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MG TD TF 1500 - Ignition Wires

I am installing new ignition wires in my TF and was wondering if I should make them all the same length or shorten Nr 2 & 3. Or does it make any difference. Bill
Bill Mason

Mostly aesthetics. I leave the wires long enough that if one end of a wire pulls out of the cap or the terminal, there is enough wire length there to strip it back again and re-attach it.

I use only Packard 440 wire, NOT what your FLAPS sells as solid-core wire. The difference in the number of strands is huge.

Tom
t lange

Tom,

A source for the 440 wire please. Thanks.

Cheers,
Jim
James Neel TD28423

My NAPA dealer has 440. If your's doesn't, I'm sure they could order some for you. PJ
P S Jennings

My local NAPA claimed not to be able to get it, but the local hot rod shop could. I later bought a roll on the Internet that cost just about the same...

Tom
t lange

I got 25ft on Ebay, that should for several XPAG's.

Cheers,
Jim
James Neel TD28423

A word of caution...as per a site selling Packard 440 wire..."NOT for use with electronic ignition systems, use only with points or magneto ignition systems."
I assume this means pertronix ignitions...I wrote to Pertronixs and the reply was they do not recommend solid core non-resistor wires...FWIW
Bob Doc

http://www.thehotrodcompany.com/shopnow/show_item.asp?product_id=spw_PAC4401
Bob Dougherty

To answer the original question: How long to make the wires?
Mine are to appropriate length to reach the plug, wires 2 & 3 are shorter than 1 & 4.

About solid core wire and electronic ignition... use resistor plugs.
I use Champion RN5C in my TF with the Pertronix and solid copper wires
(Bumble Bee)
Don Harmer TF8986

I always have them ASAP:"as short as possible". That way they almost fall into place.

The picture is of my Y for which the side entry cap is correct, as opposed to the top entry cap for the T-types.


Willem vd Veer

Now that's one nice engine compartment!!
Bob
Bob Jeffers

My personal feeling is that those wires are uncomfortably short. If a wire should need to be re-attached there would scarcely be enough wire to cut back.

The factory photos I have seen show the wires long enough for the plug terminals to point straight down.



Tom
t lange

This thread was discussed between 16/08/2010 and 18/08/2010

MG TD TF 1500 index

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