COBB Tuning Blog

COBB Tuning is seeking existing users of our AccessTUNER Race software to test a new beta version that includes support for Launch Control and Flat Foot Shift. This is a new revision of these features that covers all currently supported manual transmission turbocharged Subarus. The beta launch control and flat foot shift version of AccessTUNER Race will allow users to open and save their existing maps to enable launch control and, along with a beta AccessPORT firmware update, allow them to reflash the new launch control map and test on their vehicle. The settings for launch control (2.0-Liter and 2.5-Liter) and flat foot shift (2.5-Liter only) can then be modified via AccessTUNER Race and the AccessPORT.

If you are interested in becoming a beta tester, please follow the directions below that explain how to retrieve all the updates necessary for the test. Please provide us with feedback by responding to us on the COBB Tuning Forums. Even if it works perfectly, we would like to hear from you! Thank you for your continued support of COBB Tuning.

Launch Control and Flat-foot Shifting are abusive to the engine, clutch, transmission, axles, and differentials. If you are willing to accept the risks, please read on.

This beta test covers the following vehicles (MT = manual transmission):

Launch control (LC) only:

• 2002-2005 WRX (MT only)

Launch control (LC) and flat foot shift (FFS):

• 2004-2008 Forester XT (MT only)
• 2005-2010 Legacy GT (MT only)
• 2007-2008 Legacy GT spec. B
• 2006-2011 WRX (MT only)
• 2004-2011 STI

In order to beta test LC with AccessTUNER Race (ATR), the following must be completed:

• ATR must be updated to the latest beta LC version, at least 1.9.1.0-1645. To check your current version, go to “Help” -> “About” in ATR. If you are currently running version 1.9.0.0-1303, then you can use the auto-updater to get the beta LC version by going to “Help” -> “Auto Updater” -> checking the “Beta Software” box -> then clicking “Get Updates”. If your current version is older than 1.9.0.0-1303, then you will need to re-submit a request for ATR at the following link and once you have the new software and install it, run the auto-updater as just described. http://accessecu.com/register/cobb.php
• You must use version 2.0.1.5 or greater of AccessPORT Manager. The latest version of AccessPORT Manager can be found here: http://www.cobbtuning.com/info/?id=3059
• You must update your AccessPORT firmware to latest beta version, at least 1.6.4.0-1642. To obtain the beta firmware, please launch AccessPORT Manager, go to Options -> check the “Check for beta firmware” box -> check the “Use alternate update location” box -> then add http://www.accessecu.com/support/accessport/alpha in the text field. Go to “Updates” -> then click “Begin firmware update”. Once complete, your firmware should be version 1.6.4.0-1642. The version can be confirmed on the AccessPORT by going to “AccessPORT” -> “About”.
• Once the above is complete, you can add LC to any of your maps by opening the map in ATR and saving. Note: If you open and save your new LC map in an older version of AccessTUNER, LC will be removed.
• After loading your new LC map file onto your AccessPORT via AP Manager, you must reflash the map to enable LC.
• You can adjust the LC settings via the AccessPORT by selecting “Tune” -> “Adjustments” -> “Launch Control” or “Flat-foot Shift”. Note: FFS is not available for the 02-05 WRX.
• Additionally, you can tune the LC settings in ATR. The LC tables can be found under the new “Launch Control” group in the table listing. The LC and FFS RPM thresholds are also real-time tunable.
• If you wish to revert back to the non-launch control release version of ATR, simply uncheck “Beta Software” in the “Help” -> “Auto Updater” menu and click “Get Updates”. To remove LC from the map, save the map in the non-LC version of ATR.

What is Launch Control?

Launch control allows you to limit RPM to a specific threshold when launching to allow you to potentially build boost and to allow for more consistent launches. For example, when the vehicle is stationary with the clutch in and the launch control limiter is set to 4000 RPM, engine speed will be limited to 4000 RPM even with the throttle to the floor. Once you launch and get the vehicle moving, the launch control rev limiter will be disabled and the factory rev limiter will come into play. Note: please see details below for specifics on how this system works.

What is Flat Foot Shift?

The flat foot shift feature allows you to keep your foot on the throttle when shifting potentially improving acceleration when coming off of a shift. For example, if the vehicle is moving and you push in the clutch to shift and the flat foot shift limiter is set to 4000 RPM, engine speed will be limited to 4000 RPM allowing you to remain on the throttle during the shift. When the clutch is let out, the factory rev limiter will come into play. Note: please see details below for specifics on how this system works.

(Note: flat foot shift is not available for the 02-05 WRX due to the lack of a clutch switch input to the ECU for these cars.)

 Details for using and testing Launch Control:

• LC ON RPM / LC OFF RPM = RPM thresholds in the “Rev Limit (Fuel Cut) Launch Control” table (including real-time changes).
• LC VEH SPD = Vehicle speed threshold in the “Rev Limit (Fuel Cut) Launch Control Max. Veh. Speed” table.
• FFS ON RPM / FFS OFF RPM = RPM thresholds in the “Rev Limit (Fuel Cut) Flat Foot Shift” table (including real-time changes).
• REV LIMITER ON RPM / REV LIMITER OFF RPM = Factory rev limiter RPM thresholds in the “Rev Limit (Fuel Cut) Primary” table (including real-time changes).
• LC DISABLE = Value in the “Rev Limit (Fuel Cut) Launch Control Activation” table.

Expected behavior for 2.0-Liter vehicles:

• Launch control mode will be active if ALL of the following are met:
• Vehicle speed is less than or equal to the LC VEH SPD threshold.
• LC ON RPM is less than or equal to REV LIMITER ON RPM.
• LC OFF RPM is less than or equal to REV LIMITER OFF RPM.
• LC DISABLE is set to 1.

In launch control mode, the LC fuel cut will come into play when RPM is greater than or equal to LC ON RPM. Fueling will resume when RPM is less than LC OFF RPM. The difference between the LC ON RPM and LC OFF RPM will determine the amount of oscillation you will see when hitting the LC limiter. If the map is reflashed or the battery is disconnected, the real-time LC thresholds will default to the thresholds designated in the map that is reflashed to the ECU.

• The factory rev limiter will be active if ANY of the following is met:
• Vehicle speed is greater than the LC VEH SPD threshold.
• LC ON RPM is greater than REV LIMITER ON RPM.
• LC OFF RPM is greater than REV LIMITER OFF RPM.
• LC DISABLE is set to 0.

Expected behavior for 2.5-Liter vehicles:

• Launch control mode will be active if ALL of the following are met:
• Clutch is in.
• Vehicle speed is less than or equal to the LC VEH SPD threshold.
• LC ON RPM is less than or equal to REV LIMITER ON RPM.
• LC OFF RPM is less than or equal to REV LIMITER OFF RPM.
• LC DISABLE is set to 1.

In launch control mode, the LC fuel cut will come into play when RPM is greater than or equal to LC ON RPM. Fueling will resume when RPM is less than LC OFF RPM. The difference between the LC ON RPM and LC OFF RPM will determine the amount of oscillation you will see when hitting the LC limiter.

• Flat foot shift mode will be active if ALL of the following are met:
• Clutch is in.
• Vehicle speed is greater than the LC VEH SPD threshold.
• FFS ON RPM is less than or equal to REV LIMITER ON RPM.
• FFS OFF RPM is less than or equal to REV LIMITER OFF RPM.
• LC DISABLE is set to 1.

In flat foot shift mode, the FFS fuel cut will come into play when RPM is greater than or equal to FFS ON RPM. Fueling will resume when RPM is less than FFS OFF RPM. The difference between the FFS ON RPM and FFS OFF RPM will determine the amount of oscillation you will see when hitting the FFS limiter. If the map is reflashed or the battery is disconnected, the real-time LC/FFS thresholds will default to the thresholds designated in the map that is reflashed to the ECU.

• The factory rev limiter will be active if ANY of the following is met:
• Clutch is out.
• LC ON RPM is greater than REV LIMITER ON RPM in LC mode.
• LC OFF RPM is greater than REV LIMITER OFF RPM in LC mode.
• FFS ON RPM is greater than REV LIMITER ON RPM in FFS mode.
• FFS OFF RPM is greater than REV LIMITER OFF RPM in FFS mode.
• LC DISABLE is set to 0.

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The AccessPORT for 2007 BMW 335i MT and AT vehicles is now available as a beta release. The same AP-BMW-001 AccessPORT used on 2008-2010 135, 335 and 535 N54 equipped BMW’s will work on 2007 BMW 335i vehicles with a simple firmware update to the latest version. The existing Stage1 calibrations apply to 2007-2010 models. Both manual and automatic vehicles are supported. Be sure to update your AccessPORT to the latest BETA firmware prior to initial installation.

Current AccessPORTs will need to be updated to BETA Firmware to take advantage of this update. To update to the latest BETA firmware version download AccessPORT Manager 2.0, start the program and then select the “Options” menu. Next, select “Check for beta firmware” and then update your AccessPORT. All maps will be automatically updated and loaded onto your AccessPORT.

As with the release of the 2008-2010 BMW AccessPORT, not all ROMs may be supported immediately. If an unknown ROM is encountered, follow the ROM dump procedures and we will add support for your ROM as quickly as possible. Email the ROM along with the year, model and transmission type to rom@cobbtuning.com.

2007 BMW 335i AT Dyno Graph

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COBB Tuning is accepting applicants for 2011 MS3 AccessPORT Beta testing. In order to apply, you must own a 2011 MAZDASPEED3 and be willing to test various AccessPORT features as well as capture datalogs of Off The Shelf (OTS) calibrations in an effort to verify that they are performing as expected. You may also be asked to help develop more refined OTS calibrations for this platform which will involve submitting specific datalogs to one of our calibrators and installing evolving calibrations for your specific hardware combination.  If you are interested in participating in the BETA testing program, please send an e-mail to calibration@cobbtuning.com with the following Subject “2011 MS3 AccessPORT Beta Tester Application” and include the following information:

• Full Name:
• Home Address (for shipping purposes):
• E-mail Address:
• Forum Name(s), you must register at www.cobbforums.com and provide your exact user name to gain access to the 2011 MS3 BETA testing forum:
• VIN Number:
• Specific list of all performance hardware installed on the vehicle (no other vehicle modifications can be installed during Beta testing unless approved by the calibrator):
• Octane rating for locally available fuel: 

You should have a response within 24 hours of submitting your application. We will ship out the AccessPORTs via UPS standard delivery as soon as all information is submitted and the testers have been chosen. Our goal is to have all of these Beta AccessPORTs shipped out by Tuesday, March 29th. This initial testing will only involve the AccessPORT. BETA testers will receive a 10% discount on the price of the AccessPORT with free shipping.  

Not every applicant will be accepted, so please do not be offended if you are not chosen. We need to make sure that the initial OTS calibration offerings meet the majority of the community’s needs.  Heaily modified vehicles with unique performance hardware are not needed for testing at this time.

Once you have received your AccessPORT, a COBB Tuning representative will direct you to the COBB Tuning forums explaining details about what specific testing we are looking to accomplish. Please do not submit an application unless you are willing to complete the requirements of the BETA testing program. All users will be able to return the AccessPORT for a full refund within 90 days of receiving the AccessPORT in full working order.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. You may contact us at calibration@cobbtuning.com or call us at 1-866-922-3059. Thank you for your participation and for helping COBB Tuning make the AccessPORT the best tuning platform available!

Take care,

COBB Calibration Team.

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If you can dream it, you can build it! EFI Logics may be the first US Company to tackle a big power build on Subaru’s funky new 2010 Legacy GT. Because of the new turbo design being very different than previous versions, there are few aftermarket parts for the new LGT. Undaunted, the crew at EFI logics felt that they could hit their customer’s desired 300whp goal while still using the stock turbo location and maintaining a very stock-looking and daily-drivable car. The COBB Tuning AccessPORT was the engine management solution chosen for this build. While map selections are currently limited to Stage1, AccessTUNER Pro and AccessTUNER Race let ProTuners and enthusiasts create their own calibrations for bigger power gains!

This build is all custom with very few off the shelf parts. The turbocharger is a custom made unit by BNR Supercars with the guts of a TD05 shoved into the stock VF52 turbo housing and is fed by an EFI Logics custom intake using a KSTech MAF housing. Boost pressure is vented via a Forged blow off valve between shifts and is mounted to an EFI Logics custom front mount intercooler. Boost control is done via a Grimmspeed 3-port unit. The exhaust features a BMC downpipe feeding an Invidia Q300 catback. The injectors are 750cc Deatschwerk topfeeds fed by a Walbro 255lph in-tank pump. Power is transmitted to the transmission via an ACT HD Street clutch. Tuning is accomplished with the COBB Tuning AccessPORT and the combination is good for 318whp and 348wtq on pump fuel.

While there are currently no parts readily available for these vehicles, adventurous owners are still able to make power with some creativity and of course, the COBB Tuning AccessPORT! To read more about EFI Logic’s killer build, head over to LegacyGT.com for more photos, information and comparison dyno charts!

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COBB Tuning is pleased to announce the initial release of Stage2 AccessPORT calibrations and AccessTUNER Pro and Race software for the 2010 MAZDASPEED3. This update applies to all currently-supported 2010 MAZDASPEED3 vehicles.

Firmware Update
A new firmware update is available to include the latest changes to the MAZDASPEED AccessPORT for 2010 MS3. Firmware version 1.6.4.2-1601 adds Stage2 calibrations to the AccessPORT. This firmware update is not required to use AccessTUNER Race or to receive a ProTune.

Firmware:

• Stage 2 map support has been added into 1.6.4.2-1601 This update is available through AccessPORT Manager
• Release notes for this update also include a service bulletin regarding Updgraded CDFP for stage2 Calibrations:Release Notes

Calibrations
COBB Tuning is currently offering two stage2 calibrations for 2010 MAZDASPEED3s. These calibrations are for vehicles with stock intakes or those running the COBB Tuning SF Intake. These calibrations will REQUIRE an upgraded High Pressure Fuel Pump. Calibrations for vehicles with stock fuel pumps are available as well. The following Stage 2 calibrations are now available for download from the 2010 MAZDASPEED3 AccessPORT Map Database

AccessTUNER Race
AccessTUNER Race is now available for download for the 2010 MAZDASPEED3! This will allow those users with modifications which fall outside of our current map offerings to create calibrations specific to their vehicles. COBB Tuning has updated the AccessTUNER Tuning Guide to reflect new tables and tuning strategies for the second generation MAZDASPEED3. AccessTUNER Race is available by filling out and submitting the request form on the AccessTUNER Race download page!

AccessTUNER Race Details

• Added 2010 MS3 Support
• Updates for Gen. 1 MS Definitions
• Updated data types for improved usability
• Complete release note details: Release Notes

AccessTUNER Pro
AccessTUNER Pro is now available to all current MAZDASPEED Pro tuners. If you are interested in having your vehicle tuned at one of our licensed ProTuning facilities, consult with your tuner of choice or take a look at our Dealer Page for a listing of tuners and dealers for the ProTuner closest to you!

There are new updates and features for the Gen2 MAZDASPEED3 AccessPORT on the horizon. To stay informed of the latest developments, join our Mazda Product Update Mailing List. If you have further questions about the AccessPORT, AccessTUNER or our Off The Shelf Calibrations, please call us at 866-922-3059, email us at tech@cobbtuning.com or visit us on our Facebook page.

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COBB Tuning is busy getting ready for the TX2K11, a national exotic car meet which will be held at the Lonestar Motorsports Park in Sealy, TX this weekend Thursday March 17th through Sunday the 20th. The TX2K is a big power slug fest, which started as a Supra-only meet and has grown to include super cars of all stripes from Supras and GT-Rs to Lamborghinis, Vipers and Porsche turbos! The four-day event features a HPDE Day, Time Attack, Dyno Shootout and Drag Racing.

COBB Tuning is a sponsor of the event and will be attending Friday through Sunday. Come visit us at our booth where we will have four R&D vehicles on display which include our 2011 STI, 2010 MAZDASPEED3, 2010 Evolution X, and a 2008 BMW 335i. Our resident tuners as well as hard parts fabrication/engineers will be on hand to answer any tuning or hard parts questions you may have. In addition to the cool events, COBB Tuning will have some SWAG to give away as well as AccesPORT’S and apparel for sale.

For more information on the TX2K visit www.tx2k.com or give us a call at 1-866-922-3059. See you there!

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Redline Track Events kicked off the 2011 Season with a whole new format this past weekend. The traditional Time Attack format is still in place, but Redline has added a new twist to the weekend called the Pro Track Challenge. This is a class of wheel-to-wheel racing that is a true, “run what ‘ya brung,” winner-take-all shootout. Flying the COBB Tuning flag was the AccessPORT-tuned Fontana Nissan GT-R driven by sports car veteran Cort Wagner.

The new format works like this. All the cars head out onto the track for a morning qualifying session which determines the grid for an all-hands-on-deck 5-lap wheel-to-wheel seeding race. The finishing order of the seeding race determines the bracket pairings for the heads-up, two-car, green-white-checker battles that determine the ultimate finishing order.

The field was incredibly diverse with a Nissan GT-R, Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi EVO X, Subaru STI, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac GTO, Infiniti G35 and a 650hp MINI taking to the track! This double-elimination format meant that each competitor had to loseWeight Exercise two Circuit Battles to be eliminated from the competition. Winners continued on in the Winners bracket while loseWeight Exercisers dropped into the Consolation bracket. The final drivers in the Winners bracket and Consolation bracket go to a final two-lap battle to determine the ultimate winner of the event.

Cort Wagner did an impressive job of driving the Fontana Nissan GT-R up through the brackets. The Fontana Nissan GT-R is essentially a street car enhanced with the COBB Tuning AccessPORT and other readily available bolt-on performance parts! The very heavy, but very powerful, Nissan GT-R was able to hold off Lou Gigliotti in his Grand-Am Racing spec Corvette as well as got the best of Paul Brown in his wickedly fast turbocharged K&N Inifiniti G35 in back-to-back battles.

Cort ultimately took the AccessPORT powered GT-R up to the final podium position, taking home third place overall behind event winner Joey Scarallo in his monstor World Challenge Pontiac GTO and 2nd place finisher Gary Sheehan in the Fontana Nissan 350z, both of which are full-on race cars!

Make sure you tune into the Versus network to see all the action from this round on their brand new television series “Circuit Battles”, which premiers Saturday, March 26, at 2pm Eastern. For more info on the show, head to www.CircuitBattles.com.

The Redline circus moves on to Firebird Raceway in Arizona for round 2 on April 9^th. For more details visit www.redlinetimeattack.com.

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COBB Tuning is pleased to announce a job opening at our COBB Tuning Surgeline facility in Portland, OR. We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented and Automotive Performance savvy individual to compliment our team!

Position:  Automotive Technician

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Installation of OE and aftermarket parts sold by COBB Tuning
• Engine and transmission removal and installation
• Tire mounting and balancing
• Four wheel alignments
• Diagnostic services
• Regular maintenance services
• Light fabrication

Requirements:

• Must own and maintain common automotive tools
• 2 years automotive experience (Aftermarket performance experience is a plus)
• ASE Certification is a plus
• Fabrication skills are a plus
• Proven track record for efficiency and ability to problem solve
• Must be able to self manage multiple tasks
• Self starter with strong interpersonal skills

 Salary and benefits:

• Compensation commensurate with experience and based upon a full time salary working 5 days per week.
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement matching up to 3% of salary
• Vacation and sick days available

 To apply, send your complete Resume and Cover Letter with relevant work experience to surgeline@cobbtuning.com. No phone calls!

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A new update for AccessPORT Manager is now available. This update adds new features and fixes a few issues with previous versions of the software. The current version of AccessPORT Manager is now 2.0.1.5.

New Features:

• Added pop-up dialogue to display AP Manager release notes (available during new updates).
• AP Manager now automatically backs up the ECU Data from the AccessPORT, removing the need to use expose/import options on the AP menu.
  • This feature also requires new firmware for the AccessPORT to support automatic backup. Firmware has not yet been released on all platforms. Until then, the Expose/Import options can continue to be used on the AccessPORT screen.
• It is now possible to highlight and copy the AccessPORT details shown in the Updates section.

Bug Fixes

• Increased file copy limit from 10 to 100.
• Increased “too many maps” warning from over 20 maps to over 100 maps.
• Release notes for beta firmware updates are now shown.
• ROM files are now shown in the Import Files browse dialog.
• Fixed issue where links embedded in release notes didn’t work.
• Maps created in Tuner 1.9 are now supported and show details in APM.
• Fixed issue in 2.0.1.4 where map details from maps on the AP show up incorrectly.

To obtain this latest release, simply press the “update” button after opening AccessPORT Manager, the auto-update feature will do the rest! If you are not prompted to update your current copy of manager, press the “Update AccessPORT Manager” button under the “Options” tab. To download your free copy of AccessPORT Manager, visit the COBB Tuning Support Page. For further questions or comments call us at 1-866-922-3059 or contact us via Facebook at www.facebook.com/cobbtuning.

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A new firmware update is available for all MAZDASPEED AccessPORTs (AP-MAZ-002). These new updates feature:

• Improved AccessPORT navigation for all MAZDASPEED models
• Map storage has been increased to 100 maps for all MAZDASPEED models
• The “Expose ECU Data” OEM ROM backup feature has been removed from the AccessPORT and is now integrated into the latest version of AccessPORT Manager.
• “Installed Stock Mode” maps have also been added back to the AccessPORT; these maps are now called “Stage0“
• New Barometric Pressure and Absolute Pressure monitors for 2010 MS3
• Fixed MAF Voltage monitor on the 2010 MS3 now displays properly.

For more details, please visit our firmware release notes page. To update your AccessPORT, download AccessPORT Manager, connect your AccessPORT and follow the update procedure!

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