Spark plug wires w/ Pamco

[davem222]

Hi all,
I noticed that some of the cool cloth covered wires, like they sell at Lowbrow, say they aren't for electronic ignitions. So what kind of wires should I look for for this type of thing? Anyone know if there are cool cloth covered ones that ARE shielded for electronics? Thanks.

Dave

 

[pamcopete]

Dave,

You may have better luck looking for cloth covered wires for cars instead of motorcycles, like these:

http://www.vintagepartsusa.com/cata...s&refid=5021?gclid=COyNs-Sd5q4CFcaA7QodZndQwA

The V-8 kit has enough wire for you to go into business selling them!

If you are going to use the rubber elbows that come with the wire (very cool) then be sure and use resistor spark plugs, like NGK BPR7ES.

 

[davem222]

Wow, yeah that's a bit pricey for me at $70 for spark plug wire lol.

 

[davem222]

But thanks for the rec Pete I'm stoked to get my new Pamco

 

[5twins]

They do have VW sets for about $50 - but still, lol. I run aftermarket silicone VW wires, about $15 a set, but that's enough for 2 bikes (twins).

http://www.jbugs.com/product/9411.html?Category_Code=empi-vw-ignitions-wires-separators

 

[pamcopete]

Wow, yeah that's a bit pricey for me at $70 for spark plug wire lol.

Well, yess...but like I said...you could sell what you don't need and may end up with your set for free. There have been several posts here about cloth covered wires, so I'm sure you could sell them.

 

[davem222]

That's a good point re: selling the extra. Just in general though, what do I need regarding shielding? What should I look for?

 

[DogBunny]

They do have VW sets for about $50 - but still, lol. I run aftermarket silicone VW wires, about $15 a set, but that's enough for 2 bikes (twins).

http://www.jbugs.com/product/9411.html?Category_Code=empi-vw-ignitions-wires-separators

This is probably dumb, but if you use the wires in that link, do you then replace the plug caps in the pic with NGK (resistor) (90 degree) spark plug caps?

 

[5twins]

Yes, but when I ran points, I used zero ohm caps .....

 

[pamcopete]

This is probably dumb, but if you use the wires in that link, do you then replace the plug caps in the pic with NGK (resistor) (90 degree) spark plug caps?

That is why I suggested that he use resistor spark plugs NGK BPR7ES if he wants to have retro plug caps instead of the big NGK caps.

I did something similar with my '78/E . I bought a set of plug wires from Advance auto for a 1967 Camaro V8 for $12.95. They came complete with the 90 degree plug caps. They lasted me for several years.

 

[avenue]

so, y'all are saying the new style cloth covered wires from Lowbrow are a no-go with a pamco?

I thought I read somewhere they would work just fine with my pamco277, green coils, and iridium plugs.

clarification please. and, thank you,
avenue.

 

[Tim of DO THE TON]

I thought the issue with interference etc. and electronic ignitions had more to do with those that use advance control boxes like the Boyer etc. Can't see how electrical interference caused by non-shielded wires (which I presume is the issue with the cloth covered ones) would mess around with the magnetic sensors, but then again, I'm no physics major. Clearly I get the relationship between electro and magnetic, but who knows.

 

[pamcopete]

avenue and tim,

It's not the interference thing it's the much higher voltage in an electronic ignition as compared to a points system. The voltage from the PAMCO with the ultimate coil can jump a 1" gap so it would arc to any nearby metal, especially when wet or damp. If it arced to the gas tank, then the tank could arc to your leg because the tank is not grounded.

Here is the ultimate coil jumping a 1" gap:

That will arc right through a genuine cloth covered wire. The old points systems that cloth covered wires were used on would probably jump no more than 1/4" or even 1/8".

 

[ReycleBill]

As proof of what pamcopete just said: When I first went to the high performance coils and hi-po plug wires using my stock electronic ignition the bike ran like crap even though it was running fine before the upgrade. My first thought was that my new parts were bad. Then a light came on in my head and I slipped the rubber hoses from my factory wires over the new plug wires.

Problem solved.

 

[Tim of DO THE TON]

Good to hear the explanation - definitely will stick to high-test wire Just waiting for XS650Direct to get the 277 kits back in stock - not sure if they're waiting on you Pete or a supply of the green coils.

 

[DogBunny]

Not to beat a dying horse, But if I could just a couple of quick yeses, I would really appreciate it. I have read these plug wire threads for years, and now I think I have finally got it.

If I do have it, then the answer is yes to the following:
1) Electronic ignition MUST have resistor plug or resistor cap (not both).
2) Points ignition can run with either a resistor plug or a resistor cap (not both).
3) Points ignition can also be run with no resistor plug AND no resistor cap, and this is better????? Stronger spark, but not too strong?

 

[avenue]

I was under the impression the cloth wires from lowbrow are shielded for high output coils and are simply braided with cloth for the old-school-cool look.

pamco277, green coils, iridium plugs with SHIELDED WIRES is the right combo?


dense, yes. thankful for the help, absolutely
avenue.

 

[davem222]

So if I were to go into a store, or look online, for the wires I'd need w/ my electronic ignition, what do I ask for / search for? Are they "shielded" wires or something? lol, sorry, newbie here

Dave

 

[cros36]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-cable-sleeving/=goc7bt

this might help to maybe get the look your after.

 

[avenue]

I can't find where I read about these wires working with the pamco specifically but here is what lowbrow has to say.

"These plug wires are cotton-braided and lacquered, but have a modern stranded copper conductor with pvc insulation for top performance....Being that these are not supressor core wire, you could have radio interference with accessories on bikes that are running electronic ignitions. Made in the USA."

I picked up a set of these modern retro-look wires because I was told they are safe with the reliability of a pamco and the power of the green coils. The cloth-look is a bonus but I'll ditch them for safety's sake in a heartbeat.

any thoughts?
thanks, once again.
avenue.