Aftermarket HT leads - snake skin oil?
25 October 2001, 04:06 PM
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I have seen ads for aftermarket HT leads claiming to transmit 6x as much power to the spark plugs thus improving running and engine power. 
Sounds like bullsh*t to me but can anyone shed light on the matter?
Tom
[Edited by tklimes - 25/10/2001 16:09:01]
Sounds like bullsh*t to me but can anyone shed light on the matter?
Tom
[Edited by tklimes - 25/10/2001 16:09:01]
26 October 2001, 09:25 AM
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There was a test in Revs mag a couple of years ago using a 2l 16V Astra lump (on a bench dyno, not in a car), trying the various wires from Splitfire, Nology etc etc. The test found that Mafco Pro wires (about 30 quid for a set of 4, the cheapest apart from the OEM Vauxhall ones) gave an 8bhp increase, whereas the really expensive stuff (Nology & Splitfire) gave 2-3bhp.
I remember the magazine itself was very sceptical, and repeated the test with the Mafco wires, but got the same power gain. It shouldn't work, but their test found it did.
Generally I think it's snake oil, but it's probably a good idea to replace them with quality wires (Bosch / NGK) if the cars getting on a bit or high mileage as the underbonnet temps must degrade the wires over time.
I remember the magazine itself was very sceptical, and repeated the test with the Mafco wires, but got the same power gain. It shouldn't work, but their test found it did.
Generally I think it's snake oil, but it's probably a good idea to replace them with quality wires (Bosch / NGK) if the cars getting on a bit or high mileage as the underbonnet temps must degrade the wires over time.
26 October 2001, 09:41 AM
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Brickboy, thanks for the info. 
The car's done 54k and is starting to missfire a bit when it's damp so I will replace the leads now (I'll try the Mafco Pro's) and the plugs at the 60k service. Where can you get the Mafco Pro's?
The car's done 54k and is starting to missfire a bit when it's damp so I will replace the leads now (I'll try the Mafco Pro's) and the plugs at the 60k service. Where can you get the Mafco Pro's?
26 October 2001, 10:26 AM
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Quick web search shows these guys: http://www.tyneside-auto-electrical.co.uk/
But to be honest, I reckon you're just as well going to Halfords and getting some NGK or Bosch stuff -- if your current leads aren't in good shape then you'll notice an improvement anyway.
But to be honest, I reckon you're just as well going to Halfords and getting some NGK or Bosch stuff -- if your current leads aren't in good shape then you'll notice an improvement anyway.
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