LS vs R8 Coil Kit for the Miata
Quick answer: both the FlowForce LS and R8 coil kits give a boosted NA/NB Miata far stronger, more reliable spark than tired OEM coils. Choose the R8 kit for the cleanest install and very high boost, but only if you run a confirmed-compatible ECU. Choose the LS kit for broad ECU compatibility and a proven, fully serviceable D585 setup. Both require a standalone ECU.
Side by side
| LS Coil Kit V2 | R8 Coil Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Coil | Custom FlowForce D585-style | Bosch R8 |
| Fits | 1990-2005 NA/NB | 1990-2005 NA/NB |
| Install | Stainless bracket plus harness. Requires repinning the OEM harness. Includes plug wires. | Mounts to the valve cover via a custom seal. Very clean. Optional bracket. |
| Spark mode | Wasted spark standard, sequential optional | Depends on ECU setup |
| ECU | Any standalone ECU | Confirmed ECUs only. Others need an added circuit. |
| Price | from $379 | from $259 |
| Best for | Maximum ECU compatibility, serviceable setup | Cleanest install, very high boost on a compatible ECU |
Read this first if you're leaning R8
R8 coils draw high current on the signal circuit. They are only confirmed to work with any MS3Pro, the latest MSPNP2, FlowForce MS2, SpeedyEFI PnP, and Haltech Elite.
Other Megasquirt ECUs (MS3 Basic, MS3x, early MS2, Microsquirt) need an additional circuit. If you're not on a confirmed ECU and don't want to add a circuit, the LS kit is the safer choice. Or move to the AMP Plug-and-Play ECU, which is confirmed and drops straight in.
Install differences
The R8 kit is the tidiest option. Coils sit on the valve cover with a FlowForce-designed seal, with an optional bracket for the show-car look (1.8 non-VVT now, 1.6 coming).
The LS kit uses a stainless bracket and a plug-and-play harness that requires repinning from your OEM harness, plus custom 8.5mm plug wires that fit 1990-2000 heads (VVT heads are a DIY trim fit). Most LS customers run the standard wasted-spark configuration, which is plenty for the majority of builds.
Both kits on a 1990-93 car also need the 1.6 patch harness.
Which should you pick?
Running an MS3Pro, latest MSPNP2, FlowForce MS2, SpeedyEFI PnP or Haltech Elite, and want the cleanest install for big boost? The R8 kit.
Running a different ECU, or want the most universally compatible, fully serviceable setup? The LS kit.
Not sure what your ECU supports? Email team@goflowforce.com with your ECU and we'll confirm before you buy.
Frequently asked
Are LS or R8 coils better for a turbo Miata?
Both support high boost. R8 is the cleanest install on a confirmed ECU. LS works with any standalone ECU and is fully serviceable.
Do R8 coils work with any Megasquirt?
No. Only certain ECUs are confirmed. Others need an added circuit.
Do I need a standalone ECU for either kit?
Yes, both require standalone engine management.
Do I need sequential ignition?
Most NA/NB builds run wasted spark with no downside. Sequential is an optional upgrade on the LS kit.
Install steps and dwell values: R8 coil instructions and LS coil instructions.