wires. all of these wires are larger diameter, and would require a
thicker tube for the routing on top of the valve cover, but the
biggest problem are the distributor caps. would it be possible to
drill the holes of the caps larger to accommodate these larger
wires?
has anyone done this?
pros and cons of the the resistence caps and what would
be best?
also, i have seen at some local speed shops an impressive
"tester" that demonstrates the effectiveness and potency
of better spark wires. all of these wires are larger diameter, and would require a
thicker tube for the routing on top of the valve cover, but the
biggest problem are the distributor caps. would it be possible to
drill the holes of the caps larger to accommodate these larger
wires?
has anyone done this?
Leo,
Resistance reduces spark energy and inductance spreads it over a longer time. Both reduce RFI/EMI (radio noise and computer interference). Generally the fatter wires will allow a bigger coil which will allow a wider spark gap. A wider spark gap means a physically longer more energetic spark.
Standard voltage wires are sufficient unless you are planning some very serious modifications or plan on driving all out. Vintage road going Ferraris do not have high compression engines. If you want to experiment, just put in fresh plugs and open the gaps to 0.040," see if you notice a change. If you do not have or do not listen to the radio, you can put in non-resistor components (vintage Ferraris don't have computer issues).
Most of the demos you mention use capacitive wire, which concentrates the electrical pulse energy going to the plug. These do provide gains in some areas of combustion but unless you are planning on racing or have a poorly tuned engine, you most likely will not see a change.
I hope this helps.
Art S.
Resistance reduces spark energy and inductance spreads it over a longer time. Both reduce RFI/EMI (radio noise and computer interference). Generally the fatter wires will allow a bigger coil which will allow a wider spark gap. A wider spark gap means a physically longer more energetic spark.
Standard voltage wires are sufficient unless you are planning some very serious modifications or plan on driving all out. Vintage road going Ferraris do not have high compression engines. If you want to experiment, just put in fresh plugs and open the gaps to 0.040," see if you notice a change. If you do not have or do not listen to the radio, you can put in non-resistor components (vintage Ferraris don't have computer issues).
Most of the demos you mention use capacitive wire, which concentrates the electrical pulse energy going to the plug. These do provide gains in some areas of combustion but unless you are planning on racing or have a poorly tuned engine, you most likely will not see a change.
I hope this helps.
Art S.
1965 330 2+2 series 2 7919
thanks for the lesson!!
what type of suppression is absolutely necessary for a car
with an (old) radio? won't resistor plugs do the job, or do
you have to have other suppression parts?
i have read the earlier threads regarding electronic ignition
conversions and that is why i am interested in the wires.
i am only interested in normal touring speeds, but won't the
hotter spark improve idle and cruising????
what type of suppression is absolutely necessary for a car
with an (old) radio? won't resistor plugs do the job, or do
you have to have other suppression parts?
i have read the earlier threads regarding electronic ignition
conversions and that is why i am interested in the wires.
i am only interested in normal touring speeds, but won't the
hotter spark improve idle and cruising????
John,
The Bosch screw-on caps with integral resistor are nice to use and reliable, but not correct in appearance. The general consensus for appearance and reliability (on 330's at least) is a black rubber boot over a soldered-on terminal, on metal-core spark plug wire.
The Restoration Supply company has these, part numbers RAJ020 and ELE039:
Restoration Supply Company
2060 Palisade Drive
Reno, NV 89509
tele: (702) 825-5663
fax: (702) 825-9330
Metal spark plug wire stands up to fiddling better than cheesy resistance wire. If you need RFI supression, it's easiest to just switch to resistor spark plugs, maybe NGK BPR6ES. Solid metal core wire is AC-Delco "Packard" 440, also available from Resto Supply or on special order from your AC-Delco auto parts store.
I'm running the above parts in my 330.
The Bosch screw-on caps with integral resistor are nice to use and reliable, but not correct in appearance. The general consensus for appearance and reliability (on 330's at least) is a black rubber boot over a soldered-on terminal, on metal-core spark plug wire.
The Restoration Supply company has these, part numbers RAJ020 and ELE039:
Restoration Supply Company
2060 Palisade Drive
Reno, NV 89509
tele: (702) 825-5663
fax: (702) 825-9330
Metal spark plug wire stands up to fiddling better than cheesy resistance wire. If you need RFI supression, it's easiest to just switch to resistor spark plugs, maybe NGK BPR6ES. Solid metal core wire is AC-Delco "Packard" 440, also available from Resto Supply or on special order from your AC-Delco auto parts store.
I'm running the above parts in my 330.
Deane
'67 330GTS (gone but not forgotten)
'67 330GTS (gone but not forgotten)
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John Vardanian
- Posts: 1908
- Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2002 12:13 am
- Location: San Francisco Area