COBB Tuning Blog

The “Underdogs” of LIC Motorsports are back in action this year with their Subaru STI racer for another season of Time Attack, this time in the Global Time Attack championship! The crew took part in the inaugural event on May 20th-22nd at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond Calif., and came out swinging with a lighter car and new and improved livery!

Last season, the team ran in the Redline Time Attack series and took 2nd in the AWD Modified class after a hard-fought season. This year, the team is back with their AccessPORT-tuned STI and a new driver to challenge this brand new series. Russ Warr took to the helm of the car in the AWD Limited class and drove to impressive 1st and 2nd place finishes after the team worked to get the car ready and on the track at the last minute, in true LIC fashion!

With just five weeks to go before the first event, the car went on a diet, losing as much sheet metal in favor of lightweight dry carbon as possible. Next, the front and rear hubs and rear rotors were swapped for more lightweight components. Finally, Lexan was installed in the rear windows for even more Lose Weight Exercise savings.

After driving through the night to get to the event, the team decided that a little shakedown would be in order to get Russ familiar with the car and to make sure everything was running properly. The Friday practice went off without a hitch, save for a broken windshield from some track debris that was quickly replaced. With the car ready to race, the crew turned their attention to getting ready for the main event!

Saturday saw Russ getting more acquainted with the car after not having competed for over a year. However, Russ is an experienced Subaru pilot and soon had the car clocking 1:25 minute lap times which put the team into 2nd for their class. On the R-compound tires, the team would hover around the 1:25 mark which put them solidly in 2nd. This gave them a 2nd place for the Saturday round giving the team their first podium finish of the weekend!

“Saturday was uneventful for the most part, Russ Warr (Driver for LIC), was just getting acclimated to the car and being in the driver seat again,” Said LIC co-owner, Noah Levy. “Russ had not driven on track or in a race car for just about 1.5 years prior to this event, so he needed to come up to speed and quickly. Russ was able to get his lap times down to a 1:25.943 for GTA and as if that wasn’t enough we were having him pull double duties and running in NASA’s time trial racing circuit. We were entered into TTR, which is fully unlimited vehicles and crazy built machines, for example Chris Rado with WORLD Racing was running his FWD Scion in it. The crew took a 2nd place win on Saturday running R-compound tires in TTR and closed out the day and got prepared for Sunday’s race schedule, which was to be as chaotic as the previous day.”

With Saturday in the books and the decision to run two classes, the team threw on some aggressive and sticky tires and took on the unlimited, crazy horsepower TTR class. The team was able to knock 2-seconds off of their lap-time and capture a first place finish!

“Sunday everyone awoke to pretty hefty winds and a very cold early morning track, this was expected according to the projected forecast,” said Noah. “LIC continued to push on and better their times throughout the day, constantly doing a tad better and only with making small incremental changes to the car. LIC finished out the GTA event with a time of 1:25.423, which was good enough for a 2nd place win in the Limited/AWD division. When it was time for TTR, LIC decided it was time to fight a fair fight and threw on some Hankook Z214 C91 tires to go attack the class and see if we could better there times over the inferior r-compounds from the day before. With only 2 laps to get it done, we were able to pull off a 1:23.136, good enough for a 1st place finish.”

At the end of the event, the team had completed over 60 laps of a very demanding track, with three podium finishes (2nd on Saturday and 2nd and 1st on Sunday) to show for it! To keep up with LIC’s 500+hp AccessPORT-tuned machine, check out the LIC Motorsports blog! To see what the AccessPORT can do for your car, head over to www.cobbtuning.com!

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COBB Tuning, a leading automotive aftermarket company, is currently seeking to hire a Hard Parts Engineer for our Austin, TX location. We are a young, dynamic company with many exciting products and a reputation for excellent customer service in our industry. Our goal is to offer the best possible environment as a means to recruit and retain the very best individuals to be part of our team. The following position is to be located in Austin, TX and is for full-time, on-location employment only.

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the hard parts group lead, to join the hard parts engineering team in development, testing, simulating and analysis of high performance automotive products.

For more information on this position and other career opportunities at COBB Tuning visit our Careers listing on the COBB Tuning website. Send resumes to jobs@cobbtuning.com, email only no phone calls please.

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COBB Tuning has released a firmware update for all Subaru AccessPORTs. Firmware version 1.6.4.0-1960 fixed a bug that caused a “no-start” issue, corrects the gear position monitor for 2010-2011 STIs and includes AccessPORT support for the 2011 Legacy GT and limited AccessPORT support for the 2011 Forester XT.

This update corrects a rare “no-start” condition after flashing the ECU. Users of AccessTUNER Race should apply this update to avoid this issue in the future.

Full support for the 2011 Legacy GT and limited support for the Forester XT is available with this update. AccessPORT part number AP-SUB-003 is capable of supporting these vehicles with a simple firmware update. A complete list of Off-The-Shelf calibrations for the 2011 Legacy GT can be found in the Legacy GT AccessPORT Map Database. Off-The-Shelf maps for the 2011 Forester XT are not available at this time. Performance maps for the 2011 Forester XT can be created via AccessTUNER software. COBB Tuning is seeking 2011 Forester XT owners in the Austin, TX area to assist with Off-The-Shelf map creation for compensation. Please email calibration@cobbtuning.com if interested.

For complete firmware release notes, follow the following links:

• AP-SUB-001 (2002-2005 WRX)
• AP-SUB-002 (2004-2007 STI, 2004-2008 FXT, 2006+ WRX, 2005-2006 LGT)
• AP-SUB-003 (2007+ LGT, 2008+WRX/STI, 2009+ FXT)

To update your Subaru AccessPORT, download AccessPORT Manager from the COBB Tuning Support Page and select “Update” under the “Updates “ tab.

For more information on AccessPORT support for your Subaru, visit our website at COBB Tuning.com, visit the COBB Tuning Forums or call us at 1-866-922-3059. To join on the COBB Tuning conversation, head over to our COBB Tuning Facebook page and click the LIKE button to stay plugged in, or follow us on Twitter!

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COBB Tuning is pleased to announce that the ultimate hand-held engine management solution for Subarus, the AccessPORT, is now available for the 2011 Legacy GT. The AccessPORT brings hand-held ECU flashing, managing and monitoring convenience to the 2011 Legacy GT, unleashing untapped power hidden within the ECU with the push of a button. The AccessPORT lets you quickly reprogram your car’s ECU from the comfort of the driver’s seat in just minutes. Quickly install performance-tuned calibrations for impressive power gains without any tools, wiring, soldering or downtime. Simply plug the AccessPORT into your car’s OBDII port, install the desired calibration and immediately enjoy the thrill of big gains in torque and horsepower!

The AccessPORT is the only tuning solution that offers this level of simplicity with unmatched control of the Subaru ECU. Choose from COBB Tuning’s free Off-The-Shelf calibrations that match your car’s modifications for plug-and-play convenience. Enthusiasts that like to self-tune can download COBB Tuning’s free AccessTUNER Race software, giving the ability to fully-customize your calibrations. Our extensive COBB Tuning Pro-Tuner network supports E-Tuning for remote custom tuning and professional dyno tuning for extracting maximum power from your specific setup. No other tuning solution matches the breadth of tuning capabilities offered by the COBB Tuning AccessPORT.

The AccessPORT allows you to carry all of your calibrations with you wherever you go. Flash the ECU with a map that is most appropriate for your current activity, such as the Staged performance maps for everyday spirited driving, the Fuel Economy map for long highway drives or inclement conditions, the Anti-Theft map for secure parking, or the Valet map when handing your car over to parking and service attendants. Carry maps for multiple fuel grades to adjust the tune for available fuel. You can even switch to a race gas map for those trips to the track and get that extra bit of power for maximum performance.

ECU flashing is just one aspect of the AccessPORT’s capabilities. The vibrant color screen and intuitive user interface allows you to interact with your car like no other tuning solution. Performance mode lets you measure 0-60mph times, ¼ mile trap speeds and elapsed time and simulate a dyno for before-and-after mod comparisons. Fuel Economy mode lets you watch your average and instantaneous MPG as you drive. Set optimal Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting RPM to get the best ET and Trap Speeds at the drag strip. Display real-time gauges and datalog up to 10 hours of data with access to 94 data channels such as: boost, air/fuel ratio, wastegate duty cycle, intake air temperature, ignition timing and man more. Scan for diagnostic codes, read the code description and clear codes to perform your own troubleshooting. And when it’s necessary to remove the AccessPORT, the uninstall process is simple, taking just minutes to restore the ECU to its original condition.

The AccessPORT from COBB Tuning is the most comprehensive hand-held ECU flashing, managing and monitoring device available for the 2011 Subaru Legacy GT. Satisfy your hunger for more power and control. Access the potential of your new Legacy GT today!

For more information on AccessPORT support for the 2011 Subaru Legacy GT visit our Product Information Page, visit the COBB Tuning Forums or call us at 1-866-922-3059. To join on the COBB Tuning conversation, head over to our COBB Tuning Facebook page and click the LIKE button to stay plugged in, or follow us on Twitter!

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COBB Tuning announces limited AccessPORT support 2011 Subaru Forester XT. This new support gives 2011 Forester XT enthusiasts the ability to flash the ECU with high-performance calibrations, datalog and monitor ECU information and read/clear trouble codes. The AccessPORT for the 2011 FXT is only available with a stock calibration at this time. For a performance tune you can visit the pro-tuner of your choice to have a custom calibration created, or experienced DIYers can download AccessTUNER Race and create your own custom map.

COBB Tuning is actively seeking candidates in the Austin, TX area to assist with Off the Shelf map development. If you are in the Austin, TX area and interested in assisting us with Off the Shelf map development with compensation, please send an email to calibration@cobbtuning.com.

All AP-SUB-003 AccessPORTs are capable of supporting the 2011 Subaru Forester XT simply by updating the firmware. Open AccessPORT Manager, plug the AccessPORT into the computer via USB cable and click the Update icon in the top menu bar.

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COBB Tuning is proud to announce our latest calibration update for the 2010-2011 MAZDASPEED3. There are now 100 Off-The-Shelf calibrations available for the 2nd Gen MAZDASPEED3! Tuning the MAZDASPEED3 has never been this easy! No other tuning solution offers as many flash-ready maps as the AccessPORT. Combine this with the AccessPORT’s interactivity and convenience and the ability to self-tune using our free AccessTUNER Race software and no other engine management solution comes close to the capabilities of the AccessPORT for the MAZDASPEED3.

This latest release includes Stage1+ and Stage2+ maps for eight of the  most popular intakes available for the 2nd Gen MAZDASPEED3. In addition, these calibrations feature COBB Tuning’s Boost Target logic and our latest tuning strategy that dramatically increases low-rpm performance for all calibrations.  Choose maps for several levels of modification as well as Non-Performance maps to maximize fuel mileage, keep your car tame in the hands of a valet or parked safely overnight:

• Stage1
• Stage1+Intake
• Stage1+Intake+TIH
• Stage2
• Stage2+Intake
• Stage2+Intake+TIH
• Stage2+Intake+TIH+FMIC
• Safe Mode
• Non-Performance

That’s a huge amount of new calibrations to get your MS3 up to speed!

Maps Made for the Community, With the Community

These maps reflect thousands of hours and thousands of miles of testing done by our Engineering team as well as a dedicated group of MAZDASPEED enthusiasts who gave valuable feedback to help dial-in these maps until they performed up to the community’s expectations. This group of enthusiastic  BETA testers provided our calibration team with a constant stream of datalogs, feedback and insight assisting COBB Tuning in creating a suite of maps optimized for performance and driveability. Without the direct contributions of the MAZDASPEED community, this giant accomplishment would not have been possible in such a short time frame! COBB Tuning owes this success to the dedication and enthusiasm of the MAZDASPEED community.

Improved Power Band

Maps for the 2nd Gen MAZDASPEED3 feature Boost Target logic, a COBB Tuning-developed tuning strategy that increases low-rpm power delivery. This new tuning strategy is now built in to all 2nd Gen MAZDASPEED3 Off-The-Shelf maps. Our proprietary Boost Target logic targets specific boost pressure instead of the Mazda’s Load Target logic. This enhances performance, especially at low RPM, high-load situations where off-the-line performance can be compromised by the factory logic.  This boost tuning logic is unique to the AccessPORT and not available on any other MAZDASPEED reflash! For a complete list of currently available calibrations, please visit our 2010 and 2011 MAZDASPEED3 Map Download Pages.

The Right Map for You!

These latest calibrations are designed to work with modifications deemed most popular by our users and were developed with direct feedback from beta testers. Do you have an intake that you need a tune for? We have your answer right here! COBB Tuning has developed calibrations to work with the most popular intakes available for the Gen2 MS3! Planning to add more modifications to your car like a turbo inlet hose, downpipe or even a front mount intercooler? We have that covered too! Stage1+Intake+TIH maps are available for users with an intake and a turbo inlet hose for those looking to maximize the performance of their Stage1 cars. We even have maps for “fully bolted” cars that have a complete turboback exhaust, intake, turbo inlet hose and a front mount intercooler!

Fuel Pumps Required

The 2010-2011 Mazdaspeed3 ECU uses Mazda’s new fueling logic that will significantly increase fuel delivery to the engine if the Direct Injection Fuel Pressure drops below ~1600psi. This logic is intelligent by design, but also puts excessive demands on the fueling system and further forces the DI Fuel Pressure to drop well below safe or effective levels. This new Mazda implemented logic combined with an inadequate factory Camshaft Driven Fuel Pump (CDFP) has led us to the following implementation of our Staged maps:

• ALL Stage1 OTS Calibrations have been designed to run within the limits of the factory CDFP to remain safe. Even at this power level, some vehicles may exceed the capacity of the factory CDFP. It is highly recommended to run a “Safe Mode” calibration on the vehicle until a quality aftermarket CDFP can be installed.
• ALL Stage2 OTS Calibrations REQUIRE a quality aftermarket CDFP to run properly. If you have Stage2 hardware on your vehicle and have not installed a quality aftermarket CDFP, it is highly recommended to run a “Safe Mode” calibration on the vehicle until a quality aftermarket CDFP can be installed.

COBB Tuning highly recommends upgrading the factory Camshaft Driven Fuel Pump for optimal performance and safety. Stage2 vehicles REQUIRE an upgraded pump to run non “Safe Mode” mapping. Any vehicles with Stage2 equipment and a stock fuel pump are highly encouraged to use the “Safe Mode” mapping until a fuel pump can be installed to avoid lean conditions and engine damage.

Download Your Maps Now!

All calibrations are ready for download from the COBB Tuning MAZDASPEED AccessPORT Map Database. To use these new maps, make sure your AccessPORT is updated to the latest firmware version  by downloading AccessPORT Manager and updating  your AccessPORT to firmware version 1.6.4.2-1839 or later. Stock intake Staged maps will be automatically loaded onto the AccessPORT. Additional maps for your specific list of modifications can be downloaded from MAZDASPEED AccessPORT Map Database.

For more information on AccessPORT support for the 2011 MAZDASPEED3 visit our Product Information Page, visit the COBB Tuning Forums or call us at 1-866-922-3059. To join on the COBB Tuning conversation, head over to our COBB Tuning Facebook page and click the LIKE button to stay plugged in, or follow us on Twitter!

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The annual Rally America Olympus Rally took the Olympic Penninsula in Washington State with COBB Tuning Surgeline-sponsored ProRally team, Primitive Racing with driver Paul Eklund and co-driver Jeff Price, blazed through these difficult forest roads looking for a win in the Super Production class in their AccessPORT-tuned STI. While a tragic accident would cut the rally short, the team would soldier on to a somber finish, just off the podium in Super Production class and 12^th overall.

Primitive set out to shake off the rust and to show off their upgraded 2008 STI at the Olympus Rally in Aberdeen, Washington over the May 1^st weekend. The car had received some new alignment specs, improved custom mandrel bent 3-inch exhaust, a CNC machined 34mm turbo restrictor with a design run thru a flow modeling software package.  The biggest improvement came from a thorough tune from COBB Tuning Surgline in Tigard, OR that combined those elements and added over 20hp to the curve and had torque topping 338 lb/ft at an early RPM.

The Primitive team started out a bit slow on the first stage, but quickly came up to speed.  By the famous Brooklyn Tavern stage, the Primitive Racing Team was one of the few to set a time under 7 minutes for both directions. BOTH up and down the stage. That brought the team’s standings to 4th in the competitive Super Production class and 12th overall.

Sadly, the rally world was reminded of just how dangerous the sport can be when the car of Open Class competitor, 31-year old Matthew Marker, missed a turn, careened off the road and struck a tree. Marker was pronounced dead on the scene, while his co-driver survived with no serious injuries. Marker and Co-driver Christopher Gordon, traveled from their home of Michigan to compete in the third round of the Rally America Championship. According to official statements made by the Rally America Organization “The crash occurred when Marker’s car went off the road on a right turn during the 6th competitive stage of the event and impacted a tree on the driver’s side. Medical personnel responded to the scene quickly, but could not resuscitate Marker. The sport of rally in North America has not had a competitor-related fatality since 2003.” Mark was known as a generous, loveable personality that wouldn’t think twice about offering parts to other drivers.

Eklund and Price were the next car on stage behind Marker and Gordon and were the first team on the scene and the first responders to the crash. “We were looking to climb up a few more spots. Unfortunately the rally was then cut short due to a rare, and tragic accident involving another competitor just one stage later,” said diver Paul Eklund. “Their car (31-year old Matthew Marker) flew off the road on a tricky corner, struck a tree about 8 feet off the ground, and crashed into the ravine below killing the driver and shaking up the navigator. Emergency crews were on the scene within a minute with local paramedics and firefighters, but they were unable to resuscitate the stricken driver. We were the first rally car to stop and render aid, but it was too late. The stage was stopped and an ambulance dispatched. The regional rally continued the next day.”

The Rally America series continues on with the Oregon Trail rally which took place this last weekend of May 13th-15th. The team performed well and we will bring you more coverage of the Primitive Racing team as they tackled the trails around Mt. Hood in the Mt. Hood National Forest. For more information on the COBB Tuning AccessPORT for your Subaru, visit COBB Tuning.com.

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COBB Tuning is pleased to announce a new firmware update for all MAZDASPEED AP-MAZ-002 AccessPORTs. This new update adds support for 2011 MAZDASPEED3 vehicles, revises the list of default datalogging parameters for easier datalogging as well as addresses two minor bugs. In addition, AccessTUNER Race support for 2011 MAZDASPEED3s has been added including minor table revisions to correct display data and monitor functions for all MAZDASPEED vehicles.

To update your AccessPORT to this updated firmware, simply plug your AccessPORT into your PC or Mac and update with the latest version of AccessPORT Manager. This can be found on the Support Page on the COBB Tuning Website.

Improved Power Band

Maps for the 2011 MAZDASPEED3 feature Boost Target logic and include an new tuning strategy that increases low-rpm power delivery. This new 2nd Gen MAZDASPEED3 tuning strategy will be applied to all 2010 MAZDASPEED OTS Stage1 maps and we are targeting to have them available by the beginning of June. In addition, we are working on porting the Boost Target logic and all the Gen2 Stage1 maps to the Gen1 platform, which will significantly increase the number of intakes our OTS maps support.  For a complete list of currently available calibrations, please visit our 2010 and 2011 MAZDASPEED3 Map Download Pages.

Default Revisions and Bug Fixes

To facilitate datalogging and E-Tuning services for all MAZDASPEED vehicles, the default list of dataloging parameters has been revised and expanded. The updated list of default datalogging parameters are highlighted in bold text on the AP-MAZ-002 Monitors Page.

The DI Fuel Press. Volt. calculation has been fixed to display the proper monitor reading. Also, the units were removed from the Fuel Inj. Amt. monitor title and moved next to the monitor data to improve the display of this monitor.

AccessTUNER Tuning Software

AccessTUNER has been updated to support 2011 MAZDSPEED3 vehicles as well as implement minor bug fixes. To update AccessTUNER Race, simply click on Help > Auto Updater > Get Updates and your software will update automatically. If you do not have the Update option under help, you will need to request a software download link our AccessTUNER Race Request form.

The following bugs have been fixed in this version of AccessTUNER:

• 2010 MS3: Corrected “DI Fuel Press. Voltage” Monitor

• 2007-2010 MS3: Corrected “Speed Limiter” Table
  • Corrected monitor conversion (was displaying in kph instead of mph)

• 2010 MS3: Corrected “Vehicle Speed” Monitor
  • Corrected monitor scalar so “Vehicle Speed” now shows in mph.

• 2007-2009 MS3 & 2006/2007 MS6: Fixed Knock Retard Monitor
  • Corrected scalar value causing Knock Retard Monitor to be off.

Please visit our product pages for more information regarding the 2007-09, 2010 and 2011 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6 AccessPORT and AccessTUNER software, visit the COBB Forums or call us at 1-866-922-3059. Remember that you can get update information by clicking LIKE on our COBB Tuning Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!

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COBB Tuning is pleased to announce that the ultimate hand-held engine management solution for the MAZDASPEED3, the AccessPORT, is now available for 2011 model year vehicles. The AccessPORT brings hand-held ECU flashing, managing and monitoring convenience to the 2011 MAZDASPEED3, unleashing untapped power and fuel efficiency hidden within the ECU by the push of a button. The AccessPORT lets you quickly reprogram your car’s ECU from the comfort of the driver’s seat in just minutes. Quickly install performance-tuned calibrations for impressive power without any tools, wiring, soldering or downtime. Simply plug the AccessPORT into your car’s OBDII port, install the desired calibration and immediately enjoy the thrill of big gains in torque, horsepower and fuel efficiency!

The AccessPORT is the only tuning solution that offers this level of simplicity with unmatched control of the MAZDASPEED ECU. Choose from COBB Tuning’s free Off-The-Shelf calibrations that match your car’s modifications for plug-and-play convenience. Enthusiasts that like to self-tune can download COBB Tuning’s free AccessTUNER Race software, giving the ability to fully-customize your calibrations. Our extensive COBB Tuning Pro-Tuner network supports E-Tuning for remote custom tuning and professional dyno tuning for extracting maximum power for your specific setup. No other tuning solution matches the breadth of tuning capabilities offered by the COBB Tuning AccessPORT.

The AccessPORT allows you to carry all of your calibrations with you wherever you go. Flash the ECU with a map that is most appropriate for your current activity, such as the Staged performance maps for everyday spirited driving, the Fuel Economy map for long highway drives or inclement conditions, the Anti-Theft map for secure parking, or the Valet map when handing your car over to parking and service attendants. Carry maps for multiple fuel grades to adjust the tune for available fuel. You can even switch to a race gas map for those trips to the track and get that extra bit of power for maximum performance.

ECU flashing is just one aspect of the AccessPORT’s capabilities. The vibrant color screen and intuitive user interface allows you to interact with your car like no other tuning solution. Performance mode lets you measure 0-60mph times, ¼ mile trap speeds and elapsed time and simulate a dyno for before-and-after mod comparisons. Fuel Economy mode lets you watch your average and instantaneous MPG as you drive. Display real-time gauges and datalog up to 10 hours of data with access to 34 data channels such as; boost, air/fuel ratio, wastegate duty cycle, intake air temperature, spark advance and more. Scan for diagnostic codes, read the code description and clear codes to perform your own troubleshooting. And when it’s necessary to remove the AccessPORT, the uninstall process is simple, taking under 10 minutes to restore the ECU to its original condition.

The AccessPORT from COBB Tuning is the most comprehensive hand-held ECU flashing, managing and monitoring device available for the 2011 MAZDASPEED3. Satisfy your hunger for more power and control. Access the potential of your new MAZDASPEED3 today!

If you already have an AP-MAZ-002 AccessPORT enable support by downloading AccessPORT Manager and update your AccessPORT to firmware version 1.6.4.2-1839. Standard stage maps will be automatically loaded onto the AccessPORT. Additional intake maps can be downloaded from our Map Download Page.

For more information on the AccessPORT support for the 2011 MAZDASPEED3 visit our Product Information Page or visit the COBB Forums or call us at 1-866-922-3059. Be sure to LIKE the COBB Tuning Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!

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