Installing a Sparktech COP is my latest effort in making my Evo IX as tractable as possible. Previous efforts have included a SD tune and an intake with a turbo bellmouth. Engine is essentially stock apart from basic bolt-ons (SD, intake, exhaust, intercooler & piping).

I chose the more expensive Sparktech unit over the Spoolinup unit as in the past some people seem to have had issues with the fit of one coil on the Spoolinup piece. While I am pretty sure that has been dealt with and I consider both units to be equivalent, I wasn't willing to deal with any potential hassles during the install.

Install was exceedingly easy. Cover plate off. Remove old coils and plug wires. Loosen one bracket. Bolt the whole thing in. Replace one 10amp fuse with a 15amp one in the interior fuse box. Couldn't be easier.

Now driving the car. Idle sounds a little bit different and is more stable regardless of conditions. My SD tune is slightly lean during the initial warm-up phase and there was always some hesitation and need for clutch slipping. This has disappeared, suggesting that the ignition is much more powerful and capable of igniting even quite imperfect mixtures much more easily.

When warmed up the car is much smoother during low speed operation and off-idle, making it much more pleasant to drive as a daily driver. This is quite significant. Before I was unable to let the clutch in without throttle - I always needed to slightly rev the engine and slip the clutch a bit during take-off and stop-and-go driving. This has changed. I can now let the clutch in without throttle and the car will start rolling and then I feed in the throttle - like most cars that aren't track cars. This makes my Evo much more pleasant and relaxing to drive in traffic.

There seem to be overall more linear power delivery with maybe a slightly fatter torque band throughout. Too early to report on fuel economy, as i have been putting my foot into it try it out - but if anything it may be better than before.

Overall, the Sparktech unit has made the car significantly smoother and more enjoyable to drive. It is no worse than a manual E46 BMW in traffic now - better in some ways for the lack of electronic throttle.

 

Great review. I agree with you on the Sparktech, I have a CDi-COP from Sparktech and it's working very fine.

Spoolinup at the time didn't have any CDi-COPs which obviously gave Sparktech the upper hand in my decision, but now that Spoolinup has a CDI Cop, it's just a matter of who gives you a better deal, as they are both very fine products.

I don't recall any issues with the Spoolinup COP btw. I remember people praising the product because of the ease of install. Literally just bolt-on.

 

this is the non-cdi version?

 

non-CDI.