Ferrari ignition wires...solid core?

Frank,

When I was looking for wires last fall, the mechanic I use (Ferrari factory trained) said NOT to use solid core wires, even with the stock ignition. He said they have to be twisted metal core. The reason he gave is that the Ferrari ignitions are too high voltage and the wires with solid core can overheat and the cores degrade. I ended up buying a set of 8mm wires from Magnecor. Excellent product, twisted wire core. Mechanic was very impressed with them, and they work great. Also, less expensive than the "stock" replacement sets.

Regards,
Steve

 

Frank.
I'm using cavis wires on one of my Maserati's with an MSD 6A and Blaster coil, has not given any problems in the last 8 years.

Randy

 

solid core wires refer to solid metal cores,a twisted core is a twisted metal wire core, a carbon core is non metalic and wont be refered to as a solid nor a twisted core but a carbon core.so the carbon wires will be ok.

 

Cavis CARBON wires are crbon core. That means the center is a carbon impregnated cord wrapped with silicone insulation. There is sprial wrap which is a strand of wire wrapped around a center core and cobered with silicone insulation. Then there is solid STRANDED core which is a multi stranded wire covered with silicon insulation. This type was used in early racing cars without CPU's and are good for high powered spark. The sprial wrap is good for high performance street or race cars. It does not affect the CPU or cause radio interference (RFI) . This is the most popular type wire lately. The old standard carbon core is a general street wire with good (RFI) so no static on your radio. So pick your poison. I made up my 308 wires using carbon core 7mm and it cost me $20. You can get sprial wrap wire for about $3-$4 a foot.

 

Late Ferraris use a solid core. The reason is that the ignition system expects an exact resistance in the wires, hence the use of resitor caps and boots. RFI suppression is handled by those boots & caps and not the wire themselves. Most late European cars are the same, check under the hood of your BMW. Mercedes, VW are all the same using a solid core.

Using a solid core without resistor boots and caps is a no-no, and that is what MSD and the like counter-recommend. A spiral wound resistance wire is all you need with the MSD. They are much cheaper as well, as tthey don't need special terminations. There will be a variance from cylinder to cylinder on the exact resistence value, but the MSD does not care. Modern OBD2 computers read the values and if there is sometihing different, the MIL will light up. On a Boxer or any non-OBD car solid core wires with resistance terminations aren't needed and solid core without them should not be used, at least on street applications. RFI "could" interfere with the functioning of the aftermarket ignition, definately your radio and engine management computer (if you car uses one).

JD

 

Frank,

I'm running a new set of the factory Cavis 512BBi wires on my car with a MSD 6-AL unit and haven't had any problems at all.

The wires are no longer available from FNA or Ferrari UK, but I found a set at G.T. Car Parts in Arizona.

They come all pre-assembled and are complete with new gold anodized metal wire support brackets, rubber boots, etc. and are ready plug in.

 

I am running Magnecor solid core wires, which are basically Packard 440 wires. I have a gt4 with standard ignition and it has worked great for me! The only setback is the radio doesnt work and i have been told it can interfere with CHP radio signals? It was reccommended by Alan Bishop in his definitive Ferrari performance book. I am using non resistor plugs also. Starts up instantly points look real good after a long time and I like the black bussiness look of the wires. I bought a brand new set of CAVIS wires just to get the holder thingys!

Rob

http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm

7mm Solid Wire Conductor (unsuppressed)
Ignition Cable for Restorations
and Industrial Applications

Download the cable specifications in PDF format (373KB).

The conventional style insulating jacket consists of EPDM insulation, fiberglass reinforcing braiding and a black silicone rubber outer jacket. The stranded tin-plated copper conductor provides no suppression. Made for industrial applications, restorations, older race car engines, industrial engines and other applications where suppression is not needed. This type of cable is illegal for street use in most countries on a automobile unless resistance-type suppressors are attached to provide RFI suppression (as on many German made vehicles). The jacket on this cable is unprinted. We can make wire sets or individual leads using this ignition cable to any length or style needed by the customer. Cable itself can be ordered loose in any length, or in custom lengths or packaging for industrial applications (please inquire). Meets SAE-J2031 Type 1 Class "E" requirements.

 

That may be true of the MSD sysytem but I am running points as i am trying to keep my car as stock as possible so the next owner doesn't have to look for all the missing parts. The solid core wires are pretty cool if you have an older Ferrari, plus I was in a band and it is pretty much like a guitar cable something I had lots of experience with...

rob