COP conversion
 

I have recently tested toyota 1zz-fe COP's on my 2003 1.8 protege, it is still a work in progress to fine tune ease of install without cutting the factory harness.
for mine I am using the coil-pack type valve cover which the coils fit into where the top mount coil valve cover will need to be honed out.
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/...CD7A18C02E.jpg
and here is a video of the first startup, bear in mind that number 2 coil is u/s so it's only running on 3 cylinders, I am ordering 4 new coils tomorrow now that the conversion is viable.
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/...242B286DAE.jpg
the basics for the wiring comes from here http://www.miataturbo.net/useful-sav...writeup-12704/ and the full thread is here http://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo-...p-thread-4756/
the coil part numbers suitable for FP/FS are 90080-19015 and 90919-02239 the others listed in the miata turbo threads are too short in the head to clear the ribs on the FP/FS valve cover.

I've recently developed some intermittent ignition problems. Luckily I remembered this thread is still floating around and I decided to do a bit of reading. Turns out that these plugs can be used with the Microtech and have the added bonus of eliminating the need for the X4 ignitor box I have.

My plan is to take the Microtech off-line and switch back to running with the stock ecu. Now that the under-drive pulley is off and the cams are coming out soon, this seems like a good time anyway.

I look forward to some more updates in this in the near future. Btw, do you have any links or suggestions on where to grab a set of the 1zz-fe coils? Cheers :)

Have a squizz at 1nzfe coil packs, same as 1zz but the plug is flat exit rather than angled upwards. I've talked to the guys at my local Autobarn and they can get 'em for you ( weird but they found them for me) with correct part no./descriptions supplied.

the flat ones I tried don't clear the back of the valve cover unfortunately, what's in the thread is where I am at the moment but that covers what you need to get set up. only extra I have done is having mounts added to the valve cover for bolting them down, with the plastic cover it may hold them down without the need for additional mounts however the plug holes on the top coil valve cover need honing out to suit.

I suspected that the flat ones might not clear the top of valve cover, so good to know.
Agreed that adding the extra mounts to bolt the COPs down is the better way to go.

Just to make sure I understand correctly - do you need to have the coil pack holes in the valve cover modified in order to fit the Toyota COPS into them? If so, by a lot or a little?

yes for the top mount coil cover, can probably be done with a brake cylinder hone, if you get the cover for the front mounted coil pack then they fit straight in. as for buying the coils I got my new ones through ebay
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221206982...84.m1438.l2648 plugs in component form.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/99-08-Toy...21055470343%26 coil set.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...ps89358461.jpg
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...psbcbf1ded.jpg
valve cover is ready for final finish now mounts are all done, closer now.

and finished
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...psa0ae8268.jpg

Can you explain what you mean the front cover vs top cover?

your original sp20 covers are top mount coil type covers, where the 2 coils bolt to the valve cover, the earlier valve cover runs a coil pack and 4 plug leads, the coil pack is on the front of the engine with those originally.

That's what I thought you meant.

Looks like I might need to hunt down an old 1.8 vc.

I have a USDM 626/BJ1 1.8 valve cover here that's perfect for what you need
has hole for cam sensor, says "mazda" on top, short neck oil filler, no mounting holes for the BJ2 style semi-COPs, all flat design for 4 plug leads, which is what you want to modify for adding the toyota COP mounts

I will even have it steam cleaned before sending it

Sounds good.

When I get interweb access on my phone will facebook you Edwin.