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    Magnecor Spark Plug Wires Installation

    Although intended as a How-To describing the installation of Magnecor spark plug wires, it should be pointed out the same proceedure detailed below can also be followed to install replacement OEM spark plug wires or the aftermarket NGK spark plug wire set (part #ZE76), thus increasing the utility of this thread. The current cost of the two-wire NGK set is US $31.95 and it's available from: http://sparkplugs.com

    This two-wire Magnecor set is designed for '01 to '03 Proteges with the 2.0 L (FS-DE and FS-DET) engine. The part no. is 45403 and it is listed as being from their KV85 Competition 8.5mm Ignition Cable series. The cost was US $76.00 plus $12.90 S&H from CorkSport (the current cost from CorkSport is US $82.00). Included are two sheets containing fitting instructions and information about the wires. I installed this 2-wire set in May, 2006.

    According to Magnecor, the cable is constructed by winding stainless steel wire at 200 turns/inch around a Ferrimagnetic core base. The total resistance is designed to be only 2.2 kilohms/foot, considerably lower than OEM. As a consequence, more electrical energy is transmitted to the spark plug electrodes. The outer covering of the cable is made of aerospace grade silicone rubber and is able to withstand a sevice temperature of 600 degrees F (320 degrees C). This type of construction provides both EMI and RFI suppression, and lengthens cable life over stock since resistance change with age, characteristic of the carbon core construction of OEM cables, is eliminated. For more information, go to: www.magnecor.com

    Installation
    Tools and Materials Required:
    3/8" drive ratchet
    3" extension
    10 mm socket, 6-pt
    anti-seize compound
    dielectric grease
    91% isopropyl alcohol
    toothpicks

    The installation process is quite simple. Facing the front of the car, remove the two bolts holding the coil pack on the passenger (left) side of the valve cover. Pull the coil pack straight up off the No.2 spark plug, and next pull the short spark plug wire straight up off the No.3 spark plug by holding the boot. Then pull the No.3 spark plug wire off the coil pack terminal, again by grasping the boot. Never pull directly on the wire itself.

    Clean the boss on the coil pack from which the old wire's boot was removed with 91% isopropyl alcohol and then, using a toothpick, put a light coating of dielectric grease on it. Do not put grease inside the coil boot of the new spark plug wire and do NOT get grease on the contact terminal itself. Then, insert the new wire's terminal into the coil by firmly pushing the boot down over the boss. Again using a toothpick, coat the inside of the spark plug boot with dielectric grease being careful to keep the grease off the contact terminal itself. Then, push the boot down over the No.3 spark plug until you feel/hear it click home. The purpose of the dielectric grease is to prevent sticking of the boots on subsequent removals which could damage or destroy the wires.

    Reinstall the coil pack by first coating the threads in the valve cover with anti-seize compound to insure subsequent easy removal and then replacing the bolts. The FSM specifies a torque setting of 69.5-95.4 in/lbs (7.9-10.7 N/m) which works out to 5.8-7.9 ft/lbs. Since my torque wrench has a minimum setting of 5 ft/lbs with poor accuracy at that point, I simply snugged up the bolts with my ratchet and called it a day.

    Finally, follow the exact same proceedure with the second coil pack and the long spark plug lead on the driver's side of the valve cover (plugs 1 and 4) and you're done. The wire holders on the coil packs are too small to hold the new, thicker wires so I just used the wire separator that magnecor includes to support the long wire from the short wire. At a later point, I may enlarge the holes in the holders to hold the wires as before although I don't think it makes any difference.

    Purpose
    It's generally agreed that the OEM spark plug wires are adequate for all normal driving, provided they are in good shape and within spec, and even for lightly modded engines. Although the Magnecor wires will provide a higher energy spark at the plug electrodes, anything more than that necessary to trigger complete combustion is unnecessary, although heavily modded engines and those running FI might benefit depending on level of tune. For those running a more stock setup, why then make the change?

    As previously stated, the OEM carbon core wires tend to increase in resistance as they age. As the resistance increases, the spark energy delivered to the electrodes also falls off resulting in a less than optimally-performing engine. In fact, the FSM specifies a range of resistance for each wire that, if exceeded, calls for replacement. The FSM specifies the resistance range for the No.3 (short) spark plug wire as 1.9-4 kilohms and that for the No.1 (long) wire as 5.6-12.1 kilohms. I measured the resistance of my OEM wires with my Wavetek HD160 DMM and found the No. 3 lead to be 3.8 kilohms and the No.1 lead registered 9 kilohms. Although both were within spec, the No.3 lead was definitely near its upper limit and the No.1 lead was also in the upper region of its range. Thoughtlessly, I didn't measure the resistance of the Magnecore wires before I installed them. However, using the length of the OEM wires and Magnecor's stated resistance value of 2.2 kilohms/foot, we can calculate their ~ value. Measuring the terminal-to-terminal length of the No.3 (short) lead gives an ~ value of 8.5". At 2.2 kilohms/foot, this equals ~ 1.6 kilohms compared with the OEM figure of 1.9-4 kilohms. In like manner, the ~ 23" long No.1 lead yields a value of 4.2 kilohms versus the OEM figure of 5.6-12.1 kilohms. Quite a substantial difference between the two sets of wires.

    Since the Magnecor wires maintain their characteristic resistance rating over time that does not increase with age, this gives us a valid reason for their use. Although initially quite expensive, they will maintain their efficiency for long periods of time making periodic replacement of the OEM wires unnecessary and perhaps saving money over the long run. Of course, a second reason is cosmetic. These red, 8.5mm conductors look mean and purposeful and definitely add to the engines appearance, if not performance.

    Driving Impressions
    Well, I did notice that the engine started more readily and idled more smoothly. Unfortunately, at the same time that I changed the wires I also changed the plugs (same plugs and the old ones were in exceptionally good shape). So I don't know which is responsible for what. I suspect the plugs, however. I can't honestly say that the car ran any better either; it seemed about the same as before. It sure looks good when you open the hood, though.

    Final Thoughts
    Magnecor spark plug wires-$88.90
    Anti-seize, dielectic grease and toothpicks-$7.00
    Knowing that your spark is hotter, fatter and longer than all those other guys with OEM wires-Priceless

    Two views of the installed Magnecor wires and the coil packs:
    Attached Files
    Last edited by goldstar; 06-27-2011, 08:41 AM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    #2
    great writeup!

    one question though, are these Magnecor Wires better than the NGK that Corksport sells?

    I'm from Uruguay, so my english might be wrong, any mistakes please, correct me

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by trufa View Post
      great writeup!

      one question though, are these Magnecor Wires better than the NGK that Corksport sells?
      Thank you.
      NGK has a Racing Power Cable set, #29Z, available for the 2001-2003 2.0 L engines that is at least the equal of the Magnecor, and with similar construction. However, it is only available in Japan. If you wanted it you'd have to try to import it. Since Corksport only sells standard NGK spark plug wire sets, the Magnecor is a higher quality product than Corksport's NGK selection.

      An NGK Racing Power Cable set, #07Z, is available for the 1999 to 2001 1.6 L ZM-DE engines from vendors in this country such as:
      www.sparkplugs.com

      This would be a viable, and even a preferable (because of it's lower cost) alternative to the Magnecor.

      Happy Motoring!
      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

      Comment


        #4
        I don't know anything about the products you have mentioned but please keep in mind this thread is about Magnecor installation. Please don't clutter it up with irrelevant material.

        Thank you.

        Happy Motoring!
        02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
        MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
        MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
        Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
        MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
        Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
        Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
        Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
        Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
        Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
        Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
        Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
        Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

        Comment


          #5
          My GTR using magnecor too ..and it's magnificent.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by trufa View Post
            one question though, are these Magnecor Wires better than the NGK that Corksport sells?
            def not from my experience. ive owned two sets of magnacore wires. and both of them the ends pulled off at the plug. like internally. the 2nd set two of the wires did this in under 6 months of purchasing them. considering ive never ever had any other spark plug wire do that, and have changed over a 100 sets throughout working on cars. thats pretty ****ty.

            now i stick to NGK's if possible, or i just buy the universal v8 build you own set, and make them myself. and even the ones i make myself last alot longer then the magnacores, and havent broken.
            ~PaTricK~


            -Current car's-
            ~ 92 Probe GT Turbo, 90 FE3 Turbo 626GT hatch, 97 KL mtx 626, 05 Mazda6, 09 Kia Sportage V6~
            What are you driving?

            Comment


              #7
              Although this thread is dated December, 2009, I actually installed the Magnecors in May, 2006 (as stated in post #1).

              After 5-years, the original set is still going strong with absolutely no problems. As to their ultimate life, only time will tell.

              Happy Motoring!
              02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
              MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
              MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
              Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
              MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
              Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
              Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
              Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
              Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
              Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
              Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
              Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
              Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

              Comment


                #8
                Hello All,

                I need to change my spark plug wires and I cannot find a good set or a good brand where I live, so I have to buy them at amazon or ebay and bring them over.

                I would love to buy the Magnecor wires, but I cannot afford them, so I can stick to these two options:

                NGK


                Bosch:


                In your experience, which is the best option??

                Comment


                  #9
                  The NGK wires will be just fine. NGK makes quality components. I've had no experience with the Bosch set but I'm sure they would also do the job reliably.

                  Incidently, I'm still using the Magnecor wire set that I installed in 2006 and it still functions perfectly.

                  Happy Motoring!
                  02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                  MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                  MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                  Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                  MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                  Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                  Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                  Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                  Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                  Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                  Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                  Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                  Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by goldstar View Post
                    The NGK wires will be just fine. NGK makes quality components. I've had no experience with the Bosch set but I'm sure they would also do the job reliably.

                    Incidently, I'm still using the Magnecor wire set that I installed in 2006 and it still functions perfectly.

                    Happy Motoring!
                    Great to hear that your magnecor wires are still working!!!!

                    Thank you for the comments Goldstar

                    Sent from my Ascend Mate 7 using Tapatalk.

                    Comment

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