plugs and leads

[Kitwa]

I went out in my Griffith 4.3 yesterday for the first time this year. Doesn't take long to be reminded what fantastic fun these cars are! I think that goes for pretty much all TVRs.
The car is running well, but the friend who does the servicing with/for me suggested that I fit iridium plugs and Magnecor leads, and clean the stepper motor. I've done the stepper motor before and hope that will be as straightforward as it was last time. What I wondered is what iridium plugs - NGK? - and Magnecor leads are recommended for the 4.3 pre-cat engine, and where's best to get hold of them from.
Any advice and related information gratefully received!

[Belle427]

Lots of opinions on this but if you head over to the chim section there are some recent discussions on it.
Magnecor are considered to be a waste of money.

[phillpot]

Iridium plugs a waste of money in a low use car.

Magnecor a waste of money.

[Kitwa]

Thanks guys. I have emailed mrretroleads mentioned on the Chimera thread. The car's low use, certainly recently, but is there a perfomance benefit to be had with iridium plugs? A bit of research indicates that they require less power to create a strong spark. Ultimately I'd want to go with what is generally considered the best lead/plug combination for the engine, which is unmodified, still running the original 14CUX system.

[phillpot]

Kitwa said:

A bit of research indicates that they require less power to create a strong spark.

Hundreds of TVR's and all manner of other vehicles using that old Rover V8 (including a few thousand Range Rovers) running around quite happily on standard plugs.

The standard ignition system has all the power it needs to create a perfectly adequate spark

[sixor8]

Yes, but Griffs (and Chimaera 500s) often foul the plugs using the original NGK 7s, unless you track-day the car. They don't run hot enough.

My car, and many others have fitted BPR6 plugs and the cars run better for it. Iridium plugs have a longer life but with mileage I do, I also don't think they are worth it.

[Belle427]

Mr Retro may advise to go for NGK BP6ES instead of BPR6ES, the latter are resistive and not really required if the leads already offer some resistance.

[mjlloyd500]

Mat smith who does my services put some new leads and socks ditching the extenders and using the 7 plugs .it runs perfectly and I only do 2000 miles a year but I do live nr Romford where the car gets hot in 5 minutes due to the way I drive and the traffic I encounter at all times of the day

[Kitwa]

Thanks very much guys for all the advice.

[Kitwa]

As Lt. Columbo might say: "Just one more thing..."
I've got leads on the way from mrretroleads - helpful service from Anthony there! - and plugs coming too, and I'm aiming to fit them at the weekend.
Would it be a good idea to shroud the leads in some kind of heat resistant material, or not necessary? I'm not with the car at the moment but from memory it had extenders on at least some of the leads. I've ordered separator blocks from mrretroleads too, so may not be necesary as they should stop the leads rotating/moving, but may be a good idea anyway as the manifolds are very close. And if so, any suggestions as to what's best to use? To recap, the car's a 4.3 pre-cat Griffith.
Grateful for any views/suggestions!

[5.0ltr]

Having lost the extenders I bought socks. Bit like these ones.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355819700413?mkcid=16&a...

[Belle427]

If you bought the angled type at the plug end you may not get the sleeves over them, most with this type of lead run without them as it allows you to angle them away from the manifolds.

[BritishTvr450]

My socks work ok on angled caps. The caps are something like 60 degree.

For the minimal cost of socks it’s a no brainer imho.

All powerful cars used them once so I like the macho effect

[Kitwa]

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

[scottliv]

Put a plastic bag over the ends and the sock will slide over easily then pull the bag out. I have had socks on the Mr Retro leads for 4 years also using the blocks. It makes for a neat solution.

[scottliv]

Put a plastic bag over the ends and the sock will slide over easily then pull the bag out. I have had socks on the Mr Retro leads for 4 years also using the blocks. It makes for a neat solution.