When it comes to ensuring the engine is running smoothly, nothing is more important than making sure that the spark plugs are firing correctly.
Spark plug wires are a type of ignition wire for spark plugs. These wires transfer electricity from the distributor to the spark plugs and are categorized into three types.
There are some differences in spark plug wires, even though spark plugs seem the same. So if you need to discover more about any types of spark plug wires and what they mean for your vehicle’s performance, you’ve come to the correct spot!
Contents
Types Of Spark Plug Wires
If you do additional investigation, you will discover three spark plug wires. These three have distinct specifications and characteristics that can increase your vehicle’s performance.
- Plug wires with distributed resistance
- Plug wires with magnetic resistance
- Plug wires with fixed resistors
Spark plug wires with distributed resistance
This wire has a fiberglass core that has been impregnated with latex graphite. As a result, it offers the most significant reduction of radio frequency interference (RFI).
RFI occurs when a high voltage is transmitted through the plug wires. It causes problems by generating fluctuating quantities of resistance in these sensitive onboard circuits.
Conversely, an ignition misfire generates internal heat, and the carbon core increases resistivity or RΩ (resistance).
Spark plug wires with magnetic resistance
Mag wire is a type of nail that has been specially designed to reduce the amount of current required for ignition. The core or middle portion consists primarily of nickel and copper with other elements, such as iron.
The wire is wrapped around an aluminum ferrule – which is found on either end near where they intersect. This provides insulation between your plug wires/electrical system from any excessive heat caused by improper installation techniques.
The most significant advantage of this cable is that it becomes more durable over time. In addition, it has fewer misfires. When an electrical current travels through spiral cores coiled in copper or nickel alloy, the resistance is minimized, using less energy!
Mag spark plug wires are the most common type of wire for magnetic resistance plugs. They’ve been used in Nissan, Honda, and Infinity car applications.
However, magnetic wire is more common in Japanese automobiles. So it’s advisable to double-check before buying these cables or any other items!
Spark plug wires with fixed resistors
European-style vehicles use fixed resistor spark plug wires. The boot combines these wires with copper wire, resistors, and steel to produce less current than other plugs leading to a more effective combustion process that reduces misfires.
Three Qualities That A Spark Plug Wires Should Have
Prevent vibration damage
It is essential to check your car’s engine regularly to prevent potential damage. Vibration may cause the electrical connection at the spark plug to loosen, which requires a higher voltage to fire.
This can harm the ignition coil resulting in damaged plugs with low ignitability factor or worse yet!
Prevent heat damage
The heat from an engine can burn boots and wire insulation, reducing the effectiveness of spark wires. Hence, wires in an engine bay need to be durable enough for the demanding conditions they will face!
Prevent abrasion damage
There are some serious risks associated with plug wires rubbing on engine components. The insulation can be ripped and broken, allowing electricity to jump from one component of your machine into another instead.
How Do You Make Your Spark Plug Wires?
Custom wires can assist in wiring your engine exactly where and how it needs to be. Some cables are being made for specific situations. They may contain routing instructions tailored specifically for these scenarios, as well as ignition coil mounting locations!
After deciding that you need to make your plug wires, it’s crucial to determine what boot end is required for a coil or distributor. In addition, the wire must have size correctly depending on how much spark will exit from each terminal when connected up with the power source.
Building your plug wires is not a simple task. So be prepared with the suitable equipment and resources if you want to do it!
Some crimping tools will ensure that terminals are correctly secured onto the wire. There are numerous types of crimp tools available, including a ratcheting crimp tool and any that fits in a vice to crimp the last into the plug.
Another thing you’ll need to manufacture your plug wires is dielectric grease, which aids in installation and avoids voltage leakage.
FAQs
1. Do spark plug wires differ from one another?
There are many different spark plug wires — the significant difference in their materials.
In addition, the conductor wire that makes up these replacement wires can be composed of many different substances depending on what type you choose for your vehicle’s engine configuration and application needs.
2. Are spark plugs wires universal?
Universal spark plug wires are a great way to get your car running smoothly. The installation process is quick and easy, with no modifications on the wire itself! Of course, custom wires can be made available, too!
3. Do spark plug wires add horsepower?
Absolutely. In some cases, they can increase an engine’s horsepower by 30%.
4. Is it possible to boost performance by replacing the spark plug wires?
Yes. Changing spark plug wires is a quick, easy way to make your car work better.
Remember changing the old wire with new ones and twisting them on each terminal. Hence it can increase performance by allowing more battery-powered electricity for ignition.
Final Thoughts
We’ve gone over the most critical aspects of three kinds of plug wires. So firstly, you must understand the different types of spark plug wires before changing them.
We hope this guide has helped with your selection process. In addition, If you’re going to replace your spark plug wires, make sure you pick the best ones possible because the improper wires might impair your engine’s performance.
