Resistor vs. non-resistor

Don't assume that all red extenders are resistor type. My experience tells me that is not always true

Check out this site for some interesting information on the subject of resistance in spark plug wires

 

If you get noise through the radio, then switch to resistor spark plugs. I did that on my 78 308GTS as I was getting interference on my FRS radio, used on Ferrari Club drives. Fixed! NGK BPR6ES

 

My understanding is early standard points ignition cars use "black" (zero resistance) extenders, all later electronic ignition cars use red (resistance) extenders.

 

Resistor ends + non resistor plugs = OK

Non resistor ends + resistor plugs = OK

Resistor plug + resistor end = too much resistance (bad)

Non resistor plug + non resistor end = too much RF interference (bad)

 

The early cars left the factory with non resistor plugs + non resistor ends + solic core wires, and no one complained about RF noise. The problem isnt with the car, the problem is modern radios that are no longer made to deal with RF noise because modern cars electrical systems are better filtered. I have an 83 Mercedes with electronic ignition etc., I havnt found any radio yet that wont bring out alternator and electric motor whine. I solved the problem by installing capacitors on the alternator and radio power wire, and putting a static ground lead on the radio. I could probably kill the faint wiper motor noise by adding a capacitor at the motor.

There is probably nothing that creates more RF noise than an aircraft magneto ignition. But aircraft have the added problem of communication and navigation radios that must operate in a RF quiet environment. They didnt solve the problem by adding resistance to the ignition system that would reduced its efficiency, they solved the problem by shielding the various electrical systems as well as through disipation of static energy.

 

It's a shame that it's written by Magnecor who have more than a passing interest in promoting their own products!

 

My injection engine is a 'crossover' 1980 with red ignition plumbing. Steve has asked a good question and I don't see any hard answers.

I would ?assume? the best combination is a car without radio and without resistors. Further ?assume? that to use a radio and for no other reason than rf noise reduction, one must add resistor wire or resistor extenders or resistor plugs or some combination.

How does the engine suffer with too many resistance items added? Poor spark=lost hp under heavy load/rpm?

Since I've considered replacement of ignition items, I'm now somewhat confused about the best course.

 

What is the resistance across the resistored extender?

I would like to ohm mine out to see if they're all the same or

if any of them need replacing. Thanks.

 

The early cars left the factory with non resistor plugs + non resistor ends + solic core wires, and no one complained about RF noise.

This is what I am running and it works great. I dont listen to the radio!