Ignition leads for coil packs

[j&ms]

Struggling to find a set of universal ht leads for second gen coil packs. Can anyone who has already converted please tell me where to get them.

Thanks

[Sardonicus]

I doubt you will find a set of universal leads for those coil packs your probably better of shortening 2 sets of Ka/Fiesta leads or going for a set of custom made to measure http://www.formulapower.com/

[carsy]

If you want to make them yourself magnecore will sell you the ends for the Ford gen 2 coil packs.

Real steel sell good American unfinished leads.

Otherwise as Simon says above.

[Sardonicus]

carsy said:

If you want to make them yourself magnecore will sell you the ends for the Ford gen 2 coil packs.

Real steel sell good American unfinished leads.

Otherwise as Simon says above.

+ 1

[ChimpOnGas]

I made up a set using an 8 cylinder universal MSD Super Conductor kit ordered from Summit Racing, I paid about £80 including import tax and the set was delivered from the States in a few days.

The quality of the MSD leads is outstanding & they've been working brilliantly so far, the set came in a lot cheaper than the expensive custom set from Magnecor that ultimately let me down.

The MSD lead uses a double walled construction (two different types of silicone), the plug ends are very heat resistant and the spiral core is far more efficient than anything else I've tested.

http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&a...

1. CUTTING THE LEADS TO LENGTH
The MSD set comes with a crimp die which is helpful for getting the depth of your cut right when adjusting the length of the leads, you need to use a new unused Stanley blade. I recommend cutting slightly less deep than you need, the final removal of waste part can be done by twisting it off, this way you are far less likely to cut into & damage the delicate spiral wound core

2. COIL PACK ENDS
Buy 8 coil pack ends from here: http://www.megasquirt-v8.co.uk/info_contact.php
Dont use TriggerWheels.com as they charge around a fiver for each little end making them over £40 for 8 once delivered, the ones I got from megasquirt-v8.co.uk came in at less than half that and the guy I spoke to was very helpful

3. INSTALLATION OF THE COIL PACK ENDS
You absolutely must use a dab of silicone dressing to help ease the coil pack ends on or you'll struggle getting the fat 8.5mm MSD lead around the right angle of the coil pack end

4. CRIMPING
Obviously a proper crimping tool is best but I actually found I got a better result than the MSD die by turning the closing ends in slightly with a set of needle nosed pliers, and then using the double concave part of a set of regular pliers to complete the crimp

5. TEST
Use a Multimeter to check the resistance and that your connection work is good

6. EXTENDERS
I'm not a big fan of the plug extenders TVR used on Chims & Griffs to protect the HT ends from the hot exhaust manifolds, so I came up with a double insulated system that so far has made the extenders unnecessary

http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...


Overall making up your own set of decent HT leads is straightforward & rewarding.

Edited by ChimpOnGas on Saturday 22 November 12:17

[SILICONEKID345HP]

Jools made mine ,I supplied the ends from fleabay.

[j&ms]

Thanks for the replies I didn't think these would be difficult to source. Unfortunately the ends are out of stock on the megasquirt site and I cannot find them on the web or on ebay as I would make them myself.

I think I will have to go down the two packs of prepared four cylinder items. Though I can only find 7mm KA leads.

I will keep looking as it will not be going back on the road until spring.

Thanks again.

[Sardonicus]

What's wrong with 7mm leads? they will get you up and running till you can source something your after.

[j&ms]

You're quite right. For a few quid it will be running and I can pass them on when someone else needs them when they are changing to coil packs.

[AceOfHearts]

I'm planning on modifying some ka leads. Gave got two sets reserved at Halfords to pick up this week.

[BoostedChim]

I used second hand Ka leads for a bit before I found a guy on ebay to make me some. The picture in the auction below are actually my leads before be sent them out. I sent him the lengths and he even phoned me to check theck them. I did try magnecor but they were not keen on my using their leads without spark plug extenders, even their high temp versions.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-CHIMAERA-PERFORMANCE...

He uses a ratchet crimp tool but if you wanted to do them yourself you could buy the cable from somewhere and use the following.

2 Gen crimps and boots
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-FOCUS-ZETEC-COIL-BO...

45 deg crimps and boots
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-IGNITION-SPARK-PLUG-RU...

Vise MSD Crimp tool
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MSD-Ignition-3503-Mini-S...

[j&ms]

Fantastic. Thank you very much.