Granatelli Plug connectors are crap...

[ik04]

I finally got around to fixing the terrible stumbling and rough running my engine has exhibited for the last two years. I suspected the spark plug connectors were not making a solid connection with the plugs because I could hear the arcing pops in the radio when they misfired. My plan to fix the problem was easy: change plugs and toss the GRP connectors!

My suspicions were correct and very evident when I pulled the first plug and removed the rubber boot to see the plug/wire connection. Because of the design of the connectors on the ends of the wires, there is no way to get a decent fit on the end of the plugs! The design of the connectors is just plain faulty. In my case, the connectors snapped onto the end of the plugs and all were rattling loose and could be completely not in contact with the plug terminal intermittently.

I went down to Auto Zone and checked every brand of plug they had and they all fit loosely. I even put the screw-on connector on the Bosch plugs on backwards to see if that old trick worked. Nope. The connectors rely on the little tiny spring clips to make the electrical connection and the body of the connector simply slips over the end of the plug terminal. Bad design and causing my rough running and stumbling for sure!

I disassembled the coil and wires and replaced the wires into the coil with the little bump of the spring clip VISIBLY touching the small spade terminal in the coils. I then grabbed my channel locks and crushed the plug end of the connectors just enough to ensure the out-of-round shape would make contact between the connector BODY and the plug tip. The spring clip still makes a nice "snap" when it is pushed onto the plug, but the plug is now firmly connected to the connector body (barrel).

The bottom line is that after chasing my suspicions and finding a quick fix for the faulty design, my car now runs a LOT better and does not stumble or sputter like it has for the last two years...

What did I pay for these things? Over a hundred dollars? P.T. Barnum was right on this one!

[screamn]

+1. I had their Pro coils with the connectors included. POS!!!!!!

Coils didn't even last for 4 months when 6 out of 8 were failing. Shipped them back to Granatelli since lifetime warranty. I got new coils back but still in box. Im running stock coils.

$500 wasted...beware of the Pro coils!!!!!!

[Blackened300a]

I've always heard the coils were crap but I been running the connectors for years. They always clipped onto the plug firmly and never caused a issue.

[fastblackmerc]

I've always heard the coils were crap but I been running the connectors for years. They always clipped onto the plug firmly and never caused a issue.

Same here.... never an issue.

[Marauderjack]

Mine are fine and have fit extremely TIGHT for 6+ years and almost 200K miles!!

[RF Overlord]

Same here...have them on both cars and no issues at all. Maybe the OP just got a bad set?

[DOOM]

I'm running the COP connectors. 2 years without any problems.

[fastblackmerc]

Same here...have them on both cars and no issues at all. Maybe the OP just got a bad set?

Or he just has to close the connector(s) a bit to make them fit snug.

Tell me which ones you think are better.........

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Or he just has to close the connector(s) a bit to make them fit snug.

Tell me which ones you think are better.........

What caught my eye in your pic, Jim....where did you get that Marauder sticker made? I'd like to have one of those...

[ctrlraven]

I've had GMS coil connectors for like 5 years now, zero problems!

Now I've had to re-crimp one of them after it was pulled off a plug about 10x in a short period but that was no problem/easy fix. All my connectors clip on firm to the plug and the coil connector. Hope you are using dielectric grease as well.

[rayjay]

I have to agree, no probs with mine. I tighten them on occaision.

[BODYMAN]

Been there done that! 1 word carpeatelli's Ive heard alot have had sucess with them and quite a few like me who didnt?

[ctrlraven]

It's the coils have problems with, very rarely if ever someone has problems with a coil CONNECTOR.

[BODYMAN]

It's the coils have problems with, very rarely if ever someone has problems with a coil CONNECTOR.

Correction! You are correct Chris I didnt clarify it was there cop's that I had which I felt were junk. Same on them to though some love them other's had same probs as me.