STX setup sharing thread (2022)

[ka-t_240]

Not sure I have seen this topic discussed here, what is the formality on coil packs? I have 1, possibly 2 that are on the way out. Started getting codes at my last track day. Figure I am going to replace plugs and all 4 coil packs in the coming month.

I see many people supposedly having better reliability with non OEM packs on the earlier model cars, or are swapping engine harness and coils to the 2015+ cars(don't want to swap the engine harness), so thinking of the aftermarket coils discussed in other posts here like the IP ones.

[strat61caster]

Oem or oem equivalent only is how I read the rules. Given their marketing material the IP definitely brand themselves as a better design.

The IP Coils produce 4 times more spark energy than stock coils and also generate an ultra fast multi spark discharge of 10 sparks up to highest RPM. The spark amperage is increased 100%, allowing the spark to reach many more molecules and therefore accelerate the ignition and combustion process.

[smg1138]

Are most of you guys using adjustable rear endlinks? My front endlinks are SPL adjustable, but rears are still stock. Wasn't sure how much difference it would really make to remove preload from the rear bar.

[Autoxer62]

Originally Posted by ka-t_240

Not sure I have seen this topic discussed here, what is the formality on coil packs? I have 1, possibly 2 that are on the way out. Started getting codes at my last track day. Figure I am going to replace plugs and all 4 coil packs in the coming month.

I see many people supposedly having better reliability with non OEM packs on the earlier model cars, or are swapping engine harness and coils to the 2015+ cars(don't want to swap the engine harness), so thinking of the aftermarket coils discussed in other posts here like the IP ones.

Per 13.9.A (Street Category):
The make of spark plugs, points, ignition coil and high tension wires is unrestricted including spark plug wires having an in-line capacitor. Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permitted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no other purpose. (Modification of the distributor cap for the purpose of installing allowed non-standard components is not permitted.)

Looks like aftermarket coils are ok.

[e1_griego]

Yeah I thought aftermarket were fine -- I nuked a coilpack in fontana last year (the traction control turn on/off 3 times on my final run as the CEL came on) and sort of kicked myself for putting new oems back in because I hadn't read the rulebook to see if I could do aftermarket. Oh well.

[ka-t_240]

Originally Posted by Autoxer62

Per 13.9.A (Street Category):
The make of spark plugs, points, ignition coil and high tension wires is unrestricted including spark plug wires having an in-line capacitor. Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permitted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no other purpose. (Modification of the distributor cap for the purpose of installing allowed non-standard components is not permitted.)

Looks like aftermarket coils are ok.

That was my assumption - but since someone will always say something based on a companies marketing of them being "better than oem", and that they have red on them, wanting to dot my i and cross my t before making plans / spending money.

I will have to see what my price on on OEM coils too before moving along too far.

[renfield90]

Originally Posted by ka-t_240

That was my assumption - but since someone will always say something based on a companies marketing of them being "better than oem", and that they have red on them, wanting to dot my i and cross my t before making plans / spending money.

I will have to see what my price on on OEM coils too before moving along too far.

Remember, it's the heat that kills them. I'd be more interested in what the aftermarket coils are doing for reliability than any improvements in spark.

Also, I wrapped my header in 2017 or 2018 (I forget) and promptly stopped killing coils. It's not foolproof, we killed a coil on Kate's old car last year despite the wrap on her header, but I'm sure we would've killed more.

IMO a ceramic coat isn't enough. The OEM header has a heatshield for a reason.

[DocWalt]

Did you wrap the entire header or just the area under the coils?

[ka-t_240]

Originally Posted by renfield90

Remember, it's the heat that kills them. I'd be more interested in what the aftermarket coils are doing for reliability than any improvements in spark.

Also, I wrapped my header in 2017 or 2018 (I forget) and promptly stopped killing coils. It's not foolproof, we killed a coil on Kate's old car last year despite the wrap on her header, but I'm sure we would've killed more.

IMO a ceramic coat isn't enough. The OEM header has a heatshield for a reason.

I have the stock over pipe still, so possibly why its taken a long time before I started having failures? I have only replaced 1 so far. Thinking its time to do plugs this spring, so figured I would just do them while they are out.

I also have a second hood which is on my car 99% of the time which is vented. Car sees a fair bit of track time so venting was something I did long ago, especially since the local track has a lot of upper 5th gear time.

[Kelse92]

I killed a couple coil packs at Cota in July last year. On the new ones I wrapped them in this stuff. It works pretty well on the heat reduction so far: https://hhrperformance.com/i-3163686...=brand:159796#

[renfield90]

Originally Posted by DocWalt

Did you wrap the entire header or just the area under the coils?

The whole header. Might as well do it right and get the full benefit - the less excess heat in the engine bay the better.

In theory this also keeps the exhaust gases hotter, which helps them flow faster.

[renfield90]

Originally Posted by ka-t_240

I have the stock over pipe still, so possibly why its taken a long time before I started having failures? I have only replaced 1 so far. Thinking its time to do plugs this spring, so figured I would just do them while they are out.

I also have a second hood which is on my car 99% of the time which is vented. Car sees a fair bit of track time so venting was something I did long ago, especially since the local track has a lot of upper 5th gear time.

Nah, it's just dumb luck. These OG spec coil packs are just fragile.

For me, I killed my first coil within 6 months of installing the header (and I kept the stock overpipe same as you). A few months later, killed another. My hands are big enough to make this job unpleasant so I broke down and wrapped the header.

[DocWalt]

Originally Posted by renfield90

The whole header. Might as well do it right and get the full benefit - the less excess heat in the engine bay the better.

In theory this also keeps the exhaust gases hotter, which helps them flow faster.

I asked because JDL says to not wrap the whole header (not sure why) and I'd like to avoid issues down the road. I wrapped the OEM header on my RX-8 without issue so I guess it's fine

[renfield90]

Originally Posted by DocWalt

I asked because JDL says to not wrap the whole header (not sure why) and I'd like to avoid issues down the road. I wrapped the OEM header on my RX-8 without issue so I guess it's fine

Huh, I wasn't aware and I've got a JDL UEL. Like I said, it's been close to half a decade at this point.

Admittedly I stick to autocross, and maybe run one track day a year, but I'm also running in hotter weather than 95% of you.