HT leads

Author
Discussion

Marshy

Original Poster:

2,748 posts

285 months

Friday 10th May 2002
quotequote all
A while ago, the original HT leads on my car started to give up the ghost, having succumbed to the heat, by the looks of things.

I replaced the lot with a bunch of silicon jobbies from Halfords, which are already on the way out. I knew it would be a temporary measure, but I didn't realise *how* temporary. I've had two go brittle inside the rubber boot that goes on the plug extender, so I'm sure the rest won't be far behind. (Thank god for spares in the boot )

I haven't read anything totally conclusive about the merits of Magnecor leads, having heard good things, and so-so things about them in terms of their impact on general drivability. I'm more interested, though, to know what are considered to be good leads to get for longevity.

manek

2,972 posts

285 months

Saturday 11th May 2002
quotequote all
I bought some Magnecors a while back. Can't say I noticed any difference in performance but, for a while before they got filthy, they looked nice and they are still as flexible as they were when I installed them.

Not the cheapest mind, but then they were a Christmas pressie for the Chimaera...

shayes

164 posts

285 months

Sunday 12th May 2002
quotequote all
Check out the Magnecor web site
www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm

I've used Magnecor for around six years on my SEAC and now run them on my BMW. I don't *necessarily* expect more performance (but it won't hurt) but they will last a lifetime and probably reduce the chance of electrical issues with the ignition system.

Expensive maybe - there are different types and some are cheaper - but I won't have to worry about replacing them ever again.

Cheers
Sean

shpub

8,507 posts

273 months

Sunday 12th May 2002
quotequote all
Except when they break down and need replacing... I am in two minds about them in practice. The 520 has them... the 500 is currently using bog standard Lucas ones which I can afford to replace three more times before getting anywhere near the cost of the magniwhatsits.

Both seem to be standing upto life about the same.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

mgv8

1,632 posts

272 months

Monday 13th May 2002
quotequote all
When the leads are new thay will all give the same peformnce. The spark plug makes determins the ark voltege.
The qualty of a lead will just give loger life.
A good set of spark plugs will take lower voltege than an old duff set.
So it is all down to how often you would like to replace you lead.

trefor

14,635 posts

284 months

Monday 13th May 2002
quotequote all
I have some Halfords leads on at the moment, which I put on about 3 years ago - they seem perfectly adequate up to now. However, they are really a pain to make sure they are all the way on. Some of the ends are starting to look a bit dodgy so ... I just ordered some Mangnecor leads, and a new dizzy cap since I don't think the cap has been replaced since the car was new (45,000 miles now).

Trefor/.

andymadmak

14,597 posts

271 months

Monday 13th May 2002
quotequote all
Just fitted some 8mm Magnecores on my 400se and they do seem to make it run alot smoother. (they cured a slight light throttle missfire too)
I think they look good too. Oooops, that makes me sound a bit Maxy P doesn't it?!
Andy 400se

shok

133 posts

265 months

Friday 31st May 2002
quotequote all
My Rover V8 used to "eat" HT leads - tried a set of Magnecor with a plug change and haven't had any problems since. The leads are a bit pricey but worth it.

Marshy

Original Poster:

2,748 posts

285 months

Sunday 2nd June 2002
quotequote all
Thanks for the feedback people.

PAB

13 posts

263 months

Friday 7th June 2002
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I'm new to this forum, but for interest, I've just replaced the Lucas leads on my Dax Rush V8 (TVR Chim 4 litre) with a set of Mallory leads from Real Steel. Time will tell but they came highly recommended by other Dax Owners.

deltaf

1,384 posts

258 months

Tuesday 26th November 2002
quotequote all
Difference between types of leads like Magnecor and Halfords own brand is the construction.
Mags are stainless wire wrapped around a ferrite core to give the suppression qualities necessary.
Halfords are made using that old favourite.."carbon impregnated string".
Dont laff its true!
Intitially both types will perform well.
Carbon string types always change their internal resistance after a while, and its accelerated by heat, so instead of maintaining its correct resistance it increases it, not good.
Frequent replacement is necessary with these types.
Mags? Never had to mess with mine yet and have superior physical strength, most jap cars using Nippon Denso leads as oe.

calseight

13 posts

260 months

Wednesday 27th November 2002
quotequote all
I've never believed in the hype that's thrown about regarding ignition systems. A spark that jumps the gap at the right time is all that the Gods of Internal Combustion demand. But I did need a new set of wires for my Westfield/Rover V8 and Magnecor was running a special, so I bought some.

They actually did make a difference!!! The car now starts easier and runs smoother. Whodathunkit?

ByronTVR

332 posts

285 months

Wednesday 27th November 2002
quotequote all
that's cool calseight!,
If the engine runs also better when it reaches the normal temperature,...then propably these spark cables are better.That means that the spark plugs work better and they burn the air/fuel mixture more efficiently, that's why it runs smoother.Do not forget that the huminity here in U.K. is too high at nights so a more effective spark cable (different wire material) will work better in any circumstances.

ByronTVR

philip_cooke

5,182 posts

282 months

Thursday 28th November 2002
quotequote all
So how much are a magical set of magnecors then? Are there local (ie UK) dealers or do you have to order then from the States??

deltaf

1,384 posts

258 months

Friday 29th November 2002
quotequote all
Try Demon Tweeks in Wrexham...they have allsorts.

deltaf

1,384 posts

258 months

Friday 29th November 2002
quotequote all
Try Demon Tweeks in Wrexham...they have allsorts.

rmaurer

251 posts

271 months

Friday 29th November 2002
quotequote all

philip_cooke said: So how much are a magical set of magnecors then? Are there local (ie UK) dealers or do you have to order then from the States??


Just ordered a set of leads (8mm) and a new set of plug extenders from www.actproducts.co.uk

Plan to fit them this weekend when I can get out in daylight!