How to make custom ignition leads!

[Oneofthegreats]

Well, I've done a few set's of these now, so I'd thought I'd share the process.

I like to use the top of the line MSD stuff. Not overly priced & good equipment. Also very easy to use with very clear instruction's & also a crimp tool too!



This is was a normal kit looks like. Except I've already used 5 leads!

These lead kit's come with the Spark plug end already fitted, so all you have to do is fit the dizzy cap end.



Start off by routing the lead's where, how you would like to run. Also keeping away from metal object's, extreme heat eg. exhaust pipes etc.
Cut your lead's to length, but "leave" alittle bit in reserve. It's easier to take more off, but you can't put it back on!



Now the lead set's come with two different style dizzy cap ends & boot's. One for "standard" (LHS) style cap posts & the other for "HEI" (RHS) style post's. The HEI cap's look like the ends of your spark plug's sticking out of the top of the cap.
For this application I'm using the "standard" style



Before you go any further & you've made your selection of lead terminal styles, slide the termnial boot over the lead. Alittle bit of Silicone can help with this. It is a tight fit, as it's suppose to be weather proof



The top tool is what comes with the lead kit & can do everything you need to make the leads incl. cutting & crimping. I also have a lead crimper as well to make the job easier



Then place your cut to length lead into the tool at the corresponding location to whether its for a "standard" or "HEI" lead terminal



Using a Razor blade, rotate the lead in its holder/tool & cut off the insulation of the lead



Then remove the insulation & you should end up with a finished product like this



Now the are two different way's you crimp you lead terminal's depending on if its for a "standard" or "HEI" setup. I'm only showing for the "standard" terminal.

[Oneofthegreats]

Fold the lead core over on itself as shown



Then place in the terminal



Now place the whole lot into either your MSD crimper or hand held crimper tool



Now squeeze like buggery. The great things about the hand held tool is it's on a ratchet & can't over tighten. Once it get's to its closed point, it can retract & you end up with the same crimping over & over

This is what is should look like





Bend the terminal at its bending point, 90 degrees to finish the lead end terminal job.



Then slide the boot end down over the lead end. Alittle bit of silicone can help.



Finished lead's with MSD lead separator's! Nice!



Installed setup. Very happy with it!





After having used this sort of lead set several times on different builds now, I don't think I'd go back to using a standard set of ignition leads. For the money, I reckon its worth going for the custom install, as they are not only great performing leads, they also look great when done properly.

[mikinoz]

I like that the spacers come in the kit. That is a nice touch.

[static1800]

Awesome writeup Tim, where abouts can you pick up the kit?

[Oneofthegreats]

I like that the spacers come in the kit. That is a nice touch.

Sorry Mik. The separators are sold separately. But well worth the added expense depending on the application.

[Oneofthegreats]

Awesome writeup Tim, where abouts can you pick up the kit?

I brought all of this from Jeg's in the States, when I needed to upgrade my complete ignition system & brought everything I needed.

You can buy this locally though from Rocket Industries or VPW or any speed shop will be able to get it. Reasonably priced too.