COBB Tuning Blog

Anthony (superskaterxes at mazdaspeedforums.org) took his Mazdaspeed6, COBB Tuning AccessPORT, and ATP GT3076R turbo to an 11.6 second 1/4 mile time at 119 MPH to become the first Mazdaspeed6 owner in the US to break the 12.00 second barrier. This stock motor MS6 used a 30% E85 gas blend with a Labonte methanol injection kit spraying 100% meth. The stock wheels are painted green and the car weighed in at the track at 3655 lbs. with a gutted interior and driver. Using AccessTUNER Race and the AccessPORT, Anthony was able to dial in the tune to run this very impressive time. Congratulations again to Anthony and his 11 second Mazdaspeed6!

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Step 1: Plug the AccessPORT in.
Step 2: Wait 20 minutes.
Step 3: Smash the gas pedal and feel your extra horsepower.

Just like an iPod, the AccessPORT seems so simple. But going from a cold metal Engine Control Unit sitting on your desk to the sleek plug and play AccessPORT takes more than just a few button clicks. A COBB Tuning Reverse Engineer spends months finding a way to talk to the ECU. Then, Rob spends more months discovering what each section of code controls, and how it interacts with the other sections of code. And only then can Irish start tuning an actual car. That long process is what motivates COBB Tuning Reverse Engineer Rob Irish to wake up every morning.

If you have a BMW and you’ve spent anytime at all on E90post or our COBB Forums, then you know Rob@COBB. Rob, better known by his last name Irish, is a reverse engineer and BMW Expert Group lead at COBB Tuning HQ in Austin, TX. Between a few dyno sessions and some ECU hacking, I was able to sit down with Rob for a few questions.

Where are you from and how did you learn about COBB Tuning?

I am originally from outside Boulder, CO: the land of all-wheel-drive Subarus and Audis. In 2005, I had the itch modify my Subaru STi which naturally led me to COBB Tuning’s products. One night while drooling over my next modification, I ran across an embedded software engineering position at COBB in Salt Lake City. After emailing my resume and a cover letter, the next thing I knew was myself, my dog, my car, and everything I owned were loaded up in a moving truck and headed to SLC for a new job.

You’ve done well at some recent SCCA Autocross events! How did you get in to racing?

Thanks! Some of my recent finishes are:

1st Place 2011 Lincoln ProSolo
1st Place 2011 Lincoln National Tour
1st Place 2011 Colorado ProSolo
2nd Place 2011 ProSolo Finale

I have had a competitive spirit for as long as I can remember. Being a car nut and competitive, I needed some kind of outlet for speed other than the street. I turned to autocross and track days so I could satisfy my need for speed while still being allowed to keep my license.

How did the BMW group start at COBB Tuning?

The BMW group grew as the project grew, originally starting with me. I don’t know if I had even started at COBB when I started talking to Trey about hacking into the European cars. Finally, around 2008, I was given the green light to tackle the MINI N14 and BMW N54. Shortly before the release of the BMW AP it became clear I could no longer be the sole member of the team. From there we have added the people that make the BMW AP, its service, and support what is today. I could not have made the product what it is without my team.

How do you go from knowing nothing about an ECU to being able to tune the car?

Generally, the first step is to analyze what we do know about the ECU: Is there information we already know? Are the potential weaknesses we can easily find? Then, just follow the bread crumbs from there. You have to try several different avenues and most of the time it seems like you are beating your head against a wall. There’s no real “how-to”; it takes an open mind with some out of the box thinking. The most rewarding part is breaking through those obstacles and then being able to apply that knowledge to making cars faster!

What was the biggest hurdle to providing BMW N54 AccessPORT support?

You seriously only want me to pick one hurdle?!? The most difficult hurdle has been wrapping my brain around all of the intricate systems in the ECU and how they interact with each other. That is still something we tackle every day! All the systems in the ECU (timing, fuel, load, boost, VANOS, etc.) all seem to have a hand in each others pot. It requires a delicate balance to keep all of these systems happy at the same time under varying driving conditions. I spent countless time and energy trying to understand why changing one system would affect a seemingly unrelated different system. Nothing in the BMW ECU family has been quick or easy to implement, but the reward has always been worth the pain.

What percentage of time do you spend on the dyno versus on the computer hacking?

In the beginning of a project, it’s pretty much 100% hacking. As the project progresses, our focus slowly changes to research and development tuning on the dyno. During that process, we reverse engineer the ECU logic to understand how the ECU controls the mechanics of the motor.

BMW has turbo on the mind for the future! What do you love about the current 335i shop car and which one are you most excited to get your hands on?

Our 2009 335i shop car has so many great features from the looks to its day-to- day driveability. For me, torque is the key to a great daily-driver and this car has effortless passing power in every gear. But for the future, I can’t wait to get my hands on the new turbo ///M cars in the pipe.

What are you doing when not racing or hacking ECUs?

Well I love to run and mountain bike, but mostly that’s a cover for being a foodie and beer snob. My fiancee and I both love good food and drink.

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Another popular product has made it back on our shelves! The COBB Tuning 2008-2010 WRX 5-Door Single-Tip 3″ Stainless Steel Catback Exhaust is in stock now. This is a perfect factory exhaust replacement engineered specifically to fit the unique rear bumper configuration of the 2008-2010 5-door Impreza WRX. Installation is easy, using all of the factory exhaust hanger locations.

The system is also designed to allow maximum ground clearance by tucking the 3” Stainless Steel piping up away from the ground, as much as possible. The 4“ polished tip sits perfectly in the OEM bumper cutout, yet is modest enough to not attract any unwanted visual attention. This catback exhaust has a deep tone that offers immediate audible satisfaction, yet still complies with California SAE sound requirements.

The unmatched exhaust note, easy installation, optimal performance, tasteful looks, and unparalleled durability make this a tough catback exhaust to beat! Pair it with the COBB 3” SS Downpipe for a complete Turbo Back Exhaust perfect for Stage2 power and performance!

Please note that a new stainless steel flex joint has been added to the mid-pipe, and is not pictured here. New product images will be available soon. For more information, please visit our website at COBBTuning.com or call us at 866-922-3059.

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After a long hiatus, the COBB Tuning 3″ Stainless Steel Catback Exhaust for the 2007-2009 MAZDASPEED3 is back on our shelves! This 3″ SS Catback Exhaust was engineered specifically to match the performance needs of the MAZDASPEED3. The attention to detail that goes into the fabrication of this catback makes it a shame to hide it underneath the car. The catback is manufactured using mandrel-bent T304 stainless steel with a custom resonator and high-flow muffler for optimal performance and reliability. With its factory-like fit, attractive finish and subtle yet deep exhaust note safely 11 dB below the SAE J1169 sound limit, the COBB Tuning catback exhaust for the MAZDASPEED3 provides the best in performance, sound and aesthetics.

For more information, please visit our website at COBBTuning.com or call us at 866-922-3059.

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COBB Tuning is excited to announce new developments for the MAZDASPEED community. The COBB Tuning AccessPORT is the first OEM ECU tuning solution for the 2012 MAZDASPEED3, giving owners of the newest MAZDASPEED3 the same level of power and control enjoyed by previous model year owners. Our AccessTUNER software has also been updated to allow custom tuning by both professional tuners and DIY tuners alike. In addition, all of COBB Tuning has released a huge Off-The-Shelf calibration update, at no additional cost, that includes support for more intakes, improved post-shift performance, and boost targeting logic implemented on all model years of MAZDASPEED3 and MAZDASPEED6! Read on for more details about the work COBB Tuning is doing to make sure the AccessPORT is the most comprehensive tuning solution for MAZDASPEED performance enthusiasts.

2012 MAZDASPEED3 AccessPORT

The MAZDASPEED AccessPORT is now shipping with full 2012 MAZDASPEED3 support, preloaded with Off-The-Shelf maps to get new users up and running with the push of a button. All MAZDASPEED AccessPORTs (AP-MAZ-002) can be updated for free to support the 2012 MAZDASPEED3 with a simple firmware upgrade.

The 2012 MAZDASPEED3 AccessPORT will enable the same Boost Target Logic tuning released earlier this year, as well as have access to the massive database of free Off-The-Shelf maps with support for 13 different intake types and over 160 maps to choose from.

2012 MAZDASPEED3 AccessTUNER

Both AccessTUNER Race and AccessTUNER Pro tuning software packages have been updated to support the 2012 MAZDASPEED3. 2012 MAZDASPEED3 owners can bring their car to a professional tuner for a custom tune to maximize power output. Experienced self-tuners can download a free copy of AccessTUNER Race and make modifications to their own calibrations.
Both software packages have access to our database of Off-The-Shelf maps. These are great starting points for your custom tunes. Existing AccessTUNER users can update their existing software to the latest version following these Step-By-Step Software Update Instructions.

MAZDASPEED Off-The-Shelf Map Updates

All 1st and 2nd Gen MAZDASPEED3 and all MAZDASPEED6 maps have been updated to v2.10 and v2.00, respectively. Now all three platforms are tuned with Boost Target Logic for improved performance and consistency. Every platform now has free Off-The-Shelf maps for 13 different intake configurations, as well as maps for other common modifications, such as; turbo inlet hoses, intercoolers, downpipes and exhausts. Furthermore, these maps also include fixes to eliminate post-shift stutter and post-shift lean conditions some vehicles are experiencing. In all, over 160 maps are available for MAZDASPEED3’s and MAZDASPEED6’s, by far the largest selection of plug-and-play calibrations for the MAZDASPEED direct injection engine!

All AccessPORTs must be updated to firmware 1.6.5.0-2992 or later to utilize these new maps. Follow this Step-By-Step Firmware Update Guide to quickly and easily update the firmware on your AccessPORT. To see the latest maps available for your application, please visit the MAZDASPEED AccessPORT Map Database. Just follow this Step-By-Step Map Download and Transfer Guide to learn how to get a map from our database onto your ECU.

AccessPORT Firmware Update

In addition to 2012 MAZDASPEED3 support, the AP-MAZ-002 firmware receives several feature updates.

Monitors

• HPFP Desired Pressure and HPFP Sensor Voltage monitors were added to 2007-2012 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6
• DI Fuel Pressure was renamed to HPFP Actual Pressure on 2007-2012 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6
  Accelerator Pedal Position was added to 2010-2012 MAZDASPEED3
• The Boost Limit Cap now reads past the factory limit of 22.34psi on 2010-2012 MAZDASPEED3

Follow this Step-By-Step Firmware Update Guide to quickly and easily update the firmware on your AccessPORT.

AccessTUNER Software Updates

In addition to 2012 MAZDASPEED support, both AccessTUNER Race and AccessTUNER Pro receive several new features.

Monitors
The same monitor changes that were implemented in the firmware have also been implemented in AccessTUNER.

• HPFP Desired Pressure and HPFP Sensor Voltage monitors were added to 2007-2012 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6
• DI Fuel Pressure was renamed to HPFP Actual Pressure on 2007-2012 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6
• Accelerator Pedal Position was added to 2010-2012 MAZDASPEED3
• The Boost Limit Cap now reads past the factory limit of 22.34psi on 2010-2012 MAZDASPEED3

Tables
Many table changes were implemented on the 2007-2009 MAZDASPEED3, 2010-2012 MAZDASPEED3 and 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6. Please see the MAZDASPEED AccessTUNER Release Notes for a full list of changes.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes
All Diagnostic Trouble Codes for each ECU type has been exposed and each has a toggle to enable/disable the DTC. For a full list in AccessTUNER, navigate to Edit > Advanced Parameters > DTC (Base).

Tuning Guide
The Tuning Guide has been revised to version 2.10, and includes the latest tuning strategies for Boost Target Tuning Logic and in-depth table descriptions.

Existing AccessTUNER users can update their existing software to the latest version following these Step-By-Step Software Update Instructions. If you do not have AccessTUNER Race, fill out the form AccessTUNER Race Request Form to receive a download link.

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The COBB Tuning Ford Focus race car was finally revealed at the 2011 SEMA Show on November 1st in Las Vegas, NV. This is COBB Tuning’s first build project using a domestic sport compact car and we are excited to show everyone what we have done and what we plan to do with this new Ford Focus. In addition, the COBB Tuning Ford Focus race car represents our official entry into the Ford Focus ST market. This is the next vehicle platform, and family of performance enthusiasts, that COBB Tuning will be supporting in 2012!

Where We Are Going

The 2012 Ford Focus ST is an exciting new car that will be making its way to the U.S. in early 2012 with a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost engine producing 248hp and 250lb/ft of torque. Upon its arrival, the Ford Focus ST will be getting the full COBB Tuning treatment, similar to the turbocharged Subarus, GT-Rs, Mazdas and Mitsubishis that came before it. This includes the popular AccessPORT hand-held flashing device, AccessTUNER tuning software, supporting power bolt-on upgrades to the intake and exhaust systems and more. We are still waiting for the first Ford Focus ST to arrive, along with everyone else, so we have quite a bit of development ahead of us once this hot new compact hits our shores.

Since the Focus ST has not arrived, you might be wondering why we went ahead and built a race car out of the Ford Focus SE. Well, any time you take a street car and turn it into a race car, you can’t help but learn quite a bit about how the car is built and what makes it tick. So, while the Ford Focus ST will be the vehicle to get COBB Tuning product support in 2012, the Ford Focus SE was used as the starting point for this race car and gives us a head start on understanding the powertrain, chassis and control systems used in this platform.

The new Ford Focus is a World Car, meaning that it will essentially be the same car from region to region around the globe. While we expect the ST to have the additional power of the EcoBoost turbo 2.0L engine and more aggressive running gear to match, many critical components in the car will stay the same. Our engineers have leveraged a great opportunity to see how the Focus is constructed, which pieces go where, and how new COBB Tuning products might be designed to best fit the new Focus ST.

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The Start of the Journey

When Ford announced this year’s SEMA Project Car Program for 2011, we jumped at the opportunity to get our hands on the new model Focus. Our race car was one of the most comprehensive builds involved in this program. The COBB Tuning Ford Focus looked great at SEMA and received a lot of very nice compliments from Ford Motor Company and SEMA spectators. Just a few steps away from our spot, Ken Block, Vaughn Gitten Jr., Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan whipped their crazy-fast cars around the Ford Out Front drift pen.

The COBB Tuning Focus was very well received by Ford execs and show attendees alike. The compliments we received on the build quality of the car and how cool people thought it looked made all of the hard work and attention to detail worth it. But most exciting was the feedback from Ford Focus fans about how happy they were that COBB Tuning was going to be supporting the Focus ST. Many were previous COBB Tuning customers that had owned Subarus, Mazdas or Mitsubishis and they were looking forward to the same level of products to be available for the Ford Focus ST!

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Next Steps

The 2011 SEMA Show is just the beginning of what we have planned for the COBB Tuning Ford Focus. Once the build is final and the car has been tuned and fully tested, we will be campaigning the car in select events that include Time Attack and potentially Wheel-to-Wheel races. We will also be bringing the COBB Tuning Ford Focus out to a few popular Ford meets, as well as showing the car off at a few of our retail stores during First Thursday car meets.

Due to the need to get the Focus ready for presentation at the 2011 SEMA Show, we had to “focus” on getting the appearance of the car up to show-level quality. While most of the car is race ready, there are a few items that need to be addressed before the car hits the track for testing. The Focus will get 60mm wider with a custom carbon fiber wide-body kit to accommodate the 18” x 9.5” HRE R43 wheels shod with 275mm wide Hankook racing tires. We will also be swapping out the stock Focus SE front knuckles with those from the UK Focus RS for the improved steering geometry and larger wheel-bearing package. Then, once the final engine tuning is completed on our in-house Mustang AWD dyno and our initial power target of 400whp is achieved, we will be headed out to the track for some real world testing experience to prepare for the 2012 racing season!

Build Specifications

Base Vehicle:

• 2012 Ford Focus SE 5-Door
• 2.0L Ti-VCT Direct-Injection I-4 Engine
• 5-speed manual transmission

Engine:

• COBB Tuning customized Cosworth forged pistons
• BorgWarner EFR-6758 turbocharger
• COBB Tuning equal length tubular exhaust header
• COBB Tuning 3” straight-through turbo-back exhaust
• COBB Tuning front-mount intercooler
• COBB Tuning boost tubes
• COBB Tuning SF Intake
• COBB Tuning Turbo Inlet
• COBB Tuning oil cooler system
• COBB Tuning aluminum oil catch can
• COBB Tuning aluminum radiator reservoir
• Koyorad aluminum racing radiator

Drivetrain:

• Mazda MAZDASPEED3 6-speed manual transmission
• COBB Tuning Double-Adjustable Short Shifter
• COBB Tuning COBB Knob
• Cusco limited slip differential
• Ford Focus/Mazda Mazdaspeed3 hybrid axles
• ACT racing clutch and lightweight flywheel

Chassis:

• StopTech Trophy Kit 355mm big brake kit
• StopTech stainless steel brake lines
• Cobalt XR2 Brake pads
• Eibach Multi-Pro-R2 coilover suspension
• Eibach adjustable front and rear sway bars
• COBB Tuning suspension bushings

Wheels & Tires:

• HRE Performance R43 Monoblok 18” x 9.5” wheels
• Hankook Z214 D.O.T. R- Compound 275/35R18 racing tires

Exterior:

• COBB Tuning carbon fiber splitter
• COBB Tuning carbon fiber side skirts
• COBB Tuning carbon fiber diffuser
• COBB Tuning carbon fiber vented extractor hood
• COBB Tuning lexan windows
• Aeromotions R2.Two active wing
• Aerocatch front and rear pin latching system
• Full circuit board graphics wrap
• Amber tinted headlights
• Ford Racing tow hooks

Interior:

• Pectel Direct Injection SQ7Di ECU engine management
• Motec PDM15 power distribution module
• Cosworth ECPro digital dash
• Ford GT Start Button
• COBB Tuning roll cage
• Racetech 4009HR racing seats
• Racetech 6-Point HANS harnesses
• Safequip window nets
• Safecraft shoulder nets
• Safecraft net quick releases
• Sparco steering wheel
• Splash quick release steering wheel hub
• FireSense fire suppression system
• Painless battery/engine kill switch
• Gutted interior
• Gutted door structure
• COBB Tuning wiring harness
• COBB Tuning door cards
• Braille racing battery
• COBB Tuning battery tie-down

Stay tuned for episode 1 of the COBB Tuning Ford Focus video documentary covering the initial build up of the race car and our trip to SEMA, expected to release at the end of November. In the meantime, keep an eye out for additional blog posts as we dig deeper into the building of the COBB Tuning Ford Focus!
 

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COBB Tuning is proud to announce the Official Grand Opening of its latest retail facility, COBB Tuning SOCAL. COBB Tuning SOCAL brings customer focus, professionalism, and attention to detail to Southern California in this freshly outfitted 10,000sq/ft facility. The new location features an open and inviting floorplan, a comfortable customer lounge, accessible product displays and private sales offices. COBB Tuning SOCAL is equipped as a one-stop-shop for nearly all of an auto enthusiast’s needs, including retail sales, a Mustang AWD dyno and professional dyno tuning, four service bays, product installation, project build planning, custom fabrication and vehicle maintenance services.

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11 second quarter miles times usually come with names like GT-R, Z06, Viper, or 911. But now there’s a new one: Mazdaspeed3. Anthony in Idaho is the first MS3 owner to run an 11 second 1/4 mile time, a feat even more impressive noting that he is 3000 ft above sea level. Using an ATP GTX3071 stock location turbo, 25” Toyo slicks, and tuning via the AccessPORT, he hopes to get these times even lower.

Anthony started drag racing in high school with a ’59 Short Bed Ford truck with a 251 Cleveland. At the time, he thought his 15.9 was insanely fast. Over a span of 12 years, he’s accrued 3 track championships in bracket racing, raced his 2005 Evolution, and now pulls 1.7 60ft times in his MS3. His tricks of the trade? “60ft time are the key to good E.T.s. Though a high trap speed is always more fun!”

The base tune on the car was done by Tim Bailey at COBB Tuning Surgeline in Portland, OR. Since then, Anthony has used AccessTUNER Race to adjust for his various modifications. Using the AccessPORT, Anthony can monitor live data, take logs taking advantage of the factory wideband O2 sensor, and switch maps quickly to go from his daily driver tune to his all out racing maps. Future plans include an aftermarket intake manifold and a nice set of cams, but first on his list is upgrading the brakes. “All that extra power needs to be kept in check!”

Congratulations to Anthony and his very impressive Mazdaspeed3 ¼ mile times! You can keep up to date on his progress on the mazdaspeedforums.org forums and learn more about the AccessPORT at COBBtuning.com.

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COBB Tuning is proud to announce the release of our latest addition to our Nissan GT-R performance parts: The COBB Tuning Big SF Intake. The Big SF Intake is a 3″ ID intake designed to open the door to high-power builds in the future, yet work effortlessly with an otherwise stock GT-R. The Big SF Intake kit future-proofs your intake, so you won’t need to upgrade this component later if you decide to go down the path of major modifications. Furthermore, it installs as easily as our regular SF Intake, without any cutting or trimming of bodywork.

In stock form, the R35 ECU measures airflow using a Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor located in the stock intake system. As modifications add up and increase power, the airflow can increase to the point that it exceeds the MAF sensor’s maximum capacity, preventing the ECU from accurately measuring air mass, and thus unable to deliver the appropriate amount of fuel. The Big SF Intake increases the inner diameter of the intake tubing, increasing the cross section of the intake and allowing the MAF sensor to read lower for the same amount of ingested air. This gives the sensor the necessary headroom to read accurately for airflow higher than the stock system was designed for.

COBB Tuning has used the Big SF Intake to support builds of over 600HP and 600TQ at the wheels, gains of 40% over a stock GT-R!

Changing the calibration of the MAF sensor necessitates tuning changes to recalibrate the ECU. COBB Tuning has you covered here as well with a set of free AccessPORT Big SF Intake Off-The-Shelf maps for all supported GT-R Stage1 and Stage2 vehicles. Big SF Intake maps are available for download from the Nissan GT-R AccessPORT Map Database.

The Big SF Intake shares all of the same quality features of its popular smaller brother. Constructed of 3-inch diameter aluminum tubing with TIG welded bracketry and MAF sensor mount and finished with a tough black crinkle coating for an OEM quality appearance. High-flow K&N cone filter elements fit through the factory openings in the bumper. Your choice of high-quality COBB Blue or Steath Black silicone couplers are used to join the intake to the factory system.

If you looking to upgrade your GT-R’s intake and are considering modifying your GT-R for more power down the road, the COBB Tuning Big SF Intake will meet your immediate intake-upgrade needs with matching AccessPORT calibrations, and will meet airflow demands as you continue to modify your car in your quest for more horsepower. It doesn’t get any better than this!

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