Spark plug wire choice, resistor or solid core?

Cliff Ramsdell

Cliff Ramsdell

Senior Member
Hi all,
Searching hasn't turned up anything firm. '46 flathead V8 in my model A. Has some drivability issues and found three bad plug wires (resistor type wires), and they are not that old.

So, should I got with a solid core wire since the only tunes I listen to are the headers rumbling down the road or a better set of the suppression wires?

Input please and yes I know it's not mostly stock car but the motor is except the dual 94's and headers.

Thanks,
Cliff Ramsdell
 
We use only metal core type plug wires, and solder the terminals on both ends Carbon fiber wires depend on a spike into the cable to make contact, and breaking loose is the usual problem.
 
I run Packard 440 solid cord wire and strip the ends one half inch back and folded under into connector - makes a good connection. TVRS wire is not dependable.
 
Uncle Hubie put solid core on her at 10, they still be there.

I just try to keep 'em clean and watch for cracks....SFSG.

292a6md.jpg


Bob
:cool:
 
Solid core is fine as long as you don't have a radio (you don't,) electronic tach or speedo, garage door opener or anything like that.

PS: Bob- Luv that orange engine...
 
PeteVS said:
Solid core is fine as long as you don't have a radio (you don't,) electronic tach or speedo, garage door opener or anything like that.

PS: Bob- Luv that orange engine...
Click to expand...

Yeah....but notice the left WP.

The DW couldn't understand why I was '*****'n so much about it not being the 'right' color....."just paint the damn thing", said she.

"But it would no longer be 'original'....said I. ;)

Bob
:cool:
 
Been wondering the same thing on my 39. I replaced the plug wires more years ago than I can remember and they are carbon fibre. They appear good but the engine has a regular miss on one or more cylinders as soon as it comes off idle. I'm thinking of replacing the carbon fibre wires with something closer to original (copper?)
 
carbon fiber wires have a tendency to break down especially in side the insulation and arcing there, causing a miss, they will break if they are bent to much, use copper or solid core wire, use suppressors on the gen, coil and dist if you have a radio
 
All new cars have radio frequency suppression plug wires. Had them for at least 40 years. They all seem to last well in excess of 100,000 miles, no matter what the make or model. Why should a Flathead Ford be any different? I think in the last 50 or so years plug wires have been improved. I vote for the RFI plug cables.,...jack
 
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Newer vehicles have "HEI" , high energy electronic ignition compared to the old points and condensers in our flatheads. So I wonder if that might make copper a better choice for the older ignition systems?
 
I use the stock solid copper wires as specified by Ford and have no problems with static in my original AM radio.
 
Got solid core wires. While I agree on newer wires since I spent 20 plus years at as a Chrysler mechanic and found on many occasions that solid core wires on newer cars caused nothing but problems.

Thanks to all for your input.

Cliff Ramsdell
 
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