I'm still chasing around for a loom and decent ECU to run my 1996 JDM WRX RA engine and am slowly coming around to the idea of just going aftermarket with nice simple loom and no MAF. I was speaking to a friend in my VW club who maps new Aston Martins and he said he could map it for me no problem, as he also has a wide band O2 sensor for on road tuning.

So, how easy/hard is it to wire in a Microtech and how reliable are they? I am in the UK and know of only a couple of people that use them so back up would not be great.
I have read that it is best to map them with a laptop rather than the hand controller so would have to be a more recent version.

There are a couple of websites selling these, one shows the LTX8s as discontinued and offers the LT10 as the alternative. Would it be best to go that way? Am I best off ditching the standard in head coil packs and using the ones microtech offer or should I use generic Bosch ones?

Sorry for all the questions but any insight from users would be much appreciated!

Anything else to consider?

Rich

Got the coil pacs from microtech today, and a new ignition module from EMS..microtech couldnt advise me of a model that would suit, as I DO have a Lt8(not xs).Same but with no direct fire current, thus the module.

Jak has had no problems, I have had a few(haha)..some to do with computer. They are a pretty simple efi system although support would be a problem if you buy from here and live o/s. Get on the wrx forum and ask the same question, there will be heaps more experience regarding other options also.

The microtech coil pacs are the bosche ones anyway....if you need it I'll get the part number and shop around.

Matt

Matt,

Are those coils fitted to any production cars? I'd like to use parts that I can replace easily if one fails. Or, can I use the stock subaru ones?

Rich

The on plug coils that I had were mosty cracked from the heat in the head. I replaced one really bad one and it cost $180 just for one. The microtech ones are just bosch coils like the gt40's that people use on there bugs. As you run leads to the plugs, there would be heaps of coil pacs that would work, as they jut deliver spark. $150 for all 4 from microtech I thought was a bargain, especially given the subaru price for 1.

Matt

The usual upgrade for coil packs is the Bosch HEC 716 coil.

[Edited on 17-5-2005 by speedster356]

I finally got a reply from microtech with some of my questions...

From the one line reply it seems they recommend LT8 for use with stock coils. Is this because they assume you use the Subaru igniter?
Can I use the stock coils with the LTX8s and not use the stock ignitor as I don't think I have it? I have the in head style coils.

My main concern is that I don't limit myself for future upgrades by using the LT8..

Cheers guys,
Rich

PS seem the 4 line dash unit is the norm now so will go with that and the PC software.

get the "x" series so you do not have to run the ignitor. It is best to get the after market coils. 3/4 of my "on plug" coils had cracks from the head temps? They cost heaps. 4 after market ones were cheaper than 1 subaru.

matt

I think you have convinced me Matt, the ones on the engine are an unknown quantity so it is probably the safest option. Just have to decide how many to buy!
Rich