October 2011
Monthly Archive
Nissan GT-R AccessPORT Gets Speed Density Tuning and High Power Maps
Posted by Gary on 31 Oct 2011 | Tagged as: AccessPORT, AccessTUNER Pro, Firmware Update, GT-R, Nissan
COBB Tuning continues to break new ground in the Nissan GT-R R35 tuning world with the latest round of updates for the AccessPORT. Speed Density logic has been added to the AccessPORT and AccessTUNER capabilities, enabling the tuning of large turbo builds and very high horsepower applications using the stock ECU. This big news is further bolstered by additional vehicle support for the 2009 JDM VSpec GT-R and a beta release of High Power Off-The-Shelf maps that extract even more power from the engine without requiring a custom tune.
Read on to learn how the easiest and most convenient tuning solution for the Nissan GT-R R35 continues to lead the GT-R tuning industry with sophisticated tuning tools and the most sought after features and functionality!
Speed Density Tuning Support
In stock form, the R35 ECU measures airflow using a Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor located in the stock intake system. Large turbo and very high horsepower applications move so much air that they exceed the MAF sensor’s maximum capacity and make MAF based tuning impractical. For these types of vehicles, COBB Tuning has implemented Speed Density tuning logic in AccessPORT firmware and AccessTUNER software, allowing these big-build GT-R’s to be easily tuned using familiar tuning tools and leveraging the convenience and sophistication of the OEM ECU.
This powerful new tuning logic is available to both professional tuning shops in AccessTUNER Pro and experienced end-users in AccessTUNER Race. Since Speed Density is designed for big power builds with unique modifications, Off-The-Shelf maps are impractical and each vehicle will require custom tuning. The all new GT-R Tuning Guide clearly explains the tuning process for both MAF and Speed Density tuning for pros and experienced DIYs alike.
New Vehicle Support
The 2009 JDM VSpec GT-R is added to the growing list of supported Nissan GT-R R35 vehicles, bringing the total up to 19 unique applications spanning multiple model years, regions and hardware specifications. 2009 JDM VSpec GT-R’s now get the simplicity of large power gains at the push of a button accompanied by a host of interactive features and functionality the AccessPORT provides with it’s vibrant color screen and intuitive interface.
Switchable Map Throttle Control
The AccessPORT allows on-the-fly map switching through the GT-R’s cruise control system, allowing the user to change maps from, say, a conservative daily-driving map to a high-boost, big-power map with just the push of a button. To take further advantage of COBB Tuning’s map switching capability on the GT-R, each of the individual 9 map slots can now have unique throttle mapping to provide different throttle response for each map. This puts even more vehicle performance, response and customization at the driver’s fingertips. Literally.
If you are not familiar with Map Switching on the GT-R, the following video should explain how easy it is.
HP Calibrations
Based on customer feedback, COBB Tuning has released a full set of Beta High Power (HP) Off-The-Shelf maps for Stage1 and Stage2 cars. These HP maps close the gap between our standard GT-R Off-The-Shelf maps and a full custom tune performed by a professional tuner. The Stage2 Beta HP maps, on their highest boost setting, have generated 30HP and 45TQ peak over the standard Stage2 Off-The-Shelf maps and show gains of up to 45HP at 5670RPM!
With great power comes even greater responsibility, and these maps are no exception. While these maps make more power, they do so by utilizing the stock fuel system to its absolute limit, and in some cases the demand placed on the fuel system may exceed its capacity to deliver adequate fuel to run safely.
Data logging vehicle performance is an absolute requirement when using these maps to ensure that the mechanical systems of your GT-R are up to the task of supporting these Beta HP maps. Instructions on how and what parameters to data log are explained in this GT-R Beta HP Data Logging Instructions document as well as how to evaluate performance to determine if these maps are safe to use on your GT-R.
These impressive new Beta HP Off-The-Shelf maps can be downloaded from the special Nissan GT-R HP Map Database, which reminds you of the special attention required to ensure your vehicle can take advantage of these maps while maintaining adequate safety margin.
How to Get the Latest Updates
Firmware
Please visit the Step-By-Step AccessPORT Firmware Update Instructions page to guide you through the firmware update process.
Software
Please visit the Step-By-Step AccessTUNER Update Instructions page to guide you through the software update process.
Maps
Please visit the Step-By-Step AccessPORT Map Download and Install Instructions page to guide you through finding maps, downloading them to your computer, transferring them to your AccessPORT and flashing a new map to your ECU.
i-Moto Racing Wins Manufacturer Title Running AccessPORT Tuned Mazdaspeed3′s
Posted by Ian on 25 Oct 2011 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
Building a racecar is easy: just throw in a roll cage, make sure you meet a few rules, and then throw it on the track. But your chances of finishing a race, let alone winning, are pretty slim. So what does it take to win races and to capture the Manufacturer’s Title in the ultra competitive Grand Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series? We asked i-Moto Racing who did just that with a great season finale race at Mid-Ohio running COBB AccessPORT tuned Mazda Mazdaspeed3s.
The most important part of any racing series is adhering to the rules. Curt Jung, i-Moto Racing’s Engineer/Tuner said that the AccessPORT allows the team to “maximize power and economy as well as precisely control the boost to meet the technical regulations.” Not only did the AccessPORT provide the ability to stay within series specs, but it also provided consistent and reliable performance. By using the built-in datalogging features, Curt was able to log a wide variety of engine data and efficiently tune the engine to “run just like production the production Mazdaspeed3, except a lot faster while using less fuel!”
During the racing season, there are always ups, downs, and a few surprises in between. Curt’s biggest surprise while tuning all season? The AccessPORT “does everything as advertised. I was sure that I would find quirks with any aftermarket tuning product that attempts to modify such a sophisticated production engine management system, and I continue to be pleasantly surprised at how nicely this interface and tuning tool works.” Late in the race at Watkins Glen, the team was poised for a 1-2 podium finish, but a flat tire with minutes to go ruined what could have been a huge day. Season long reliability paid off though when the team fought hard to finish 1st and 3rd at the season ending Mid-Ohio race. The first win for a Mazdaspeed3 also happened to lock up the Manufacturer Title for Mazda!
So what does it take to win? It takes a great team of owners, managers, engineers, and drivers to pull together a reliable and powerful car that can run at the front of the pack every race weekend. Congratulations to i-Moto Racing on a great season in their AccessPORT tuned Mazdaspeed3s and to Mazda for capturing the Manufacturer Title for the 2011 Grand Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series!
If you’d like to learn more about what the AccessPORT can do for you, just visit www.COBBtuning.com.
2011 Subaru STI 12.4 sec. ¼ Mile using COBB OTS Maps!
Posted by Ian on 20 Oct 2011 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
10 years ago, Darius lined up his 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 with a shot of nitrous and some bolt-ons to pull a 14.37 at 96.9 MPH. Since then, he’s been hooked on drag racing with a variety of cars and recently ran a 12.42 at 109.4 MPH using only a 2011 Subaru STI Sedan with help from a COBB Downpipe, a COBB SF Intake and Airbox, and a COBB AccessPORT running off-the-shelf (OTS) Stage 2+SF mapping.
After setting the record for the fastest stock turbo, manual transmission diesel truck in his 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel, Darius decided a 2011 STI sedan was the perfect comprise of speed and comfort. He missed his old 2005 STi and couldn’t pass up a fast 4 door that featured Bluetooth, heated seats, and integrated iPod controls. To make his fast 4 door even faster, he opted for a few choice COBB parts. The AccessPORT with datalogging and preloaded maps for various modifications made tuning easy, the SF Intake added some power and sounded great, and the used COBB Downpipe mated up to the stock exhaust perfectly.
With just $1200 spent on modifications and some excellent driving, Darius was able to run a 12.42 at 109.44 MPH with a 1.686 60′ time. And to prove it was no fluke, he followed it up with a 12.44. Next season, Darius hopes a few more modifications, some custom tuning, and experimentation with the Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting features built-in to the AccessPORT will get him down to the 11 second range.
If you’d like to learn more about the AccessPORT, the COBB SF Intake, the COBB Downpipe, or any of our other products, just visit www.COBBtuning.com.
COBB Tuning’s Latest Project
Posted by Gary on 19 Oct 2011 | Tagged as: Announcements, COBB Tuning, Events
AskCOBB – Subaru Data Logging Tutorial
Posted by Ian on 17 Oct 2011 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
Welcome to the first episode of Ask COBB! This episode covers the ins-and-outs of Subaru AccessPORT Data Logging and analysis to determine the health of your car and your tune.
Be sure to select 1080p resolution and watch in full screen!
Remember that Off-The-Shelf Maps, including High Wastegate and Low Wastegate alternate maps can be downloaded from our AccessPORT Map Database at http://www.cobbtuning.com/subaruotsmaps. The Map Notes are downloadable from the same location and will give you a good understanding of map requirements, power output and target boost levels.
Let us know what you think!
The AMS Performance 653 WHP 2011 STI, AccessPORT Tuned
Posted by Ian on 06 Oct 2011 | Tagged as: AccessPORT, AccessTUNER Pro, STI, Subaru
EDIT 10/7/11: As noted by a few readers, the build work was done by Craven Performance in St.Peters, MO and AMS Performance did the tuning.
AMS Performance recently finished a 653 WHP 2011 STI sedan build that is running low 11 second 1/4-mile times! Their customer, James from St. Louis, wanted a big horsepower Subaru, but needed it to drive like the stock vehicle since the car is still a daily driver. The build started with the AMS 900HP Shortblock, built heads with Cosworth cams, Injector Dynamics ID2000cc injectors, and the AMS 950R turbo kit. For tuning, AMS relied on the COBB Tuning AccessPORT and AccessTUNER Pro for it’s ease of use, real time tuning, graphical interface, and customer support.
So what does it take to make over 600 wheel horsepower and still be able to make the car perform well as a daily driver? “It takes a good amount of time to dial in the large MAF paired with large injectors” said Mitch Mckee, an AMS Performance ECU Calibrator. Mitch also noted that “some people like kill mode all of the time”, but using the map switching abilities of the AccessPORT, he can create multiple boost level maps since most customers prefer to have it “turned down just a bit for softer driving when on the street.”
“It drives like stock on E85, just much faster!” Using the AccessPORT, James can switch between E85 and 93 octane maps for the track or street. When at the drag strip, he takes full advantage of the AccessPORT’s Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting features. James noted the AccessPORT datalogging “makes it easy to communicate back and forth with my tuner even though he is 300 miles away.”
Check out the video above of James’s STI at the drag strip! Don’t forget to check out AMS Performance and if you want to learn more about the AccessPORT and it’s features, just visit COBB Tuning.
