M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: futron.sim on June 13, 2008, 08:36:26 AM

Title: Replacing Ignition Coil Cables With High Quality Ones?
Post by: futron.sim on June 13, 2008, 08:36:26 AM

The wires that runs from the ECU to the ignition coils seems to be pretty thin and miserable wires (those 3 wires that are connected to the ignition coil).

I am thinking of replacing these wires with something better. Eg. audio grade cables that are thicker and of high purity copper. I am thinking of getting these audio cables to replace the stock wires.

http://www.qed.co.uk/i278c159-158/QED_Cables/Speaker_Cables/Silver_Anniversary_XT.htm

Has anyone tried replacing these wires? If so, do they help in improving the ignition and hence boost power by a little (I am hoping for 0.5-1HP gain).

Title: Replacing Ignition Coil Cables With High Quality Ones?
Post by: peerless on June 13, 2008, 10:46:53 AM

I think you would be doing yourself a great dis-service by trying to modify the original wiring. The original wiring is more then adequate. BMW's have excellent electrical systems. And replacing these wires will give you ZERO HP gains. This is not some old chevy hot rod.

If you are really concerned regarding improving the ignition system on your M42 look into a Coil On Plug conversion.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/peerless/DSCN0304.jpg)

Title: Replacing Ignition Coil Cables With High Quality Ones?
Post by: mkodama on June 13, 2008, 03:37:37 PM

+1 to what Peerless said, no point reinventing the wheel(cause it's already been done for you).  Simply put, do the coil on plug conversion and you no longer have any spark plug cables to wear out.

Title: Replacing Ignition Coil Cables With High Quality Ones?
Post by: futron.sim on June 13, 2008, 08:28:18 PM

Thanks for the advice. Talking about COP, my own project is already underway. Just waiting for the coils to arrive (bought them on ebay).