Best spark plug & leads for V8

rafrover

rafrover

Member
For some reason, I am obsessed with spark plug leads. What would be the best leads for our V8? Pertronix or MSD or Bosch?
Any online links for me to buy?

Also, what spark plugs are right for 1970 V8? Does all plugs fit the same for every engine or not?

I just changed the ignition lead to dizzie and now the entire ignition system seems to be my main thing to get it to work at a maximum.

thx u guys...
 
I have been using Magnecor leads since circa 1987. That set I replaced in 2007, not because of problems, I just wanted a new set for a new engine 8)

Provided the heads on your engine have not been changed for SD1 or later heads, then Champion L92YC plugs work best for the 10.5 : 1 CR engine. Later heads require longer reach plugs.

Ron.
 
I went with Pertronix II and Ignitor II coil, couldn't be happier, simple, cheap and reliable with outstanding spark performance.

Graeme
 
Thanks both...Magnecor for the leads...looks like they are available in NZ but..exhorbitantly priced though...I saw on trademe 4 leads for $210...might have to take it down a notch or five. However very tempting :)

Graeme..I have been thinking a lot about changing my points to something more, a lot more, reliable. From what you are saying I do need both the coil which from their website is called Flamethrower 2 and the Ignitor II which is the points replacement module. Are those all that I need? Was it hard to install? Do I need to do re-time it all again? Aside from those 2, I do still need good spark plug leads right?
 
well - my pocket is £18 deep not £120 deep so yes- i know your pain. To be honest when I read all the magnecor bumpf I was left with the impression someone was trying to baffle me with pseudo -science...
 
rafrover said:
Thanks both...Magnecor for the leads...looks like they are available in NZ but..exhorbitantly priced though...I saw on trademe 4 leads for $210...might have to take it down a notch or five. However very tempting :)

Graeme..I have been thinking a lot about changing my points to something more, a lot more, reliable. From what you are saying I do need both the coil which from their website is called Flamethrower 2 and the Ignitor II which is the points replacement module. Are those all that I need? Was it hard to install? Do I need to do re-time it all again? Aside from those 2, I do still need good spark plug leads right?
Click to expand...


Yes that's the ones, takes about 20 to 30 minutes to install, very straightforward and yes a quick retime. Mine are as per my signature, purchased direct from a dealer in the States.
The Ignitor II gives some advantages in dwell time and protection features in the module and also allows you to use the much better Flamethrower II coil for higher energy spark.
There probably are a few threads here on the forum from people who have done it (maybe even me) but I am feeling a bit off colour at the moment so wont bother searching too hard to find for you :LOL: .
You definitely need good leads on P6 V8, thicker the insulation the better.


Graeme
 
I made my own, bought the terminals and boots, and a ratchet crimper for probably £50 all in. Now I can make as many as I like!

Mainly did this so that I could make up the leads needed to use my coilpacks (Ford units). However there is no reason you cant do it yourself for your dizzy either.

(Ignore the spaghetti below the coils, it has since changed a lot in there!)


Check the usual automotive wiring supplies people, polevolt, vehicle wiring products etc. The ratchet crimp is actually for coaxial cable, but works perfectly.

I have never bothered with fancy leads, but am fussy about keeping them clean, routed and separated properly - especially 5 & 7 as they can crossfire.
 
Thanks guys..all super helpful. The last post got me thinking if I even need to replace my leads. Or I shall save that money and get a new electronic ignition from Pertronix and the suitable coil instead. Or I should get those from SimonBBC or what I can get from the store here, which is from Bosch as it sounds like it good but affordable leads are just as good as those really expensive ones.

Am I right to say that?

Also there is an online store that sells an affordable coil and ignition conversion: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-par ... 141844.htm
It will cost less than half of what brands like Pertronix would cost. So any thoughts on this?
 
Not very cheap at all. My purchase for coil and unit cost about 120US Landed cost was about NZ160 at the time but this was about 5 years ago.

Personally I would go for the reliability rather than the invoice bottom line cost, being stuck on the motorway or busy city just once will convince you of the value of quality over cost.


Graeme
 
Re: Best spark plug & leads for V8

Thanks Graeme. Does that mean I should get the pertronix ignition and coil set? Rather than the lucas ones? Sorry abit daft.
 
Looking closely at the label the electronic ignition is not lucas, just the coil
 
Re: Best spark plug & leads for V8

Hi guys...rookie question. If I can buy one item at a time, how should I prioritise: 8mm suppressed leads, good electronic ignition module, good coil and l92y plugs. (Previous workshop has actually installed l86x). Thx guys. Sorry it seems like a frivolous question.
 
I would make sure that your plugs and leads are tip-top before you think about upgrading the actual spark-generation/triggering side of things.

My thinking is that there is no point in trying to stuff nice big fat sparks down leaky old leads or into naff plugs :D
 
Re: Best spark plug & leads for V8

Many thx Quagmire. Guess that makes a lot of sense. I have just ordered NGK L92Y equivalent plugs based on your advice. Next up will be leads. Will update on my progress.
 
Just went ahead and put in an order from SimonBBC - leads, coil and electronic ignition - 73GBP - or $170NZD which is a bargain compared to something like Pertronix kit which would set me back a cool NZ$530. Thx guys for all your help. Now the waiting game begins...
 
I don't think I've mentioned this that one of the main reason I am changing/upgrading my ignition - plugs, leads, coil and points is because my engine can't seem to get pass 3K RPM. Although my speedo isn't working still, Al will help fix that this labour weekend, my phone shows I can go as fast as 115kph at 3K RPM. But the engine does not rev beyond that. Don't know if old cars have rev limiters but it is what it is. I'm interested to see what happens after I put all those stuff in.
 
The only rev limiter are the lifters that will pump up at 6000rpm or so. If the mechanical advance within the distributor is not functioning correctly, that will certainly inhibit performance. Same goes for the breathing system,...i.e flame traps, hoses, filters etc blockages here will also present an impediment to performance.

Ron.
 
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