MSD Spark Plug Wires - Manual

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M S D I G N I T I O N • www.msdignition.com • (915) 857-5200 • FAX (915) 857-3344
The Super Conductor Wire has less than 50 ohms per
foot, the lowest available in a helically wound wire. A spe-
cial copper-alloy conductor is wrapped very tightly around
a ferro-magnetic impregnated center core which gives the
wire extremely high EMI suppression. This design ensures
that optimum spark energy will reach the spark plugs while
EMI noise is held at a minimum.
NOTE: Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with any
MSD Ignition controls or Pro Mags.
Just like tires, oil or spark plugs, the spark plug wires
are a maintenance item. Service of the wires hinges on
your application and ignition control. If you have a 6AL
Ignition and use the car as a daily driver, the wires will
last for thousands of miles. Conversely, if you are racing a
high compression engine with nitrous and an MSD 10, the
wires should be inspected and even replaced during the
race season. When checking wires, closely inspect for signs
of burning or arc-through. Look at the boots for signs of
cracking or burning and using an ohm meter to check resis-
tance of each wire is a good idea. Also, keep in mind that
the coil wire is delivering eight times the spark so it should
be checked closely. When checking resistance of the wires
note that the longer wires will have more total resistance,
but their values should average out. If one wire stands out
among the others, it should be replaced.
Spark Plug Wires
Spark plug wires have two main objectives; transfer the
spark energy to the plugs and suppress the Electro Magnetic
Interference (EMI) that the spark voltage projects. Too high
of resistance decreases the spark energy, yet too low of resis-
tance may generate too much EMI noise which will interfere
with the operation of other electronics on the vehicle. A
good quality wire, proper routing and routine inspection
are all important in getting the most performance out of
your ignition system.
MSD offers two great spark plug wires; Heli-Core Wire
and the 8.5mm Super Conductor Wire. The Heli-Core Wires
are a performance wire upgrade for any car or truck. For
serious performance, the 8.5mm Super Conductor Wire is
the wire of choice. Both sets of wires feature a conductor
that is helically wound around a special center core that
is designed to suppress, or choke, EMI. Helically wound,
sometimes called spiral core, must be used with an MSD
Ignition Control. Solid core wires do not suppress EMI
so there could be interference with the ignition or other
electronics on the vehicle.
Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs
8.5MM SUPER CONDUCTOR
WIRE (RED OR BLACK)
pn9615_wiring_diagram_print_vers11 11 8/18/2009 9:31:27 AM