COBB Tuning Blog

For the second half of my trip to Japan, I’d scheduled some testing at Cusco’s R&D facility in Takasaki. Located in central Gunma, getting to Takasaki is an easy one hour ride from Tokyo station on a bullet train (shinkansen). Once there, I was immediately greeted by Keith of Nukabe who hurried me off to Cusco’s facility to begin our tests. Nukabe is one of our distributors in Japan and due to their close relationship with Cusco, we’ve been given the opportunity to work with them to supply the AccessPORT to the Japanese market.

Once I was able to successfully test Cusco’s version of the AccessPORT, we took a quick break and ran over to the local Mitsubishi dealership to inspect a new EVO X. Currently, only the 5-speed models are available as the SST model has been delayed. As such, the car I had planned on test driving was not yet available and this particular car was about to be delivery to its new owner. It was still nice to get an up-close look at the new EVO X and ask a few questions of some of the highly knowledgeable technicians. Earlier in the week I had an opportunity to look through the EVO X service manual (in Japanese) and it’s scary how many computers run everything. Well, exciting for a company like ours but… I don’t think the way the market in America has historically ‘tuned’ EVOs will work on the X. Or maybe it’ll just be the SST models that get shunned for their ‘inability’ to be tuned. Perhaps I’m wrong, we’ll see when we get our hands on it in the States.

Done for the day, I met up for dinner with T.Nishida-san and Keith-san from Nukaba and Nagase-san and Hara-san from Cusco at a traditional style Japanese restaurant. I’m a big fan of Japanese food, particularly the experience of trying something you can’t or don’t normally find here in the States. Needless to say, it was a great meal and great company!

The next day, I headed out with Keith to one of Cusco’s manufacturing facilities located approximately 50km west of Takasaki in a quiet, rural area of Gunma. This part of Japan is one of my favorites; beautiful scenery, nature, mountains, and peaceful. Reminds be a bit of Utah, though a bit more green. :)

My reason for coming all this way is to do some work and testing on Cusco’s new STI. After reading some ECU data performing some testing, I was given a full tour of the factory by Hara-san. I left more impressed with Cusco than before I came. Unlike many Japanese tuning brands, they actually MAKE their own parts. Not just design, not just market… they actually MAKE their own stuff. A LOT of other company’s parts as well. It was refreshing to see.

After the factory visit, it was back to Takasaki in order to train Cusco’s sales staff about the new AccessPORT. Training went extremely well, and I had a great time meeting with Cusco’s staff and showing them what the AccessPORT did. I felt they were impressed, and I know I certainly was proud of our guys for all the hard work they’ve put in to get us to where we’re at.

While at Cusco’s sales office, I took the opportunity to check out some of the goodies they had in their showroom. The JGTC/SuperGT car is always great to see, but personally I’ve been a fan of their Dirt Trial car for yeeeaaarrrss. Seeing it in person, I was beyond excited. Oh yeah, and they had one of those Flat-12 Subaru F1 engines… Did I mention the Dirt Trial car has a rear mounted twin-turbo EG33? :)

Thanks again to everyone at Nukabe, Cusco, and Prova for a great and successful trip to Japan. See you all again soon in January!

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This week I’m in Japan to perform some AccessPORT R&D and testing in preparation for its release to the Japanese market. Having just finished up with SEMA, things have been busy to say the least.

After 16+ hours of travel by plane and trains, I arrived in Yokohama on Monday night. For those that have not been to Japan before, the hotel rooms is a bit smaller than what you may be use to seeing in America. I stayed at a very nice western style hotel in Shin-Yokohama, and the rooms are decently sized.

On Tuesday, I headed out to Prova’s facility for testing. This trip was long overdue, so it was great to finally get here and get to work. As you may know, Prova is one of the premier Subaru tuners in Japan and they have a reputation as offering the best ECU tuning. We have worked with Prova for a few years, and they used our original AccessPORT programmed for their tuning with great success. When we set out to design the new AccessPORT, we did so with a lot of what the Japanese market would want in mind. Needless to say, we are very excited to have them offering the new AccessPORT to their customers in Japan.

Cool to see the AccessPORT displaying either English or Japanese! The boys back home should be proud of their efforts.

In addition to testing for the vehicles they already have tuned maps for, we also collected the data from a few new CAN-based ECUs such as the newest Legacy models w/ SI Drive, the brand new Impreza S-GT (WRX to us in the Americas), and the all-new Impreza STI!! I was able to read the data using a production version our new CAN cable, which worked perfectly.

To make a successful day of testing even better, Tanaka-san (Prova) was kind enough to let me drive the new STI on some back streets behind Prova’s headquarters. Not knowing the roads, and definitely not wanting to damage a brand new STI that wasn’t mine, I took it very easy to just get a feel for the new STI’s personality. After my relative crawl around a few back streets, Tanaka-san took me for a more spirited drive so I could really feel the car.

Overall, my impression is positive. Just like the new WRX (S-GT), the new STI has become a bit more civil and refined. It’s quiet, rides relatively softly, and provides less feedback than the previous generation. For many people, this is a step in the right direction. I can imagine it’ll potentially appeal to a wider base of people, though I can share in some other’s concern about the enthusiast that fell in love with Subaru because of how the cars once drove. Having driven a JDM Version 6 STI GC8 a number of years ago overseas, obviously each year of the STI brought to the US, and now this one I can honestly say the trend has been headed in this direction for awhile and the new STI i’s a lot “softer” than ever. The handling has great potential, but in stock form there was quite a bit more body roll, vagueness in transitions, and overall the damper valving lacked some of the ‘crispness’ I’d expect from a STI. While the rear end exhibits much less squat under acceleration than the previous generations, the front end had a lot of pitch (mostly brake dive).

One of my personal favorite Subaru vehicles is the Legacy GT, and the new STI reminded me a LOT of it. I love the Legacy GT so saying the STI reminded me of it is no knock against it. However I do wonder if I’m a new car buyer and want what the Legacy GT provides, why not just buy a Legacy GT. Perhaps I have a flawed perception of what “Impreza STI” stands for based on prior experiences…I guess I expect it to be a bit edgier with a personality more suited to a driving enthusiast. Things perhaps not everyone would want to live with everyday but… I understand what Subaru is trying to achieve and I think STI did a fine job of it. Is it going to make everyone happy? Maybe not some of the current STI owners, but I can see it having a wide appeal particularly for those looking to do no more than enjoy daily driving it.

Outside, the new STI does look the part. Sitting next to a standard S-GT (White, ignore the STi badges), the flared fenders and other touches do lend an aggressive attitude. I’m sure the looks aren’t to everyone’s liking, but it does stand apart from a standard WRX and does so tastefully. Again in line with the direction Subaru is obviously taking with this vehicle: Mainstream acceptance. I, for one, just hope they don’t get lost in the crowd.

Inside, the optional Recaro seats are fantastic to sit in. I understand why we don’t get them in America, since a majority of us are too big to fit in them, but for my frame they are great! One big complaint I had over the last generation STI was the interior and specifically the fact that it wasn’t cohesive. Red lights, green lights…maybe white gauges if you got the optional package. Looked very parts-bin with little attention to detail. It seems the team that designed the new STI’s interior didn’t suffer from the same degree of A.D.D. and it all ties together nicely.

The new suspension design and chassis have great potential, and I’m excited to see what we and other tuners can get out of it. We’ll have to wait and see how the USDM version is, but I’m afraid it’ll be as soft if not softer for us American and our crappy roads. Again, nothing the tuner market can’t address… After all, that’s why us “tuners” exist. If the car appealed to everyone’s tastes equally, there’d be no desire or need to modify.

I’m excited for us to tune the new STI to bring back some of it’s heritage as a slightly more hard-core enthusiast’s car that just on the edge of what works well at the track yet can be enjoyed on the daily commute to work. Overall, that’ll be the ‘COBB Tuned’ goal.

Finally, many thanks to Tanaka-san @ Prova for his help and faith in us to get the AccessPORT ready for Japan. Koji @ Bridge for all his assistance on too many things to list. Yoshida-san @ Prova for the business opportunities and taking time to share your expert driving impressions with me. It was an honor!

I’m off to Takasaki in the morning to visit with Nukabe and Cusco. Check back for updates soon.

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Here are a few of our EVO VIII/IX cat-back exhausts being prepped. We offer our system to work with either the standard USDM rear bumper (long tip) or the JDM rear bumper (shorter tip). These have proven a little more popular than we anticipated. Considering how our system is subtle in both looks and sound (meets SAE sound requirements), we weren’t 100% sure how the EVO market would react. So far, so GOOD!

Here’s Josh finish welding the exhaust tips.

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We just so happened to get our hands on a brand spanking new ECU out of none other than the new EVO X.

Unlike previous EVO models, Mitsubishi puts the ECU under the hood. Due to the potential exposure to the elements, they use some heavy-duty industrial sealant to keep moisture/dirt/etc out. As such, you can’t just remove a few screws to remove the case halves and see what’s inside. We’ve previously seen that with some Toyota and Mazda ECUs as well. Since we need to see inside to know what processor(s) and related electronics we’re working with, sometimes we have to take ‘extreme’ measures.

Here you’ll see Rob, one of our talented ECU engineers, hacking away at the new EVO X ECU… literally.

Success!! Sorry we can’t show you all the details. We’ve identified the critical components so work will now begin on setting up communications and eventually establishing how to reflash it. All in an effort to get a tuning solution available as soon as possible!

Next week we head to Japan to perform some AccessPORT testing. While I’m there, I’ll have an opportunity to spend some time with both a EVO X and a new STI. We’ll make sure to update the blog with pictures and driving impressions straight from Japan.

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In our booth this year we debuted our new 2008 WRX 5-door demo vehicle. This vehicle was equipped with the following items:

• AccessPORT handheld ECU tuner (mid-December release date)
• COBB 304SS 3″ Catted Downpipe (available now)
• COBB 304SS 3″ Cat-back exhaust (1st quarter 2008 release)
• COBB SF Intake w/ optional cool air box (1st quarter 2008 release)
• COBB Carbon Fiber FMIC (prototype/concept part)
• COBB Blow Off Valve (1st quarter 2008 release)
• COBB Sports Springs (1st quarter 2008 release)
• COBB Anti-Sway Bars (1st quarter 2008 release)
• COBB Double-Adjustable Shifter (available now)
• COBB Rear Wiper delete (prototype/concept part)
• COBB Front Big Brake Kit (show only part)
• Prodrive edition Recaro Seats
• Prodrive harnesses
• Prodrive GC014i Wheels (18 x 7.5, custom gold)
• Yokohama Advan Neova (235/40R-18) tires

Special thanks to Prodrive and Yokohama for their support!

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SEMA 2007 is finally over and we’ve thankfully survived another year. This year we wanted the focus to be placed on the innovative and high quality products we develop, rather than some random race project. Overall, I think it was highly successful. In addition to some of the new product concepts we unveiled, the other big news we had to announce was our recent partnership with the MSD Performance group that includes the MSD Ignition, Superchips, Edge Products, and Racepak brands. Here is the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

El Paso, TX – MSD Performance is excited to announce its investment in and partnership with Cobb Tuning Inc. MSD has acquired an interest in Cobb and will work collectively with the talented engineers and staff of Cobb Tuning to develop advanced tuning products for the import car and truck market.

 

Cobb Tuning is a leading developer and manufacturer of performance products for Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mazda and Infiniti vehicles. Cobb’s product portfolio includes handheld programmers, cold air intakes, exhaust systems and sophisticated suspension components custom designed for the needs of import enthusiasts. The partnership with MSD will allow Cobb to continue expanding its product portfolio and enhance its distribution.

 

“The investment in Cobb Tuning will accelerate MSD’s plans to offer its industry leading tuning products to customers in the import market,” MSD Performance’s CEO Dan Gresham stated. “We recognize that the full size truck market has become a competitive battleground for Japanese manufacturers. MSD is striving to stay ahead of this trend by developing sophisticated performance products for all vehicles, domestic or import. Our partnership with Cobb Tuning will give us that ability.”

 

Cobb Tuning’s owner and President, Trey Cobb stated, “We have been friends with the MSD Performance team for years. Formalizing this partnership will give us the ability to pursue a variety of new product platforms. Combined with the financial and technical wherewithal of MSD, the sky is the limit for Cobb Tuning.”

 

El Paso based MSD Performance is one of the largest companies competing in the performance automotive aftermarket. MSD Performance’s stable of industry leading brands include MSD Ignition, Superchips, Edge Products and Racepak. Together, the companies hold leading positions in performance ignition systems, fuel management products and data acquisition solutions within North America.

 

 

 

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The crew enjoying a few adult beverages at Quark’s Bar in the Hilton.  These have become a bit of a tradition for us during SEMA.  A nice way to end a busy day.

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We’ve survived the first half of SEMA. It’s been a blast so far with a LOT of traffic and excitement at our booth (#20689). Comments have been quite varied, as has the types of people stopping by. Of course our 2008 WRX has drawn quite a bit of attention with comments ranging from, “I didn’t like the 2008 WRX until I saw yours, now I want one” to “I still don’t like the new styling but of any I like yours the best”. We’re not a body kit/styling company so we appreciate the comments but are quick to point out the amazing performance and handling potential of the new WRX. It’s an often asked question so if you’re wondering what we think of the new WRX, we love it.

Our new G37S has also created a lot of excitement. It has been by far the most photographed item in our booth. The most entertaining moment, for me, was watching a pair of booth models (from another booth) take pictures of each other standing in front of the car. Not necessarily due to the girls, but just the irony of them taking pictures of themselves in front of a car…anyway. Having the G37S in the booth has been a great way to draw new people to the booth. Most know of us from Subaru tuning, so its been great to let them know we’re looking forward to offering expanded support to other makes and models as well.

I’m sure what most of you are interested in are what’s new and what have we announced at the show. Here is a quick summary of SOME, not all, of what’s been announced.

• AccessPORT release for CANBUS Subarus (2007+ LGT and 2008 WRX) is set for before Christmas. Let Santa know!!
• AccessPORT release for 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z and G35 is set for the Christmas season as well.
• AccessPORT release for Mazda RX-8 has been set for early 1st quarter 2008.
• AccessPORT release for Mazdaspeed3 has been set for late 1st quarter 2008.

We have more news and announcements and will update the blog a few more times during SEMA to let you know of them.

The show is now opening for Thursday’s festivities so that’s all for now. Check back soon!

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