59A How Many Feet Of Ignition Lead?

[Jason M.]

Just ordering some parts for my 59A and would like a suggestion of how much bulk ignition lead wire to purchase for a stock configuration system including the coil to distributor? I have the factory tin wire looms.


Thank You

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Jason M.

Just ordering some parts for my 59A and would like a suggestion of how much bulk ignition lead wire to purchase for a stock configuration system including the coil to distributor? I have the factory tin wire looms.


Thank You

[Ziggster]

When I get home later this afternoon, I can measure what I have with my helmet style distributor.

[Seth Swoboda]

If it is stock, why not just order a stock wire set?

[Ziggster]

Measured about 107” per side, so in total about 214”. Seems like a lot, but it is what it is.

[Jason M.]

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Thank You VERY much!!!

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

Measured about 107” per side, so in total about 214”. Seems like a lot, but it is what it is.

And that would convert to .0270068 furlongs.

[FortyNiner]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

If it is stock, why not just order a stock wire set?

Unfortunately, the stock sets are prone to cracking and too large in diameter to easily install on the rabbit ear style distributor. I can't imagine that the crab style is much better.

I just installed a new set of wires using 'by the foot' material from Rhode Island Wire and the difference is dramatically better, The top distributor cap fits properly and the routing through the looms was worlds easier.

FYI, As I recall (which can be an act of faith), I ordered 25 feet of wire. It was likely a bit too much but allowed me to experiment with the lengths and crimper.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by FortyNiner

Unfortunately, the stock sets are prone to cracking and too large in diameter to easily install on the rabbit ear style distributor. I can't imagine that the crab style is much better.

I just installed a new set of wires using 'by the foot' material from Rhode Island Wire and the difference is dramatically better, The top distributor cap fits properly and the routing through the looms was worlds easier.

FYI, As I recall (which can be an act of faith), I ordered 25 feet of wire. It was likely a bit too much but allowed me to experiment with the lengths and crimper.

25ft is about the norm to order.

[Ziggster]

I did order precut black wire. Still had to do a bit of trimming at the ends going to the distributor, and of course had to install and crimp those terminals. I can attest to the pain it was installing all the wires into the conduit, and getting them to stick out the correct amount. Getting all the terminals on each of the two helmet style distributor caps was no fun either. Good luck.

[Ziggster]

I should have mentioned that is one fine engine you have, and if I ever do dual carbs, that style intake was one of my top picks.

[Pete]

While the stock factory wire looms are a requirement for show judging, They are second worst for maximum ignition efficiency. The worst thing are the individual tube type after market hot rod looms.
The factory type looms can reduce spark plug current by as much as 3 to 4 milliamps. The individual tube type by as much as 4 to 5 milliamps. When stock type wires get several years old in these looms, it is interesting to, in the dark, observe the leakage glow around the loom entries and exits.

Auto manufacturers went to the plastic wire spacers seen on modern cars for two reasons.
1 - They are cheaper.
2 - And most important, they reduce capacitive current loss to
essentially zero.

The best type hold the wires a quarter inch or more apart.
Wires laying on a metal part for a short distance is not usually a concern.