what year model is the car?
1995 base model

did you open/tap into any existing wires?
i used the existing stereo power lines and ground.

did any fuse blow? (what location # and amp rating)
yes, the 'engine' fuse under the dash blew. 10 amp

does the car have an alarm? is it stock or aftermarket?
no alarm

did you wire in an amp?
yes, with a direct line to the battery and its own ground.

you wont need to remove the spark plugs to test for spark, infact you should leave then in when you do.
yeah, i realized that after i posted. i am not getting a spark, nor is there any power entering the coils. none that i could see on a digital meter, anyway. maybe its too quick to spot a change in the digital one. ill try my analog meter tonight

when you crank the engine, does the tach bounce at all?
i am not sure. i can certainly find out tonight.