WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

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kimokalihi
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by kimokalihi »

Check your gaps. Stock is indeed .039"-.044" which is pretty large and its the same gap as every other NA car out there but the sti plugs come gapped at .032" I think. I was having bad misfires at about 15 psi and couldn't figure it out. Someone suggested tightening my gaps so I gapped them down to .030" and immediately hit 20 psi no problem.
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legacymax
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by legacymax »

Here is my setup and experience:
94 TW
-5spd
-ej20g
-04 wrx coils
-ej22t ecu
-440cc injectors
-td05
-wastegate boost pressure

The way I have my ignition setup is spliting the signal wires from the ecu to thier respective coils. I have not had any problem with my ignition for 3 years except for an install error where I had the ground and the signal wire arcing at the coil. This has all been at ~9 psi and standard redline. I highly suggest getting the coil connectors to make it a clean install. The coils are a direct install to the ej20g heads no modifactions needed. I have not raised my boost pressure as I have a slanty intercooler and stock hood scoop so it is really like I don't have an intercooler at all. It does run a bit rich but I passed emissions no problem with a 04 fxt downpipe installed.

Even though it is running rather nicely, I believe there are vast inprovements to be made. I plan to convert over to a rob tune ecu and 550 injectors with a fmic setup.

-Max
94 legacy Silver Touring Wagon now w/ 5spd, Ground Controls, ej20g, rear VLSD, td05, and edms.
95 impreza Rally car. 3.0 H6
88 Toyota fj62 OME lift.
Legacy777
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Legacy777 »

DaveK wrote:Ok, I will rephrase my thoughts on the coil pack. In stock configuration they must not be that great if I have to re-gap my plugs to run less than 15 lbs of boost.
If that's the case, I would suspect the coil pack may just be "tired" and need to be replaced. I did buy a new coil pack a couple years back, so it is certainly not the original coil.

DaveK wrote:My point of reference is that on my Evo which has COPs, I run a gap of about 0.25 and 30psi with zero blow out issues (running E85 fuel).
I'm assuming you mean 0.025"?
Josh

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Legacy777
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Legacy777 »

I was running up at the top end of the spark plug gap 0.043" - 0.044" with high boost 18-20 psi without any issues. Again, I contribute that to the MSD.
Josh

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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Legacy777 »

DaveK wrote:Thanks for the info and wow, that's a huge gap for a turbo car! FWIW, I'm running ~6psi now (manual boost controller fully backed out, running on wastegate pressure) and I've got some bad something going on. The car feels like its breaking up and then bucks pretty bad around 3500rpm.

I've recently replaced the fuel filter (2x now in ~5,000 miles just to be safe), and also dropped in a brand new high flow walbro, but no change noticeable from either the last fuel filter or fuel pump...so that's leading me to the ignition.

Dave
Check the wiring around the crank and cam sensors to make sure there are no nicks or cuts, and that the insulation is good.
Josh

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1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
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DaveK
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by DaveK »

Correct, I should've had an extra zero in there. Though now that I think about it, I'm probably running 0.030 on the Evo, not down in the 20s. I do have an upgraded COP setup from SparkTech it, not the OEM ones anymore...but the OEM ones seem to be pretty stout as well. Only upgraded because I was given them to use and test for the manufacturer.

Dave
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

legacymax wrote:Here is my setup and experience:
94 TW
-5spd
-ej20g
-04 wrx coils
-ej22t ecu
-440cc injectors
-td05
-wastegate boost pressure

The way I have my ignition setup is spliting the signal wires from the ecu to thier respective coils. I have not had any problem with my ignition for 3 years except for an install error where I had the ground and the signal wire arcing at the coil. This has all been at ~9 psi and standard redline. I highly suggest getting the coil connectors to make it a clean install. The coils are a direct install to the ej20g heads no modifactions needed. I have not raised my boost pressure as I have a slanty intercooler and stock hood scoop so it is really like I don't have an intercooler at all. It does run a bit rich but I passed emissions no problem with a 04 fxt downpipe installed.

Even though it is running rather nicely, I believe there are vast inprovements to be made. I plan to convert over to a rob tune ecu and 550 injectors with a fmic setup.

-Max
So are you saying you spliced F47.10 (cyl 1/2 IGN) directly to cylinders 1 and 2 COP and F47.9 (cyl 3/4 IGN) directly to cylinders 3 and 4 COP???
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Legacy777 »

cj91legss wrote:So are you saying you spliced F47.10 (cyl 1/2 IGN) directly to cylinders 1 and 2 COP and F47.9 (cyl 3/4 IGN) directly to cylinders 3 and 4 COP???
As long as the COP is a "smart" COP with a combined igniter, that should work.
Josh

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cj91legss
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

Legacy777 wrote:
cj91legss wrote:So are you saying you spliced F47.10 (cyl 1/2 IGN) directly to cylinders 1 and 2 COP and F47.9 (cyl 3/4 IGN) directly to cylinders 3 and 4 COP???
As long as the COP is a "smart" COP with a combined igniter, that should work.
I.e. 02-07 ?
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
Alphius
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Alphius »

Just to add a little more information, my completely stock EJ22t ignition system is having absolutely no issues firing .040 gap stock heat range NGK plugs at 18-19 psi on my Revtronix tuned car with a TD05. When I first got the car, the gap was at .055ish and it was breaking up a little above 15psi or so, but not terribly bad, new plugs at the correct stock gap completely fixed that issue.

I have a stock EJ22t with single cam heads and no MSD ignition or anything special. Just as it came from the factory.
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

Also what would you to to the ignitor on the firewall?
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
DaveK
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by DaveK »

cj91legss wrote:Also what would you to to the ignitor on the firewall?
I believe you can just take your two signal wires from the ecu and branch them out to the coils, then take all the other wires and cover them up, and remove the ignitor box.

Dave
cj91legss
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

It seems like 2 coils Will fire at a time. But i suppose that's not a problem.
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
Alphius
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Alphius »

cj91legss wrote:It seems like 2 coils Will fire at a time. But i suppose that's not a problem.
Wasted spark. Just like factory.
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

I'm putting this on my to do list. ive wanted to get rid of the coil pack for quite some time now.

It looks shitty under my hood with the intake manifold not having the bolt holes for the pack.
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
cj91legss
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

DaveK wrote:
cj91legss wrote:Also what would you to to the ignitor on the firewall?
I believe you can just take your two signal wires from the ecu and branch them out to the coils, then take all the other wires and cover them up, and remove the ignitor box.

Dave
The ecu goes directly to the ignitor box right? If so i could just wire up the cop from there.
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
legacymax
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by legacymax »

That is correct.
cj91legss wrote:
legacymax wrote:Here is my setup and experience:
94 TW
-5spd
-ej20g
-04 wrx coils
-ej22t ecu
-440cc injectors
-td05
-wastegate boost pressure

The way I have my ignition setup is spliting the signal wires from the ecu to thier respective coils. I have not had any problem with my ignition for 3 years except for an install error where I had the ground and the signal wire arcing at the coil. This has all been at ~9 psi and standard redline. I highly suggest getting the coil connectors to make it a clean install. The coils are a direct install to the ej20g heads no modifactions needed. I have not raised my boost pressure as I have a slanty intercooler and stock hood scoop so it is really like I don't have an intercooler at all. It does run a bit rich but I passed emissions no problem with a 04 fxt downpipe installed.

Even though it is running rather nicely, I believe there are vast inprovements to be made. I plan to convert over to a rob tune ecu and 550 injectors with a fmic setup.

-Max
So are you saying you spliced F47.10 (cyl 1/2 IGN) directly to cylinders 1 and 2 COP and F47.9 (cyl 3/4 IGN) directly to cylinders 3 and 4 COP???
94 legacy Silver Touring Wagon now w/ 5spd, Ground Controls, ej20g, rear VLSD, td05, and edms.
95 impreza Rally car. 3.0 H6
88 Toyota fj62 OME lift.
DaveK
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by DaveK »

cj91legss wrote:
DaveK wrote:
cj91legss wrote:Also what would you to to the ignitor on the firewall?
I believe you can just take your two signal wires from the ecu and branch them out to the coils, then take all the other wires and cover them up, and remove the ignitor box.

Dave
The ecu goes directly to the ignitor box right? If so i could just wire up the cop from there.
Correct - that was what I was meaning, but in reading it, I wasn't very clear. Much easier to find wires on the engine bay side of the firewall and run them a couple feet vs. trying to feed things through the firewall. :)

Dave
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Legacy777 »

cj91legss wrote:
Legacy777 wrote:
cj91legss wrote:So are you saying you spliced F47.10 (cyl 1/2 IGN) directly to cylinders 1 and 2 COP and F47.9 (cyl 3/4 IGN) directly to cylinders 3 and 4 COP???
As long as the COP is a "smart" COP with a combined igniter, that should work.
I.e. 02-07 ?
Yes those COP's are "smart coils" and have the built in igniters. So if you want to retrofit them to your car, you would bypass the existing igniter and just run the leads from the ECU directly to the igniters.
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
cj91legss
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by cj91legss »

Legacy777 wrote: Yes those COP's are "smart coils" and have the built in igniters. So if you want to retrofit them to your car, you would bypass the existing igniter and just run the leads from the ECU directly to the igniters.
Wish I would have known about this a long time ago.
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by DaveK »

Quick update on the mis-fire.

Pulled the MAF apart and there was gunk on the wire elements. Sprayed them down with brake cleaner and the car now pulls through the whole rev range fairly smooth! I will still try to knock out this coil swap and will report back when I get it done.

Dave
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by Legacy777 »

Thanks for the update, and let us know how the coil swap goes.
Josh

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1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
DaveK
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by DaveK »

Got a chance to swap the coils on this weekend. I had tried it once before and must've messed something up (pretty sure it was which wire to tap into from the old coil pack because it specified the yellow wire, but I wasn't sure which side of the plug it wanted).

Once assembled, it fired up right away and all seemed pretty good. It works fine when driving around at normal speeds and throttle applications, but if I go WOT and let it rev all the way up to redline, I'll get a misfire somewhere around 4500, throw the check engine light and it'll stay firing on just 3-cyl.

A few interesting observations:

If I unplug the wire going to #1, the idle changes just a tiny bit.
Unplugging 2, 3, or 4 (one at a time) results in the engine almost choking to a stop.

This tells me that #1 is where my problem likely is, but wait, there's more:

If I drive around with #1 plugged in, the car drives fine.
If I unplug #1, its borderline undriveable as it wants to stall all the time.


I'm stumped once again. My only thought is that maybe I've got a plug that has a hairline crack in the plug that works under light loads, but gets blown out during heavy loads. I had a similar issue in my Evo last year, but that would go back to firing on all 4 plugs if you returned to light loads. The other thought is that one of my used WRX COPs is damaged. The real reason I'm stumped on this one is that the individual coil packs are still wired in pairs, so they're effectively still in a wasted spark configuration.

Anybody have any ideas?

Dave
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by wtdash »

Hi,
I'd say you've got a crack in #1. Seems to be a common issue, from what I've read on NASIOC. Runs fine 'til WOT, then>>>misfire. Most likely the ECU goes 'limp' 'til you restart/reset it.

But weird it still runs 'OK' even w/the #1 disconnected???

TD
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Re: WRX ignition coils on EJ22T ECU

Post by DaveK »

wtdash wrote:I'd say you've got a crack in #1. Seems to be a common issue, from what I've read on NASIOC. Runs fine 'til WOT, then>>>misfire. Most likely the ECU goes 'limp' 'til you restart/reset it.
Cool, thanks for the thoughts - just wanted some feedback before I start throwing parts at it.

Weird thing was that I tried shutting it off several times and that one cyl never came back. Let it sit overnight and it fired up with the CE light out and running "normal" again.
wtdash wrote:But weird it still runs 'OK' even w/the #1 disconnected???
Yep, that's the part that has me the most confused. FWIW, I did have a hell of a time getting the old plug wires off, and on both #1 & 3, the part that snaps onto the spark plug head stayed on the plugs and tore out of the plug wires. I had to fish them out with a small set of pliers. Good times, good times. :(

Dave
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