COBB Tuning Blog

AccessPORT Off The Shelf (OTS) maps for the 2010 Forester XT are now available for download from COBB Tuning. Stage 1 and Stage 2 maps for 93 octane, 91octane and 91 ACN octane maps are now hosted on our Map Download Page along with Valet, Anti-theft and Installed Stock maps. All Stage 1 and Stage 2 maps are available in Low Wastegate Duty Cycle (LWG) versions for vehicles with boost control/over boost issues. All Stage 2 maps are currently BETA, more product information and detailed map notes along with horsepower figures will be available pending further testing.

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Following the 3rd round of the Redline Time Attack series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the COBB Tuning Motorsports GT-R was trucked to the COBB Tuning Surgeline facility for a complete teardown and rebuild. The engine that was installed in the GT-R after the first-round Buttonwillow race, was from a wrecked street car and had quickly succumbed to the rigors of motorsports. The crew from COBB Tuning Motorsports and COBB Tuning Surgeline, worked quickly and tirelessly to tear down the injured car, remove the engine, and have it rebuilt and ready in time for the next race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. Parts were flown in from all over the country and proved to be difficult to source for Nissan’s supercar. But the team was able to get the engine back together and the car tuned, just in time for the 4th round event. Look for the car to dominate the track in California!

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The new firmware update (version 1.6.0.0-13300) is available. This new firmware MUST be installed in order to use the new v1.05a maps.

Special Instructions: (READ FIRST):
Please note that once you obtain this BETA firmware update, you will not be able to revert to your previous firmware update. Before updating your AccessPORT, please review the release notes and understand the nature of this release.

MAF Tuning – The previous public firmware update already comes pre-equipped with MAF tuning capabilities. No special instructions are required to enable this mode.

MAP Tuning (Speed Density Support) – To use MAP based tuning you must first uninstall the AccessPORT either before or after you obtain the beta firmware update. At install time after your vehicle is identified, you will be prompted by the interface to install with either MAF or MAP modes.

Obtaining AccessPORT Firmware (BETA):

• This firmware has been deployed as a BETA release. Follow the below instructions to obtain the update.
• Download AccessPORT Updater if necessary:
• AccessPORT Updater

• Run AccessPORT Updater once it is installed.
• Press ‘Cancel’ on the screen when the “plug in the AccessPORT” dialogue appears.
• Press ‘Ok’, when the “Error” dialogue box appears.
• On the main application panel, select the drop down menu option “Tools/Options.”
• There is a check box in the Options dialogue box, labeled: ‘Check for beta AccessPORT firmware?’ Click on the check box to enable it.
• Select the ‘Ok’ button.
• Close-out the updater application by pressing the ‘Exit’ button.
• Plug your AccessPORT into the computer via. usb cable.
• Run AccessPORT Updater application again.
• The update process should start once it detects the AccessPORT.
• Once your AccessPORT is updated power it on and go to the “About” menu to verify that the firmware version number matches the released number (1.6.0.0-13300)

New 1.05a maps are available on the Honda AccessPORT Map Database. Download the maps you require and use AccessPORT manager to move them to your AccessPORT.

AccessTUNER Pro has been updated and is downloadable by pro tuners.

The maintenance on the AccessTUNER Race is complete. Honda AccessTUNER Race version 1.8.3.1-13293 is available for download from the AccessTUNER Race Request Page. The new Honda Tuning Guide is included in the new software and is also available for download HERE.

BETA Update Details:

FIRMWARE
Bug Fixes

• Fixed Datalogging issues introduced with 1.5.0.3-12449 firmware
• Fixed VTEC monitor which was affected by datalogging issues
• Rev-Hang Fixed beta maps available for 06-09 MAF vehicles

Known Bugs

• Dyno feature not functioning for MAP vehicles
• Fuel Economy not functioning for MAP vehicles

AccessTUNER Race/AccessTUNER Pro
New Features

• New Tuning Guide available
• New table descriptions added
• Added RPM breakpoint adjustment for “Decel. Fuel Inj. Cut – Low & High” tables
• Flash Map Pass-Through. Users can now flash maps directly from AccessTUNER through the in-line connected AccessPORT and on to the ECU. This eliminates the need to save the map to the AccessPORT using AP Manager, then flashing the map to the ECU.
• AEM UEGO 02 sensor support added

Bug Fixes

• Removed Immobilizer Toggle
• Fixed datalogging
• Fixed injector scalar

Known Bugs

• Breakpoint editable tables don’t correctly perform bounds checking during cell edit. User must ensure that edited cell value does not exceed value of the cell to the right.
• Live Tracing: MAP values are not currently tracing

Let us know what you think.

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The COBB Tuning Motorsports STI has been undergoing a complete overhaul between Round 3 and 4 of the Redline Time Attack series. A completely new cage has been installed in the car, as well as both the engine and transmission getting a complete rebuild. The crew installed a brand new OS Giken rear differential along with a new Cosworth intake manifold and an AIM data acquisition system.

In addition the turbocharger has been upgraded to a larger exhaust housing allowing the car to make much more peak power, albeit on the same compressor and turbine. The exhaust system has also been modified, allowing the car to be lowered without infringing on the Street class rules dictating the no part of the car be lower than 3-inches off the ground. The exhaust is no longer the lowest part of the car! Watch out for Cameron’s all-new reloaded STI, it is poised to take the top of the podium at Round 4 of the Redline Time Attack at Auto Club Speedway!

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Two EVO X GSR’s, Two friends, Similar setups, different sets of cams, different downpipes, 875 combined wheel horsepower, one tuning shop.

In February, COBB Tuning Plano tuned James Stearns’ EVO X GSR running a Forced Performance “Red” turbocharger, it made good power gains over the stock turbo, but we knew the car had so much more potential. A set of good camshafts would be needed to make the car work with the bigger turbo more efficiently. A set of Kelford 214b cams were ordered knowing that they would do just the trick!

Not to be outdone by his good friend, James, Dustin Nelson decided to step it up and purchase a FP Red for his EVO X as well. Duston also upgraded to the COBB SS Downpipe and decided on the Cosworth MX-1 camshafts.

Both agreed to come drive up from the Bayou of southern Louisiana and drop off their cars for a few days, anticipating some very impressive gains. James started with 377whp and 361ft-lbs of torque, while Dustin’s car weighed-in with 331whp 378ft/lbs. After the installations, James was first up on the dyno and netted a gain of 57whp and 34 ft/lbs making this car the most powerful EVO X at COBB’s facilities in Plano at 434WHP and 395WTQ at 27psi on 93 octane gasoline!

That record would be short lived though, as 26 hours later, COBB Tuning Plano’s lead tuner, Calvin Dotson, made 441WHP and 393WTQ on the same boost pressure of 27 psi and on 93 octane out of Dustin’s Octane Blue Pearl EVO. This set a new bar of power achievement on any EVO X in COBB’s dyno database and netted 110whp over his previous setup!

Congratulations to these two guys, we bet the drive back home was incredible!

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Recently, the World Challenge Brass Monkey Racing GT-R’s got a little help in the power department thanks to AMS Performance and the COBB Tuning AccessPORT. The twin GT-R’s were tuned at AMS Performance’s tuning facility, both with the COBB Tuning AccessPORT, proving once again that the AccessPORT is motorsports grade! Follow the Brass Monkey Team this season by visiting their website.

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The AccessTUNER Race software server will be undergoing maintenance from 12pm mountain time on Friday, May 21, 2010 through 8am eastern time on Monday, May 24, 2010. Please submit your AccessTUNER Race request prior to 6am on Friday, May 21, 2010 to ensure you receive your software prior to this scheduled maintenance. All requests received during this down-time will be processed once the server resumes normal operation on May 24th. For more information you can visit the AccessTUNER Race Registration Page or you can contact us at tech@cobbtuning.com or call us at 801-713-0035. Thank you for your patience and for choosing COBB Tuning as your engine management solution!

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Whitney Edmister is a GT-R owner and racer. Not only does he drive this 2009 GT-R on the street, but he is racing it in the Redline Time Attack in the Modified Class. Whitney’s car is a great example of what the dedicated enthusiast can do with a well-prepared machine and a COBB Tuning AccessPORT!

When I started to upgrade my 2009 GTR for the track, I started out with the wheels, tires, and brakes. After just three track days on the stock tires, I had nearly worn them out. We wanted to have a second set of lighter wheels and tires for the track, and keep the stock tires on the stock rims for street use only. We upgraded the brakes with Carbotec pads, AP racing rotors, Stillen stainless brake lines, and Motul racing brake fluid. This completely eliminated brake fade and allowed crisp, hard braking, even toward the end of a 30-minute track session with rotors at 550F. All of our upgrades were installed by Palladin Advanced Automotive in Las Vegas.

The first suspension upgrade we did was to install the Cobb antisway bars. This allowed us to reduce the roll in the rear and eliminate the stock understeer. There’s nothing more frustrating than driving hard into a corner, braking hard, turning the wheel, and the car keeps going straight ahead, pushing wide through the corner! Now with slight oversteer, the front end carves right around, and the rear end follows. The reduced body roll and negative camber keeps the outside tires in contact with the pavement through the turn. Adding the JRZ RSpro suspension and lowering the car slightly gave us the stability and control we needed to drive the car to the limit.

We wanted to improve engine performance as well, but didn’t want to spend a lot of money upgrading the engine and tuning. First we freed up the exhaust with the HKS Legamax midpipe and catback exhaust. It’s a stainless system with titanium tips that is lightweight, high flow, and looks and sounds great. This took the exhaust from nearly silent to a beautiful, deep note. Next we installed the COBB Tuning AccessPORT and flashed ECU with the 91 octane, Stage 2 map. Immediately we noticed improved torque, acceleration, and boost, and a dramatic improvement in lap times. Next we upgraded to the 100 octane, Stage 2 map with 100 octane racing fuel. We were amazed that this second upgrade gave us another performance boost that felt just as significant as the first. Just installing the AccessPORT with or without a high-flow exhaust is the most cost-effective performance upgrade you can make to the GTR. According to COBB, we should be making 550hp with our configuration, but have not put the car on the dyno yet.

In Las Vegas, we ran the GT-R in the Modified class of the Redline Time Attack and was highly competitive despite just our few targeted upgrades. The car felt perfectly balanced with terrific acceleration and braking. When braking into the corner, the rear end felt light and the car turned in easily. The rear end came right around with slight oversteer. Once I was confident of hitting the apexes properly, I added a little throttle shifted Lose Weight Exercise to the rear, locking the car down, followed by hard acceleration through the apex into the next straight. At the end of the front and back straights, we were hitting speeds up to 135 mph. The track was highly techinical with hairpins, carousel turns, and even a chicane, but the GTR carved up the 2.4 mile road course. Our lap times continued to improve through the two days, with our best lap time of 1:50.0. It was a great weekend to race such a fast and capable car.

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COBB Tuning has just released an AccessPORT firmware update for the 2004-2007 STI, 2006-2007 Subaru WRX, 2004-2006 Forester XT and 2005-2006 Legacy GT (AP-SUB-002). This update repairs a minor bugs with the AccessPORT, adds new functions and streamlines the menu screens. This update supports v2 and v2b units, meaning that both versions use the same firmware release: 1.6.0.0-12852. In addition, all “BETA” versions have been consolidated into this update. The bug fix in this release resolves the AP slowdown associated with extensive use.

URGENT – Resolves the AccessPORT slowdown associated with extensive use, which can eventually render the AccessPORT non-functional, requiring it to be sent to COBB Tuning for repair.

The “About” screen on both v2 and v2b has been simplified for easier interpretation and support and the “Change Map” feature has been updated for both units to give an explanation for any greyed-out “locked-out” maps.

This update is available immediately through AccessPORT Updater and requires no other updates to maps or tuning software be performed. Further information can be found on our Firmware Information Page.

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The COBB Tuning Surgeline Race Against Cancer inaugural event kicked off with fast times and a healthy entry list featuring several cars posting sub-10-second times!

The Super Modified Class-winner, Jeff Bush, posted a blistering 8.996-second pass at 151.38mph! The Super Modified class had intense competition with several cars posting sub-10-second passes with trap speeds in excess of 150mph!

The Street Modified class is very much up for grabs with only 2 entries; Doug “Reddevil” Vincent in his 1991 turbocharged Subaru Legacy Wagon, and Lance Lucas in his 2005 WRX “STI” Wagon. Both cars had mechanical issues with Vincent limping to the finish line for the win with a 16.07-second pass on a broken cylinder. The next round is anyone’s ballgame!

The Street Stock class is where the competition was the most intense with four stage 2 Subaru STIs all within a few tenths of each other. In the end, Kevin Brettenbach turned up the wick and dropped the clutch to snatch the win with a 12.72-second pass at 106mph.

The GT-R exhibition class featured three GT-Rs, two of which posted sub-11-second passes with Jeremy Aires driving Portland Trail Blazer, Jeff Pendergraph’s 2010 GT-R to a 7.04-second pass at 102mph in the 8th mile! This car would post a 10.8-scond pass at 130mph later in the day!

Each class winner was awarded $100, with $50 COBB Tuning Surgeline gift certificates going to drivers in each class with the lowest ET and fastest trap speed.

The next race is slated for June 6th with more chances at cash prizes! Clear your calendars for the only Heads-Up Import Drag Racing Series in the Northwest with cash pay-outs! The series championship is far from decided with up to $500 on the line! And remember: $5 of your entry fee goes to support the American Cancer Society! See you at the next race…

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