C.8. Spark Plug Wire Selection
The TECgt outputs an extremely high-energy charge for the ignition coils. Resistor (carbon) core
wires work best with this charging method, since they absorb electrical noise generated by the coil firing
events. Use 8mm or larger RFI and EMI suppression wire with GM boots. We recommend using a carbon
core-style suppression wire with a resistance of 3,000 to 5,000 ohms per foot. SOLID CORE WIRES
SHOULD NEVER BE USED. Do not be misled by spark plug wire manufacturers claiming to give you a
“power increase” from their wire. The bottom line is that with our charging method, different spark plug
wires simply do not make a difference in terms of spark energy. However, there is a huge difference in
noise generated by different spark plug wire types (solid core wires generate a very high amount of noise
with our system).
Quoted from Magnecor’s Website:
“What is not generally understood (or is ignored) is that the potential 45,000 plus volts (with alternating
current characteristics) from the ignition coil does not flow through the entire the length of fine wire used
for a spiral conductor like the 1 volt DC voltage from a test ohmmeter, but flows in a magnetic field
surrounding the outermost surface of the spiral windings (skin effect). The same skin effect applies
equally to the same pulsating flow of current passing through carbon and solid metal conductors. A
spiral conductor with a low electrical resistance measured by a 1 volt DC ohmmeter indicates, in reality,
nothing other than less of the expensive fine wire is used for the conductor windings!
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TECgt Manual Version 2.0
- Page 48 -
©2008 Electromotive, Inc.
Electrical devices, including spark plugs, use only the electrical energy necessary to perform the
function for which such devices are designed. Spark plug wires are nothing more than conductors, and
whereas a bad ignition wire's inefficient conductor can reduce the flow of electricity to the spark plug, an
ignition wire that reportedly generates an "increase" in spark energy will have no effect on the spark
jumping across the spark plug gap, since the energy consumed at the spark plug gap won't be any more
than what is needed to jump the gap. For a more obvious example of this, a 25watt light bulb won't use
any more energy or produce any more light if it's screwed into a socket wired for a 1000watt bulb.”
Due to the extremely high energy in the TECgt coil charging circuit, spark plug wires may wear out
faster than with a standard ignition. As such, it is recommended that the wires be checked periodically for
carbon tracking caused by a breakdown of the internal conductor element. Looking at the plug wires in a
dark area and wetting them with a spray bottle of water will reveal carbon tracking. Pay close attention to
the exposed section of the spark plug (where the rubber boot ends) during the test. To maximize spark plug
wire life, keep the lengths as short as possible (i.e. mount the DFU as close to the engine as possible).
Replacement of the wires on an annual basis is recommended for high-rpm/high-horsepower applications.
For an extremely high-quality wire with excellent noise suppression, we recommend the Magnecor
brand. Specifically, their “Electrosports 80” 8mm wire is very good with our system. Custom wire lengths
and ends are available from them so you will not need to crimp the wires yourself. They can be reached at
(248)669-6688 or on the web at:
www.magnecor.com . Taylor Pro-Wire Silicon Resistor wires also work
well.
