Recommendations for plugs, wires, rotor, distributor

shaolinpat · Post by **shaolinpat** » 15 Feb 2019, 07:06

Hello,

I'm looking to replace plugs, wires, rotor, distributor in my 1997 850 T-5.

What are the recommended brands/features I should look for in replacement parts?

One option is to go to the dealer to get the parts, but I'm much happier with Advanced Auto, O'Reilly, etc.

Thanks

Post by **abscate** » 15 Feb 2019, 07:10

OEM Volvo or Bosch for plugs, cap, rotor - from FCP IPD or EEuro - online vendors that also support this site.

Bougicord are the preferred plug wire brand and there are many reported problems with others.

The FLAPS stores sell junk China parts for Volvos - cheap to buy and expensive to own.

You want single electrode plugs for your turbo Volvo, not the three prong ones. You need to gap them to 0.028" too, not just install from the box.

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Feb 2019, 08:04

Cap and rotor must be Bosch. Replace every 50k miles.

Wires must be Bougicord. Replace every 100k miles.

Plugs you have some leeway, either Volvo branded plugs replaced every 30k miles, or cheap copper plugs much more frequently (you have to pull them and check for wear). Bosch FR7DPP (https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/48395/ ... z303BtfkIM) is widely rumored to be the same as the Volvo plug. For coppers people use Bosch 7955 or NGK BKR6E for stock vehicles that are not run too hard. They usually come pregapped but must be checked, 0.028" is indeed the number. Lots of other options for coppers of course.

Post by **misha** » 15 Feb 2019, 09:03

erikv11 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2019, 08:04 Cap and rotor must be Bosch. Replace every 50k miles.

Wires must be Bougicord. Replace every 100k miles...

I would say that those intervals are pretty short and unnecessary early.
I replaced my cap & rotor preventatively around 300k km....wires are still original...Bougicord(350k+ km).
Volvo spark plugs every 70-75k km.
Car never had a hiccup.

Could be that turbo have shorter replacement interval for ignition parts.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Feb 2019, 09:18

Those intervals are for the PM model, where you don't want those parts to ever fail in use. Ive actually found my T5 plugs have opened up past spec gap in only 27000 miles -documented in this Forum

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=70791&hilit=spark+plug+gap+wear

The run to fail model can be 2x that, and, of course, the tail end of the failure curve is long.

I run the fleet of cars outside of tow range on PM, and those within on RTM models...usually 3 of each.

SWMBOs car can't break when Im in Pakistan or else Hades visits our house.

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Feb 2019, 09:40

Yeah, ignition parts I just replace on a schedule, like for oil. Makes for less hassle when maintaining a (small) fleet, it's great to basically never run into ignition problems.

Copper plugs well known to open the gap in as few as 10k miles. They work great but you do need to monitor them. Which I'm not so interested in when maintaining a fleet ...

wyoben · Post by **wyoben** » 21 Jul 2019, 08:23

Dont mean to hijack this thread...but Im working on an1988 740 turbo with a toasted Hall sensor , and want to replace the whole distributor,and was wondering if anyone has had any input on the aftermarket distributors versus the spendy Bosch units ?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Jul 2019, 08:44

wyoben wrote: ↑21 Jul 2019, 08:23 Dont mean to hijack this thread...but Im working on an1988 740 turbo with a toasted Hall sensor , and want to replace the whole distributor,and was wondering if anyone has had any input on the aftermarket distributors versus the spendy Bosch units ?

Your best bet is to go with the Bosch.
When my hall sensor was bad, I just replaced the hall sensor itself. It's more of a challenge, but if you want to save a little money, it's the way to go. Just carefully follow the instructions (I'll have to see if I can find the link, there was a good writeup somewhere) and it should go smoothly.

This question is better suited for the 240/740/940/etc. sub forum, there are more red block guys over there!

Post by **FireFox31** » 05 Jul 2023, 01:00

The Bougicord wires are currently out of stock at FCP and only five remain at IPD. An IPD review from 4/23 says they were on backorder for a long time. It also said they changed to not include the clips to hold the wires together, making me wonder if they've gotten cheaper. edit: eEuroparts has Bougicord for $60.

Has anyone had success with the STI wires which FCP is currently selling? They're $41 which is about half the Bougicord price of $81. Will you get the bad quality that you pay for?

Are there any other brands which are currently available? Perhaps Denso at eEuroparts.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jul 2023, 04:09

DENSO are usually good parts but I would want to know country of manufacture. Unfortunately good brand names of past are being used to shill cheap crap made cheap in the industry. Even Bosch rebuilt starters and alternators have fallen prey to this.