Bavauto coils installed - first impressions

[JHZR2]

Hi,

great site you all have here!

After my 91 failed NJ emissions, I decided from the judgement of a very trusted analyst that slightly weak coils may contribute to less than stellar emissions.  I decided to give that a try, and it seemed that the bavauto units were a good shot at a low-price premium shot at better performance, if such a thing can be eeked from coils.  I figured at 109k, even if it doesnt fix emissions, likely stuff like that ought to be replaced.  I know that some folks have been going to a COP setup, which is a neat idea, but I wanted to keep the stock look, and my wires (OE) arent old.  Perhaps sometime in the future Ill go that way, but not now.

I did it this afternoon, and have to say that Im pleased.  Does it add power?  Nope.  I am pretty convinced that it does not increase power per se.  However, what it does do is give the appearance of more power, and rightful recouperation of the power that the engine should make by eliminating flat spots through the power band.

I had no reason to think that my coils were bad.  The car went, and it did so pretty darn well.  However, these new coils make light of what were flat spots - not really hesitation, but spots where the car wasnt as responsive.  Would I have known that they exist with my old coils?  Likely not!  however, the new ones do shed light on where the drivetrain lacked responsiveness, simply by virtue of the fact that I was presented with the alternative in this new install.  I havent taken the car above 4500, so cant comment on the whole range of RPM, but it is definitely notable in he 2000-3000 range, right where you spend a lot of time around town.

So, all in all it was a good investment if you need or think you need coils, want to do a FULL tuneup, or are experiencing a flatspot in your rpm range, especially between 2200-2700 around town in light to mid-throttle acceleration.  

Decent deal if you need them.  I got them on sale for $179 shipped.

Hope this helps,

JMH

[D. Clay]

My experience is that weak coils are more noticeable at low RPM high load situations. Especially true in 4th. and 5th. at about 2000 RPM and half or more throttle. Instead of a flat spot, I had an outright sputtering and balking.
How did it do on emissions? Did it pass with no other changes or were the coils part of a complete tune up?

[JHZR2]

went from 2126 ppm Nox, 161 ppm HC and 0.54% CO to 49 ppm NOx, 3ppm HC and 0.00% CO.

I did put a new catalytic converter in there though... much better exhaust sound, and I determined that an aftermarket cat has as much active catalyst as a 100k mile used OE converter!

Go OE new converter if you ever need one!

Anyway, Im sure the coils helped for those stellar numbers!

JMH