COBB Tuning Blog

At COBB Tuning we love Subarus. New ones, old ones, it does not matter; as long as it has a Pleiades badge and a flat engine, we are all over it. For the past four years I have held an annual event specifically for old-school Subaru lovers! Featuring a weekend of scenic drives, delicious food and old school Subaru diehards, the Old-School Subaru Meet is the largest all-Subaru get together in Texas! While the show was conceived as a place for the old-schoolers to get together, Subarus of all ages are welcome to attend! This year, COBB Tuning sponsored the event and hosted some of the gatherings at our headquarters in Austin, TX.

The event is three days long and has traditionally started with a Friday night dinner where the group can convene and catch up before hitting the road on Saturday. This year the group met up at Bone Daddy’s House of Smoke to kick tires, trade war stories and just catch up with old friends. However, the night did not go on for too long since Saturday had over 200 miles of driving scheduled and lots of stops for food along the way!

Saturday morning came early as everyone started showing up at COBB HQ in Austin, Texas around 9AM. At check in, everyone received a driver’s course book complete with maps and notes for every part of the over-200-mile drive! The drive was split into three different routes for the first 150 miles, then the pack reconvened as a Subaru convoy for a 50 mile sprint to Fredericksburg, TX for lunch! After lunch, the group then made their way back to Austin for even more food with a BBQ banquet hosted by COBB Tuning at COBB Tuning HQ.

Sunday breakfast was held at Manny’s Uptown Kitchen, a landmark in Austin known for their NYC Deli food and amazing breakfasts! Many of us had the Challah French Toast! It’s amazing and made from Jewish challah egg bread! From there the group headed out for a shorter 50-mile drive down Austin’s famous RM2222 and Lime Creek Road. This loop around the Northeast side of Lake Travis is the tightest, gnarliest, kinkiest, nastiest, hilliest piece of two-lane blacktop in Texas! On top of that it has grand views of the lake.

After another hard day of driving the group met up at our traditional final stopping point at Bone Daddy’s (again, I know, but it’s SO GOOD!!!) where the group convened for lunch! After more BBQ, the group said its goodbyes until next year. It seemed like everyone in the group had a blast and I got a lot of great feedback from participants. Here are some of the comment from happy, tired and well fed drivers: “I can’t wait for next year,” said Marisa Ramon. “I am Really looking forward to doing this again! Seriously one of the best meets I have ever been to,“ said Shawn Rizzo.

I am very happy with how this year’s event turned out. I think it was the best Old School Meet ever. I know that me and the other Subaru fanatics here at COBB Tuning can’t wait to do it again next year and catch up with all our Old School friends again!

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COBB Tuning has  just released a new AccessPORT BETA firmware update for 2010-2011 MAZDASPEED3, 2007-2009 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6 vehicles as well as a BETA update for AccessTUNER Race and AccessTUNER Pro tuning software. These are far reaching changes that include Launch Control and Flat Foot shifting for Gen2 MAZDASPEED3’s, the introduction of Boost Tuning for Gen1 MAZDASPEED3’s and improved datalogging speeds for all MAZDASPEED3 and MAZDASPEED6 vehicles. The details for each vehicle type are shown below:

Launch Control & Flat Foot Shifting (2010-2011 MAZDASPEED3)

Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting features are now ready for beta testing on the Gen2 MAZDASPEED3. The beta firmware includes Stage1 and Stage2 maps for the stock intake and the COBB SF Intake with Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting enabled (using the default rev limiters). These features can be adjusted using the latest version of AccessTUNER Race software. Any Off-The-Shelf map or AccessTUNER Race customized map can be updated to use Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting simply by opening the map in AccessTUNER Race 1.8.6.0-2212 or greater, resaving the map and then flashing the map to your ECU. Pro tuned maps must be updated by a Pro Tuner using AccessTUNER Pro 1.8.6.0-2212 or greater at this time.

Boost Target Tuning Logic (2007-2011 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6)

COBB Tuning’s proprietary Boost Target Tuning Logic offers more consistent boost control for better performance in all gears compared to Mazda’s Load Target boost control. AccessTUNER software updates  several boost control table changes and all new wastegate tables to allow even more refined Boost Target tuning control. Any Off-The-Shelf map or AccessTUNER Race customized map can be updated to use Boost Target logic via AccessTUNER Race 1.8.6.0-2212 or greater. Pro tuned maps must be updated by a Pro Tuner using AccessTUNER Pro 1.8.6.0-2212 or greater at this time.

Boost Target (BT) maps for Gen1 MAZDASPEED3 vehicles with stock or COBB SF Intakes are included in this firmware release. Off-The-Shelf beta maps for several other Gen1 MAZDASPEED3 intakes are openly available for download and evaluation at forums.cobbtuning.com.

MAZDASPEED6 Off-The-Shelf BT maps are still being developed in a closed beta test and will be made available once testing is complete. While the latest AccessTUNER Race is able to create Boost Target maps for MAZDASPEED6 vehicles, it should be noted that converting a Load Target map to Boost Target map requires significant tuning changes and should only be attempted by experienced tuners. Off-The-Shelf BT maps will be available for MAZDASPEED6 vehicles soon and will make the transition from Load Target to Boost Target tuning as easy as pushing a button.

Improved Data Logging Rates (2007-2011 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6)

Data logging rates have been significantly improved for V2 and V2B AccessPORTs using the default data logging list. MAF Voltage, Intake Valve Adv. and Intake Temp have been added to the default data logging list. The beta firmware includes Stage1 and Stage2 maps for the stock intake and the COBB SF Intake with Fast Data Logging compatible maps. Any Off-The-Shelf map or AccessTUNER Race customized map can be updated to support Fast Data Logging simply by opening the map in AccessTUNER Race 1.8.6.0-2212 or greater, resaving the map and then flash the map to your ECU. Pro tuned maps must be updated by a Pro Tuner using AccessTUNER Pro 1.8.6.0-2212 or greater at this time.

A/C Idle Control Tables (2007-2011 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6)

AccessTUNER includes two new tables to control engine idle speed to compensate for the air conditioning system.

Improved 3D Table Graphing (2007-2011 MAZDASPEED3 & 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6)

AccessTUNER includes 3 dimensional table graphing improvements that make the 3D graphs much easier to read and interpret.

Updating your AccessPORT, AccessTUNER Race and Calibrations

To obtain these new updates for your AccessPORT, simply download AccessPORT Manager from our Support Page, install the program, connect your AccessPORT to your computer via the supplied USB cable, start the program and ensure your AccessPORT is communicating properly. To start the BETA update procedure, navigate to the “Options” menu and then select “Check for BETA Firmware”. Then navigate to the “Updates” menu and follow the prompts. The new features will be installed automatically. This new firmware update is only compatible with the latest BETA map versions v107 for 2006-2007 MS6 and version BTv102 for 2007-2011 MS3.

If you wish to use an older map or a map that was created with AccessTUNER Race, obtain AccessTUNER Race version 1.8.6.0-2123 or greater and resave your map, then flash it to your car. Using this firmware version with older mapping will cause datalogging and live data errors. Maps created with AccessTUNER Pro will need to be updated by your tuner with AccessTUNER Pro version 1.8.6.0-2123 or later.

To obtain AccessTUNER Race, fill out and submit the survey on our AccessTUNER Race Request Page. If you already have a current copy of AccessTUNER Race with the autoupdate feature, simply select “Help” -> “Updates” -> “Check for updates.” Make sure the “check for BETA version” box is selected and the software will update automatically. Even if you download a new version of AccessTUNER Race, it will still need to be updated to the BETA version to use these new features.

More information regarding all of these updates can be found in the MAZDASPEED AccessPORT Firmware Release Notes and the MAZDASPEED AccessTUNER Software Release Notes.

For more information on how the AccessPORT can improve your MAZDASPEED experience, please visit our Product Information Page, visit the COBB Tuning Forums or call us at 866-922-3059. To join in 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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During AccessPORT development on the dyno with a 2008 BMW 135i, we had the opportunity to do some back-to-back intake testing on a dual-cone intake (DCI) vs. the stock BMW airbox. The only other modification to the car was a catback exhaust.

I used an AccessPORT Off-The-Shelf Stage1 93 Octane v202 calibration for the testing to maintain a consistent tune with the only variable being the intakes. All runs were completed within 30 minutes of each other with the car being run until the power became consistent run-to-run. Charge Air Temps were started at 115F degrees for each run.

The DCI intake was tested first, as it was already installed on the car. The DCI was then quickly swapped out for the stock intake and tested again. The dyno graph shows the stock intake made the same peak HP as the DCI, and made slightly more torque in the low-end and at peak.

As a final test, the top of the stock airbox was removed. The dyno graph shows appreciable gains in HP and torque across the entire power band over the stock intake and the DCI. This shows that there is power to be gained over the stock intake when restrictions are removed.

I will try to post more interesting info as I continue to play on the dyno and these opportunities come up. At the moment I’m neck deep in BMW AccessPORT development!

- Rob Irish
COBB Tuning BMW Engineering Team

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Are you a forward thinking individual who likes to push the creative boundaries regardless of what subject matter you are capturing? Do you enjoy a team environment? Do you enjoy the challenge of producing highly conceptual and spectacular short video clips and print imagery under a client’s strict branding guidelines? Do you have what it takes to meet time sensitive deadlines? Are you willing to work weekends or travel occasionally? Do you enjoy interacting with people at events? If your answer is YES, then please read on!

We’re an automotive company based in Austin, TX who is looking for an Experienced and Highly Creative Videographer/Photographer to join our in house Marketing Team in Austin. The ideal candidate is a self motivated, team player who has the ability to work on multiple projects and meet time sensitive production deadlines. Must have working experience with video and photography equipment and the latest post production software. The ideal candidate must also be available and willing to work event weekends and travel when necessary.

Job Purpose:

The right candidate will be in charge of producing weekly video segments showing off our products and how to use them, presenting our products through studio and in situ high-resolution photography, capturing car-oriented and motorsports events we attend, creating customer-car videos and photos when on the dyno or in the shop and capturing fun behind-the-scenes footage of life at COBB Tuning in the office, shops, photo shoots and events. COBB Tuning has an in-house marketing communications department of four dedicated marketing team members and three extended team members at our retail facilities, and we need someone who is both capable and eager to juggle the planning, shooting, and editing of video, sound, motion graphics and photography.

Responsibilities:

• Creating Videos:
  • Capture and edit video, sound and photos for COBB Tuning in documentary, informative, and cultural capacities as appropriate
  • Capture and edit video, sound and photos for COBB Tuning facility walkthroughs, department focus segments, shop focus segments, promotional events, product development and project build documentaries, product tutorials, product promotion, product installation, product demonstration and website images
  • Create or find appropriate sound, graphics, and animations for each video
• Product and Event Photography:
  • Shoot, edit, and post products on website in timely manner
  • Shoot, edit, and post event photography to social media sites within 24 hrs of event or less
• Planning and Conceptualizing:
  • Plan and coordinate video and photo shoots of products and installation with Engineers and Technicians
  • Coordinate with other facilities to capture remote content for projects
  • Stay on top of video trends and find example videos for future video inspiration and planning
  • Concept and storyboard video ideas on your own and with the rest of the creative team
  • Collaborate with Graphics/Web designer to produce high impact advertising/brand conscious pieces
  • Gather and incorporate constructive feedback from coworkers and report to Director of Marketing
• Social Media Marketing:
  • Post interactive videos and photos (with commentary/caption) to social media and online video websites (YouTube, Vimeo, Streetfire, Facebook, Flickr)
  • Provide videos and photos to Web Developer and Online Communications Specialist for inclusion in website, forums and blogs
  • Engage & monitor the communities where our videos and photos are seen/posted and report back to the Director of Marketing informed of trends/traffic and community responses
• Studio and Equipment:
  • Work closely with other HQ marketing team members and the shops’ extended marketing staff members to create an action oriented, fun and cohesive team that is easily approached and welcomes ideas from all sources within the company
  • In charge of maintaining cleanliness and organization of studio and studio equipment

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience is preferred
• Sales or Marketing experience is a plus
• Degree in Marketing, Film, Photography, or Visual Communications related field is preferred
• Communication, Attitude, and Focus:
  • Understands and maintains the willingness to learn and maintain COBB Tuning’s unique BRAND reputation
  • Creative, progressive thinker with the ability to produce dynamic visual Marketing content within BRAND guidelines
  • Positive Team Player with good written and verbal skills to maintain open communication and collaboration on projects with marketing team members from the other COBB Tuning locations
  • Self-starter/motivator. Strong time management skills with the ability to multitask and complete assigned projects to meet required deadlines
  • Excellent ability to communicate and collaborate with Marketing as well as other department team members
  • Keep Director of Marketing up to date on projects’ status and delivery dates
  • Maintain proper project documentation and orderly physical & digital files
• Capture unique and engaging subject matter (people, product, cars, etc.):
  • Engage and capture the spirit of the car enthusiast during automotive events while also CREATIVELY capturing unique automotive subject matter to tell a STORY
  • Ability to Direct engaging interviews and commentary for Marketing video clips
  • Direct untrained voice and acting talent and be willing to act and voiceover in some of your own videos
  • Research and write scripts on your own and with the help of members of the marketing team
  • Research and conduct video interviews on your own or with the help of the Director of Marketing
• Software & Equipment:
  • Must have strong working knowledge of Windows Vista/7, Adobe CS5 Design Premium (Photoshop), Adobe Lightroom 3, Adobe CS5 Premiere Pro, Adobe CS5 Soundbooth, Google Mail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Open Office
  • Strong working knowledge and experience of HD Video, Digital photography, and Studio lighting equipment
• Knowledge and enthusiasm of cars and the import car culture is a PLUS!

Compensation:

Annual Pay Salary, Health Benefits, etc.

Please forward your cover letter, resume, and online portfolio to:

video-photo@cobbtuning.com

(email only, no phone calls please).

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COBB Tuning is excited to announce our first ever Signature Series T-Shirt contest! This contest will allow you, our customers, to create t-shirt designs unique to the retail locations in California, Oregon and Texas! The idea here is to capture the spirit of the COBB Tuning shop as well as its state in the design of the shirt. The winning design will be turned into a limited edition signature t-shirt and sold through the rest of the year or when supplies run out! The contest winners will receive a $150 gift certificate towards COBB Tuning products as well as their t-shirt graphics and signature emblazoned on all copies of the shirt!

How to enter:

Design a logo for the state and shop of your choice: Austin/Plano, TX; Portland, OR; or SoCal. Entrants are only eligible for one design for one shop. Multiple shop entries will be discarded. Send your shirt design in a hi-res image file to contests@cobbtuning.com. Any image file is acceptable, we will even take hand-drawn scanned image files! Official COBB Tuning logos can be incorporated into your design! You can download hi-res vector files HERE! Make sure you note which state and shop your t-shirt is for. We will post the finalists on the respective shop Facebook pages where we will get feedback from our fans on the shirt designs. COBB Tuning employees will then vote for our favorite logo designs for each shop location. The winning designs will be available at our retail locations and at COBB Tuning.com!

Hi-res jpegs for each shop logo can also be found here for Austin, Plano, Socal and Surgeline.

So get your design on! You can submit your designs starting now! The deadline for designs is June 30th. We will be posting finalist designs on Facebook starting July 1st and will be announcing our winners on July 10th! May the best design win!

For more information on this or any other COBB Tuning contest, send us an email at contests@cobbtuning.com or call us at 1-866-922-3059!

Rules and Legalese

Entries are limited to one entry total and cannot enter designs for multiple shop locations. Entries must be submitted in a vector .eps or .ai format that is compatible with the latest Adobe software. Entries become the property of COBB Tuning once they are submitted for consideration. COBB Tuning will determine contest winners. Gift certificate award is not cash redeemable and may only be redeemed at COBB Tuning retail facilities or on COBBTuning.com.

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Updated calibrations are now available for 2010 and 2011 Legacy GT. These new v301 calibrations make mapping and features for the Fifth Gen Legacy consistent for both 2010 and 2011 vehicles as well as address a few minor bugs from the v300 maps. We have also added high-wastegate duty cycle calibrations (HWG) for vehicles that are experiencing difficulty reaching boost targets.

New features for the new v 301 mapping for 2010 and 2011 Legacy GT:

• Corrected throttle mapping issue with initial 2011 Performance Maps.
• Added “High Waste Gate” option for 2010 Performance Maps.
• Synchronized knock listening ranges for 2010 Performance Maps to match 2011 offerings.
• “Installed Stock Mode” has been renamed to “Stage0”; this map contains the stock calibration data but does not uninstall the AccessPORT from the vehicle.

To automatically update your AccessPORT to the v301 mapping, simply update to the latest firmware, version 1.6.4.0-2070 via AccessPORT Manager. You can find your copy of AccessPORT Manager at the COBB Tuning Support Page. These new calibrations can also be downloaded directly from our Legacy GT Calibration Page.

The AccessPORT brings hand-held ECU flashing, managing and monitoring convenience to the Subaru 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.

For more information on AccessPORT support for the 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 would like to congratulate One Lap of America winners TopSpeed Motorsports for dominating the event in their AccessPORT-Tuned Nissan GT-R! Doug Wilks & Leh Keen dominated the event by sweeping all the road course sections and finishing up 500 points ahead of 2nd place!

“TopSpeed Motorsports would like to thank the guys at Cobb Tuning for their support during the 2011 OneLap of America Series,” said Nathan Cicio of TopSpeed. “Cobb really went above and beyond with not only the quality and performance of the parts they provided, but also with amazing customer service. They were there for us every step of the way if we needed anything during the event. Thankfully, however, the parts performed flawlessly resulting in a dominating 2011 OneLap victory!”

One Lap of America is a grueling coast-to-coast driving event that pits drivers against the clock, each other and their machines. Teams must travel from track to track and compete in racing events in an effort to collect the most points along the way. Throughout the event, teams must race at one track and then transit long distances overnight to be ready to drive again in the morning! Having a mechanically fit car can mean more than having the fastest car, but the TopSpeed team had both!

The TopSpeed GT-R is sporting the very latest from the COBB Tuning product line for the GT-R including the AP-NIS-006 AccessPORT with Transmission tuning ability, SF Intake system and our upgraded silicon intercooler coupler kit as well as the GT-R Dual XLE By-Pass Valve kit. An AMS turbo kit has also been fitted to the car for extra power. The car was also equipped with a complete aerodynamics package for more downforce.

“We couldn’t have asked more of the COBB Tuning parts,” said Nathan. “From the GT-R Accessport to the hard parts they supplied, together they worked in perfect harmony in order to produce the power we needed to put our Nissan GT-R at the front of the pack. We won 14 of 14 road course events and 15 of 18 overall events in total, winning by over 500 total points. I can’t thank Cobb enough or say enough about their level of service and quality of parts!”

For more information on AccessPORT support for your Nissan GT-R, 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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