COBB Tuning Blog

COBB Tuning is happy to announce the return of the COBB Tuning Double Adjustable Shifter for the Mitsubishi EVO X GSR. COBB Tuning short shifters are made of light-weight, high-quality aluminum and zinc-coated steel and will greatly improve shifting feel while reducing shifter throw for more precise shifting.

A shorter shifter does not have to mean losing shifter height! COBB Tuning short-throw shifters are double-adjustable for both shifter throw and shifter height. Most short throw shifters also shorten the shift lever height, resulting in a longer reach to the shifter. But with COBB’s exclusive double-adjustable shifter, you can shorten the shifter throw while maintaining your shift lever at the stock height for faster shifting, without the extra reach!

The COBB Tuning Double Adjustable shift lever clamp is constructed of a billet, blue-anodized 6061 T6 Aluminum with COBB Tuning engraving while the upper and lower levers and ball joint are manufactured from black zinc-coated steel for maximum strength and longevity. All hardware required for installation is included as well as allen-keys for adjusting your shifter.

The COBB Tuning double adjustable short shifter is available for all USDM and International 2008-2011 EVO X GSR vehicles. All COBB Tuning short throw shifter kits are compatible with COBB Knobs.

For more information on the COBB Tuning Double Adjustable Shifter for the Mitsubishi EVO X GSR, visit the Product Information Page. Stay tuned for more COBB Tuning reissue parts for your Subaru, visit our website at COBB Tuning.com, 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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Records are meant to be broken, and horsepower records are no exception. These barriers are often brought down through testing, experimentation and lots of boost. Where there is a will, there is a way, and the COBB Tuning AccessPORT is the key. Members of the MAZDASPEED community have been hard at work pushing the limits of their vehicles as the direct injection engine presents special challenges to making big power. Thanks to a few dedicated individuals, they are realizing their goals with lots of boost and the COBB Tuning AccessPORT!

MAZDASPEEDFoums.org user Erich “The Unicorn Slayer” and PTP Performance have been able to breech the 500whp MAZDASPEED barrier with this custom-built, monster MS3. Sporting a built-engine with forged internals, custom intake manifold, a Bullseye Power S259 BatMoWheel Billet Turbocharger and PTP high-pressure fuel pump upgrade, PTP was able to get just over 500 horsepower to the wheels on pump fuel and 530whp on race gas. Congratulations to Erich and PTP Performance for this record-breaking build!

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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At COBB Tuning, our engineers and calibrators work like crazy to develop the AccessPORT for new and existing applications, create and verify performance vehicle maps, improve the tuning process, and design exhausts, intakes, and front mount intercoolers. But what happens when you have a question about a feature on the AccessPORT or you just need some modification advice? That’s where our Customer Support Team and Chris Haag come in. Chris started at COBB in 2007 as a technical support and sales team member in Salt Lake City, UT. The Version 2 AccessPORT had just been released, so it was an action packed experience. Now, Chris is the Sales and Technical Support Team Lead at COBB Tuning HQ in Austin, TX. I sat down with him this week to learn a little bit more about what makes Chris tick and how it makes him such a strong part of the COBB Tuning family.

What got you in to cars?
Every summer I would visit family in Japan. As a young teen, I remember walking back from an arcade when I saw two cars sitting at a stop light off in the distance. I had no clue what they were, but they immediately stood out: wide stance, aggressive wheel offset, and body accents. I could hear the roar of the engines and the exhaust notes as they went by and I couldn’t help but get excited. I ran home to scour the internet about those two cars: the Honda NSX and the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Ever since then I have been obsessed with learning about and wrenching on cars.

What was your first car?
My first car was the family hand-me-down, a goldish/copperish 1982 Subaru GL wagon. It was only front-wheel drive and had a full sized spare tire underneath the hood. I rallied that thing through mountain trails and snowy fields. Even though it was only front-wheel drive, it was a little rally champ. It was an awesome first car and I still miss it to this day.

What’s your favorite car?
I’m a die hard fan of Japanese cars from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. For me, that’s the golden era of Japanese cars. Every make had multiple exciting cars, but if I had to choose one car (or two) to be my favorite it would be the Subaru Impreza 22B or the Subaru WRX STi Version V (or version VI) Type R. The body lines of that car and lighter chassis are just something you can’t get on a newer Subaru Impreza.

What will you next car be?
Right now I have 1994 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R  that I’ll drive until I die, and I constantly change my mind about what I want to have living next to it in my garage. Most new cars feel too heavy or numb to me, so maybe a swapped GC Impreza or a Lotus Exige with a K-series motor swap. The simplicity of the Lotus really appeals to me.

How many emails and phone calls do you get per day?
About 2 years ago when it was only me and one other customer support rep, my record was 72 phone calls in one day! Now that that the support team has 5 people on the phones and answering emails, I typically answer between 15 – 30 calls and 15-30 emails per day.

Do you have a favorite make to talk about and provide support for?
Deep down inside, I’ll always be a Subaru guy. Those goofy little boxer engines have worked their way into my heart. I love learning about new vehicles, but Subarus are my favorite to talk about.

What is your favorite COBB office memory?
Oh man, that’s a hard question to answer! There really have been so many, from going to the Bayou in Salt Lake City, UT (a beer pub with live music and delicious food) after work to celebrating achievements and birthdays, to letting all of the office dogs run around after work and watching the hilarity that ensues. A high point was getting the opportunity to be a part of the COBB Motorsports team at a Redline Time Attack event at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.

What are some of your other hobbies?
I like doing just about every outdoor activity like camping and hiking, but my passion for the last 15 years has been snowboarding. I live for that first snow of the year and love nothing more than taking in that first breath of cold, pine-fresh mountain air when you get out of the car at a ski resort. I also enjoy music, learning to play songs on my guitar, and being a giant video game nerd. I love plopping down in front of the TV or PC once in a while to play games with my friends. Recently, I’ve gotten into sportbikes. I’m constantly learning and improving my riding skills, but I love every harsh, uncomfortable, and death-dodging second of it.

Do you have a favorite lunch time food?
I love Asian food: Japanese, Chinese, Thai; it’s all delicious. I’m not very picky though and can find something to eat everywhere I go.

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COBB Tuning is proud to announce the release of our latest addition to our line of Subaru performance parts: The COBB Tuning Catless Uppipe. These kits are made for the Subaru enthusiast looking to unlock the hidden power in their vehicle’s exhaust manifold.

The COBB Tuning Catless Uppipe is constructed of rugged, 14-gauge,  2-inch diameter polished stainless steel tubing to endure the intense exhaust gas temperatures these turbocharged engines put out. These Catless Uppipes are CNC mandrel bent, ensuring precise and consistent fitment. The Catless Uppipe inlet diameter matches the inner diameter of the gasket to maximize flow to the turbo. The extra-thick flanges are cut from 1/2″ 304 Stainless Steel to prevent warping and eliminate high pressure exhaust leaks. The five turbo-flange studs come pre-installed. This gorgeous Uppipe is built to last for many long years of service.

Does your 2002-2005 WRX, Forester XT or Legacy GT still have the stock uppipe with wound metal cat? Get rid of it and install a high-quality COBB Tuning Catless Uppipe! The factory metal cat is a known failure point and can melt and break apart causing catastrophic turbocharger damage. Additionally, the stock uppipe is restrictive and can inhibit spool-up. Our units feature a 2-inch pipe and are made of T-304 stainless steel and are compatible with all stock-location turbochargers and stock exhaust manifolds or stock fitment header systems. Bring your Subaru up to date and enjoy the benefits of a free-flowing uppipe today!

The COBB Tuning Catless Uppipe is available for all late-model turbocharged Subarus (does not include 2010+ Legacy GT). For more information, visit the COBB Tuning 2-inch Uppipe Product information page.

Stay tuned for more COBB Tuning parts for your Subaru, visit our website at COBB Tuning.com, 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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COBB Tuning is proud to announce the long awaited BETA release of our Stage2 and Stage2+FMIC AccessPORT calibrations for AccessPORT equipped BMW vehicles! These maps take our powerful Stage1 calibrations to the next level and are designed for the enthusiast who has stepped up to more power modifications for the 2007-2010 135i, 335i and 535i as well as the 2011 335is and AWD “xi” models using BMW’s twin-turbo N54 powerplant.

Stage2 and Stage2+FMIC maps take advantage of additional modifications that improve engine breathing efficiency, resulting in large gains in torque and horsepower over Stage1 equipped cars and over 50% gains in peak torque and horsepower over stock!

BETA Maps

Please note that these maps are in a public beta testing phase. These maps have been tested internally on COBB Tuning shop vehicles on in a closed test with customer vehicles. While we are highly confident in the performance of these maps, there may be some instances where they do not perform as expected. Please forward your comments on these Beta Stage2 Maps to bmw.experts@cobbtuning.com

Hardware Requirements

Please see the hardware requirements for these Stage2 and Stage2+FMIC maps below:

Stage2 – Intended for vehicles equipped for the following hardware:

• Requires upgraded high-flow downpipes (catted or catless are acceptable)
• Upgraded cat-back exhaust system recommended, but not required
• Upgraded intake system (DCI, panel filter or otherwise) recommended, but not required

Stage2+FMIC – Intended for vehicles equipped for the following hardware:

• Requires upgraded front-mount intercooler (FMIC)
• Requires upgraded downpipes (catted or catless are acceptable)
• Requires Upgraded intake system (DCI, panel filter or otherwise)
• Upgraded cat-back exhaust system recommended, but not required

Power Levels

All Stage2 maps are available in three power levels: Drive, Sport and Aggressive. A detailed description of each calibration is available on the COBB Tuning map download page including fuel and hardware requirements.

• Drive: The “Drive” calibration is made for the BMW enthusiast that is looking for just a little more power from their turbocharged BMW. These maps are ideal for spirited driving on your favorite back road or just a little more get-up-and-go around town. These calibrations retain the stock rev-limiter and also feature enhanced throttle smoothing for a more linear pedal feel and power-delivery. For use with all premium pump fuels including ACN91. This calibration is equivalent to our old “ACN91” mapping.
• Sport: The “Sport” calibration for your BMW AccessPORT is perfect for the demanding driver looking for that extra edge.These calibrations feature more boost pressure, a raised rev-limiter and removed top-speed limiters. Perfect for high-speed performance driving, but made specifically for all available premium fuels including ACN91. The Sport maps are great around the autocross course or even for light duty at the racetrack. This calibration is equivalent to our old “91 Oct” mapping.
• Aggressive: The “Aggressive” calibration is made for the ultimate in plug and play performance for the driver looking for the most from their car. With greatly increased boost pressure and no limiters to inhibit performance, these maps are made for the driver who wants the most that their BMW can deliver. These calibrations are designed for ultimate performance and it is highly recommended that 93 or greater octane is used.This calibration is equivalent to our old “93 Oct” mapping.

Throttle Mapping

Beta Stage2 throttle mapping is currently set to Linear. Additional throttle calibrations will be released based on user testing and feedback.

Installation

These Beta Stage2 calibrations are available for download in the BMW AccessPORT Map Database. Follow these steps to install a Stage2 map on your car:

1. Download the appropriate maps for your modifications to your computer. If you do not have Stage2 modifications made to your car, you will not benefit from installing a Stage2 map and will likely encounter detonation.
2. Plug the AccessPORT into your computer via USB cable
3. Transfer the Beta Stage2 maps you downloaded from your computer to your AccessPORT using the AccessPORT Manager utility. (can be downloaded at http://cobbtuning.com/support)
4. Plug the AccessPORT into the OBDII port of your BMW.
5. Navigate to “Tune” and follow the on-screen instructions for “Change Map”

These are map updates only. There is no need to update your firmware beyond 1.6.5.0-2639. There is no need to uninstall the AccessPORT and reinstall it to change maps.

For more detailed information on maps and revisions, please consult the BMW Stage2 Map Notes or call COBB Tuning at 866-922-3059.

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COBB Tuning is proud to announce new calibrations for BMW 135i, 335i and 535i turbocharged performance vehicles. In response to customer feedback, all BMW AccessPORT calibrations are offered with increasing levels of performance. Maps are now available in Drive, Sport and Aggressive configurations. This will simplify AccessPORT map selection and allow drivers to easily tailor their AccessPORT calibration to their specific driving style and performance needs. In addition, expanded throttle mapping options are available and each map includes improvements to power delivery. The latest firmware adds support for the latest ROMs discovered in the field.

Introducing BMW’s New Calibration Line-Up

COBB Tuning introduces a new calibration strategy for AccessPORT equipped BMW’s. This new calibration line-up gives drivers a choice of performance level within the Stage1 maps. Based on feedback from BMW AccessPORT users, one size does not fit all BMW drivers. In addition to offering four different throttle profiles to suit driver preference, COBB Tuning now offers three levels of performance to suit each drivers’ exuberance!

• Drive: The “Drive” calibration is made for the BMW enthusiast that is looking for just a little more power from their turbocharged BMW. These maps are ideal for spirited driving on your favorite back road or just a little more get-up-and-go around town. These calibrations retain the stock rev-limiter and also feature enhanced throttle smoothing for a more linear pedal feel and power-delivery.  For use with all premium pump fuels.
• Sport: The “Sport” calibration for your BMW AccessPORT is perfect for the demanding driver looking for that extra edge.
  These calibrations feature more boost pressure, a raised rev-limiter and removed top-speed limiters. Perfect for high-speed performance driving, but made specifically for all available premium fuels. The Sport maps are great around the autocross course or even for light duty at the racetrack.
• Aggressive: The “Aggressive” calibration is made for the ultimate in plug and play performance for the driver looking for the most from their car. With greatly increased boost pressure and no limiters to inhibit performance, these maps are made for the driver who wants the most that their BMW can deliver. These calibrations are designed for ultimate performance and it is highly recommended that 93 or greater octane is used.

All map performance levels and throttle profiles can be downloaded from the BMW AccessPORT Map Database.

Improved Throttle Mapping

All of our new AccessPORT calibrations feature improved throttle mapping for smoother power delivery and less, on/off feel. This will give your BMW a smoother, more linear feel while still giving that increase in power that enthusiasts desire. All AccessPORT mapping is now available with four different throttle calibrations to give drivers the throttle feel that best suits their driving style.

New Rom Support

COBB Tuning is always adding new support to the BMW AccessPORT. With this update, new ROM support is available for previously unsupported 2007-2009 BMW 135i, 335i and 535i vehicles including “is” and “xi” models. If you encounter a ROM that is not recognized by the AccessPORT, update to this latest firmware as we may have recently incorporated support for your ECU. If your ECU is not recognized using this firmware, please notify us promptly so that we can get you into the BMW AccessPORT family ASAP!

Bug Fix

The v300 maps revealed issues some customers have experienced, such as a possible limp mode when accelerating hard at higher rates of speed and slight surging at part throttle when the motor is cold. A torque limit threshold was adjusted to eliminate the potential limp mode and a fuel based load compensation was changed to smooth out the partial throttle drivability.

These new BMW performance calibrations and ROM support for your COBB Tuning AccessPORT are available for download or via our latest AccessPORT firmware update. To update your AccessPORT to the latest firmware, simply open the AccessPORT Manager application, connect your AccessPORT to your computer via the supplied USB cable, then click on the “Updates” menu icon and follow the on-screen prompts. These new features will be installed automatically. If you do not have AccessPORT Manager, you can find the download link for your free copy on our Support Page. To complete the update, flash one of the new v3.01 calibrations to your ECU. Using older maps with this update may cause poor performance or unexpected issues.

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COBB Tuning is happy to announce the return of the COBB Tuning Double-Adjustable Short Shifter for Subaru 5-speed and 6-speed applications. These shifters are made of light-weight, high-quality aluminum and hard-anodized steel and will greatly improve shifting feel while reducing shifter throw for more precise shifting.

A shorter shifter does not mean losing shifter height! COBB Tuning short-throw shifters are double-adjustable for both throw and shifter height. Most short throw shifters also shorten the shift lever, resulting in a longer reach to the shifter. But with COBB’s exclusive double-adjustable shifter, you can shorten the shifter throw while maintaining your shift lever at the stock height for faster shifting, without the extra reach!

The COBB Tuning double adjustable shifter is constructed of a billet, blue-anodized 6061 T6 Aluminum adjustable shift lever clamp with COBB Tuning engraving and zinc-coated black, steel upper and lower levers and ball joint for maximum strength and longevity. All hardware required for installation is included as well as allen-keys for adjusting your shifter.

The COBB Tuning double adjustable short shifter is available for 99-2001 Impreza, 2002-2007 WRX, 2008-2011 WRX, 2004-2007 STI, 2008-2011 STI, 2005-2009 Legacy GT, 2006-2009 Legacy SpecB and 2004-2005 Forester XT. All COBB Tuning short throw shifter kits are compatible with COBB Tuning’s 5-speed and 6-speed shifter bushing kits and rear shifter stay bushing kit and 5-speed and 6-speed shift knobs. Complete your shifter kit with these high-quality shift linkage parts and never miss another shift!

For more information on the COBB Tuning Double Adjustable Short-Throw Shifter, visit the 5-speed and 6-Speed product information pages. Stay tuned for more COBB Tuning parts for your Subaru, visit our website at COBB Tuning.com, 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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COBB Tuning is happy to announce more billet parts for your Subaru engine bay; our Battery Tie Downs are back in Black, Gold and COBB Tuning Blue and constructed of 6061 T6 Aluminum. Replace your factory stamped-steel tie down with this stylish piece, that not only looks good, but won’t rust, flake or crack like the stock galvanized strap.

The COBB Tuning Battery Tie Down is available for all Subaru applications and can be used on older models as well. These units were designed with the factory battery in mind, but can be made to work with aftermarket lightweight or dry-cell batteries.

For more information on the COBB Tuning Billet Battery Tie Down, visit our Product Information Page. Stay tuned for more COBB Tuning reissue parts for your Subaru, visit our website at COBB Tuning.com, 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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COBB Tuning is happy to announce addition of a new color of our popular, billet aluminum Lightweight Main Pulley for all EJ-series Subaru engines. Black anodized pulleys are now available in addition to Gold and COBB Blue. These pulleys are lightweight and extremely durable, made from anodized billet 6061-T6 aluminum taking unwanted, power-robbing rotational mass off of your crank, freeing up horsepower and letting the engine rev more freely.

The stock crank pulley is not solid, but is made of two sections held together by soft rubber. Over time, this rubber can become brittle and the pulley can separate. When this happens, catastrophic engine damage may occur. That is why COBB Tuning retail stores include a billet Lightweight Main Pulley with every new engine build.

The COBB Tuning Billet Main Pulley is compatible with 2002-2011 WRX, 2004-2011 STI, 2005-2009 Legacy GT, 2005-2009 Outback XT and 2004-2011 Forester XT, but it will also fit older EJ-series engines as well. The COBB Lightweight Main Pulley is available from all COBB Tuning retail stores and dealers in COBB Blue, Gold and now, Black. Stay tuned for other COBB Tuning billet engine accessories in matching colors to round out your engine bay!

For more information on the COBB Tuning Lightweight Main Pulley, visit our Product Information Page. Stay tuned for more COBB Tuning reissue parts for your Subaru, visit our website at COBB Tuning.com, 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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