Bosch Ignition Wire Set | Air-Cooled VW Type 1 Engine (Beetle, Ghia, Bus) | Complete 5-Wire Set (98-9986-B)
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- Vendor Washburn's Metal
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Fits
- 1949-1979|VW|Beetle
- 1956-1974|VW|Karmann Ghia
- 1950-1971|VW|Bus
- 1973-1974|VW|Thing
- All Years|VW|Dune Buggy
Not sure it fits? Call the shop: (657) 438-7002.
Bosch Ignition Wire Set | Air-Cooled VW Type 1 Engine | Complete Set (4 Plug Wires + Coil Wire)
Bosch ignition wire set for air-cooled VW Type 1 engines — Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Bus (Type 1 engine only). The OE-spec replacement for original Bosch spark plug wires that have hardened, cracked, or developed insulation breakdown after decades in a hot engine bay. Part #98-9986-B.
Bosch supplied the original ignition wires on virtually every air-cooled VW from the factory. For a restored or original-spec VW, Bosch wires are the correct choice — they look factory, fit factory routing clips, and last decades when properly installed. Old wires are one of the most overlooked sources of misfire, rough idle, and hard starting in damp weather.
Vehicle Fitment
- VW Beetle: 1949–1979 (all Type 1 engines)
- VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1974
- VW Bus / Transporter: 1950–1971 (Type 1 engine only)
- VW Thing (Type 181): 1973–1974
- Also: Dune buggies, sand rails, and kit cars running Type 1 engines
- Will NOT fit: Type 4 engines (1972+ Bus, 411, 412, Porsche 914) — these use a different distributor cap, plug location, and wire lengths. Verify your Type 3 engine layout before ordering.
Why Choose Bosch?
Bosch is the German OE supplier that equipped these cars from the factory. Compared with budget aftermarket sets that use thinner insulation and lower-quality crimps, Bosch wires match the original distributor and coil setup and fit factory routing.
Key Features & Benefits
- Complete Set: Four spark plug wires plus the coil-to-distributor wire.
- Factory Fit: Pre-cut to factory lengths with molded boots and proper terminal ends — no assembly.
- OE-Spec Resistive Core: Suppresses radio noise and matches original Bosch wires.
- Cheap Insurance: Replaces original or unknown-age wires that cause misfire, rough idle, and hard starting.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Bosch (German OE supplier)
- Application: Type 1 air-cooled VW engine
- Sold As: Complete set (4 plug wires + coil wire)
- Core: OE-spec resistive
- Part Number: 98-9986-B
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a complete set or just one wire? Complete set — four spark plug wires plus the coil-to-distributor wire.
- Will these work with my Pertronix or other electronic ignition? Yes. Stock Bosch wires work fine with Pertronix Ignitor and similar modules. Some high-output systems (MSD, Crane) prefer low-resistance wires — follow that manufacturer's recommendation.
- Are these copper core or resistive? Standard OE-spec resistive core, matching original Bosch wires — correct for stock VW ignition and radio-noise suppression.
- What plug wire length goes where? Pre-cut to factory lengths for the Type 1 engine bay; cylinder #1 takes the shortest wire and #3 typically the longest. The set includes the right mix.
- Do they come with new spark plug boots? Yes — molded boots at both ends plus proper terminal ends. No assembly required.
- Will they fit my dual-carb or performance engine? If it still uses the standard Bosch distributor cap and stock plug location, yes. If you've relocated the plugs or changed distributors, measure your existing wires first.
Explore Related Categories
Complete your tune-up: Ignition, more Bosch parts, and the full Air-Cooled VW catalog.
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