Difference between Bosch gray and black 9001 plug wires?

[sb001]

Looking to replace some parts while I have my engine out and it's super easy. I remember the old days when the Bosch 9001 plug wires for my car came in a taller box and were gray, like this:

But the new ones I see now (Made in Mexico I think, not sure- doesn't even have English print on the box anymore) come in a shorter box and are black, like this:

Or this:

What is the difference in quality (if any) between the two, or is there another aftermarket brand highly recommended on here? If so, brand AND part number please so I don't have to go searching--thanks!
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I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[sb001]

And I guess recommendations for spark plugs too while we're at it.. thx
_________________
I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[Ricksurfin]

The new style has rubber boot ends, opposed to the old style Bakelite ends, and I was told the rubber flapper seals didn't fit or work as well.

[ROCKOROD71]

Just buy Denso or PVL German plug wires. I've ehard multiple complaints on the Bosch wires, including they are too thick to pop into the stock wire holders on the fan shroud.
Rock Auto has a good selection and they are cheap.
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1971 STD BEETLE- DD-1st car, 1st love. keepin' it stock! 1600DP, Solex 34-3 Mexi Bosch SVDA Dist NOW w/POINTS
1977 WESTY "KrustyKamper" 2L FI

[sb001]

[Tim Donahoe]

I use NGK B5HS.

As far as Bosch plug wires go, I thought they discontinued making them a while back. Maybe a year or two.

Wolfgang International sells a particular brand that they’re very happy with. I don’t know the name. You might call them and see.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

I bought Bosch wires from RockAuto

"Mexico; boxed"

Box says 'made in Mexico" but the wires are actually marked themselves as made in the USA, and that's good enough for me to at least give them a chance. I'll support a company that uses USA labor.

IMO, they are near identical copies of the OG grey/bakelite wires. Can't see how they would have any issues. I'll know when I use them I guess though.
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1973 Standard Beetle
1600DP AK case
Solex 34PICT3 Carb
Bosch DVDA 205AJ Distributor

[ROCKOROD71]

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

[sb001]

[vamram]

To the original question - I thru away a basically brand new set of the black ones from Bosch/Mexico. They would not stay on the plugs. I'd be driving and all of a sudden I'd drop 2-3 cylinders. Pull over and sure enough the cables had popped off of the plugs. Put them back in, drive another mile or two, have to pull over again to reset the cables on the plugs.
_________________
Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!

'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!!

[theKbStockpiler]

The Bosch wires I have bought for non ACVW's jacket was so soft it was near impossible to get them off the plug without having the terminal come off with it even with a special tool.

I bought Duralast Golds for a Jeep and they where the best wire I have ever bought. They are about $35 though.

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My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask.

[sb001]

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

Long day at work....

Took a look at my Bosch Mexico wires.
Date code January 2017
They are black wire with rubber plug boots
Wires are marked made in USA
I cannot find a significant difference in style, shape of boot vs grey/Bakelite wires on basic inspection.
They seem to engage well and hold onto the new Bosch plugs I bought

YMMV I guess

I'm gonna give them a shot when it comes time up time, if they don't work out I'll try something else
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1973 Standard Beetle
1600DP AK case
Solex 34PICT3 Carb
Bosch DVDA 205AJ Distributor

[RailBoy]

Not sure if I over looked it or not, but Bosch has been Subbing out there Plug Wires now for a while. And, there quality control dropped by the subsiterey companies..

Thing is there are good plug wires out there for VW's that beat Bosch as it is said in performance now days like the Petronix Plug Wires..

So, beware what you are getting into... RB
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[quote="smitty24"]"HELP, I ported my own heads and now have fire coming out my ass" .[/quote]

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

Alright guys, got an early start today so I had time to check those Mexico/USA Bosch wires against my legit Bosch Bakelite end wires on the car.

Long story short, the Mexico ones can work but would need trimming of the air seal Parr of the boot, because the plug end shaft thing is about 1cm shorter than the Bakelite Bosch wires.

I'm a bit disappointed, but since RockAuto has a good return policy I'm gonna order up a few other different non Bosch sets to compare to the old Bosch ones.

I can post here if everyone would feel it would benefit and be appropriate to post here when I receive and evaluate the other wires sets
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1973 Standard Beetle
1600DP AK case
Solex 34PICT3 Carb
Bosch DVDA 205AJ Distributor

[vamram]

Yep, same thing that happened to me. I ended up going w/a grey set, but I don't remember if I stuck w/RockAuto or went Duralast. Nothing wrong w/the Duralast ones, btw.
_________________
Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!

'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!!

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

[glutamodo]

[ricaroo]

I purchased these from o’reillys and they worked well

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/import-direct...tle?q=Plug


Rick
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1971 Standard Beetle 2 dr Sedan 1600dp