COBB Tuning Blog

The COBB Tuning Ford Focus Project started as a collaboration with Ford Motor Company to demonstrate what could be done with the current Ford Focus SE. In Part 1, you’ll hear about how we were chosen by Ford to build a Modified Class Time Attack vehicle, why we are excited for the new Focus ST, and how the project is coming to life. Don’t forget to stay tuned for updates on tuning, testing, and potential future race dates! If you want to know more details about the build, check out our earlier COBB Tuning Ford Focus Revealed posting and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know what you think.

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COBB Tuning is excited to announce big updates for BMW AccessPORT support. Effective immediately, European N54 equiped BMW 135i, 335i, 335is, 335xi, 535i and 535xi vehicles can take advantage of the power, control and convenience of the AccessPORT that US BMW enthusiasts have been enjoying through 2011. The 2010-2011 Z4i and 2011 Z4is also get AccessPORT support, both in the US and in Europe. The AccessPORT is now availble as a Beta release for the 2011 1M. Lastly, new Stock Throttle profile Stage2+FMIC maps are available for those that prefer the more aggressive throttle mapping as programmed by BMW. Read on for more details about the work COBB Tuning is doing to make sure the AccessPORT is the most comprehensive OEM ECU tuning solution available for BMW performance enthusiasts.

Euro AccessPORT Support

Official support of European N54 equipped BMWs has begun. New AccessPORTs are shipping with pre-loaded performance enhancing Stage1, Stage2 and Stage2+FMIC maps to get new users up and running with the push of a button. The maps specify the appropriate RON fuel grade required for each map to perform properly. All previously sold AP-BMW-001 AccessPORTs can be used on European N54 BMW’s by performing a simple firmware upgrade. The Euro BMW AccessPORTs come with all of the same features released on previous versions, including Performance Monitoring, Live Data Gauges and Datalogging of over 60 ECU monitors, and DTC Scanning and Clearing. A full list of AP-BMW-001 enhancements are available in the AP-BMW-001 AccessPORT Firmware Release Notes.

Z4i and Z4is AccessPORT Support

In both the US and in Europe the 2010-2011 BMW Z4i and 2011 Z4is are now supported by the AccessPORT. With Stage1 gains of 30%HP / 38%TQ and Stage 2 gains of 51%HP and 55%TQ, N54 equipped Z4i owners have something to get excited about.

1M Beta AccessPORT Support

The N54 equipped 2011 BMW 1M AccessPORT is now available as a Beta release. Beta Stage1 maps are preloaded for flash and go convenience. All AP-BMW-001 AccessPORTs can be upgraded to support the Beta 1M relase by performing a simple firmware upgrade.

New Stage2+FMIC Stock Throttle Maps

Based on customer feedback, we have released the first of our Stage2 maps with the stock BMW throttle profile. The Stage2+FMIC maps now have the choice of factory stock throttle mapping or COBB Tuning’s linear throttle mapping. The factory stock throttle mapping is non-linear and tends to be much more aggressive in the initial range of throttle pedal. This throttle mapping gives drivers that “kick in the pants” feel of power ramping up very quickly. The COBB Tuning linear throttle mapping keeps throttle profile linear across the entire range of the throttle pedal. Linear throttle is more appropriate for driving on a race track or for drivers that prefer a very predictable and consistent throttle pedal throughout the entire range. These new stock throttle Stage2+FMIC ST
maps can be downloaded from the BMW AccessPORT Map Database. Follow this Step-By-Step AccessPORT Map Download and Transfer Guide to download maps, transfer them to your AccessPORT and flash them to your ECU.

Step-By-Step Instructions

These step-by-step instructions will help you upgrade your AccessPORT firmware as well as download, transfer and flash new maps to your ECU.

• Follow this Step-By-Step AccessPORT Firmware Update Guide to quickly and easily update the firmware on your AccessPORT.
• Follow this Step-By-Step AccessPORT Map Download and Transfer Guide to download maps, transfer them to your AccessPORT and flash them to your ECU.

To learn more about the AccessPORT US and Euro BMW’s, or to get answers to any questions you may have regarding COBB Tuning products, please call our Customer Support Team at 866-922-3059.

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COBB Tuning is excited to announce immediate support for the 2012 Subaru STI and WRX! Now owners of the latest high-performance Subarus can attain the same level of power and control with the AccessPORT as enjoyed by previous model year owners. Our AccessTUNER software has also been updated to allow custom tuning of the 2012 STI and WRX by both professional tuners and DIY tuners alike. Read on for more details about the work COBB Tuning is doing to make sure the AccessPORT is the most comprehensive tuning solution for Subaru performance enthusiasts.

2012 Subaru STI and WRX AccessPORT

2012 Subaru STI and 2012 Subaru WRX are shipping now, preloaded with performance enhancing Stage1 and Stage2 maps to get new users up and running with the push of a button. The AccessPORT also comes preloaded with our unique Non-Performance maps for fuel economy, valet parking and anti-theft to help protect your wallet and your investment.

The 2012 Subaru STI and WRX AccessPORTs come with all of the same features released on previous versions, including Real-Time tuning, Launch Control, Flat Foot Shift, Performance Monitoring, and Live Data and Datalogging of over 100 ECU monitors. A full list of AP-SUB-003 enhancements are available in the AP-SUB-003 AccessPORT Firmware Release Notes. All late-model Subaru AccessPORTs (AP-SUB-003) can be updated for free to support the 2012 STI and WRX with a simple firmware upgrade.

AccessTUNER Tuning Software 1.9.1.0-3119

Both AccessTUNER Race and AccessTUNER Pro tuning software packages have been updated to support the 2012 STI and WRX. 2012 STI and WRX owners can bring their cars 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. New AccessTUNER Race users can acquire their copy of the software by filling out the AccessTUNER Race Request Form.

In addition, AccessTUNER receives new features to include an axis label to better identify ECU flash type (Reflash Only, Realtime/Reflash, Realtime Only), new labels to better identify the Multiply and Edit dialog boxes and a bug fixes that addresses the disconnect issue experienced by some users when writing large amounts of real-time data using AccessPORT passthrough as well fixes the Manage Maps button to launch AccessPORT Manager. A full list of AccessTUNER enhancements are available in the Subaru AccessTUNER Release Notes.

Please note that maps that are updated using this software require that the AccessPORT it is to be installed on is at the following firmware version:

• AP-SUB-001: 1.6.4.0-1960
• AP-SUB-002: 1.6.4.0-1960
• AP-SUB-003: 1.6.4.0-3099
   

Step-By-Step Guides

• Follow this Step-By-Step AccessPORT Firmware Update Guide to quickly and easily update the firmware on your AccessPORT.
• Follow this Step-By-Step AccessTUNER Software Update Guide to update your software to the latest release.
• Follow this Step-By-Step AccessPORT Map Download and Transfer Guide to download maps, transfer them to your AccessPORT and flash them to your ECU.

To learn more about the AccessPORT for the 2012 Subaru STI and WRX, or to get answers to any questions you may have regarding COBB Tuning products, please call our Customer Support Team at 866-922-3059.

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A brand-new motor, a rain-slick track, and rivals running quicker lap times are not the best elements to make for a successful racing weekend. The LIC Motorsports and their Subaru STi were facing an uphill battle for Global Time Attack’s 2011 Finals at Infineon Raceway, but with the hard work of the LIC Motorsports crew, and some help from COBB Tuning’s Gary Sheehan and Tim Bailey, everything came together perfectly. Not only did LIC Motorsports take home 1st Place, but they set a new class record utilizing an impressive chassis and AccessPORT Alpha Speed Density Tuning.

Adam and Noah Levy of LIC Motorsports needed a motor to match the chassis development from the previous seasons of racing. The motor build was completed using a sleeved block, pistons, bearings, a GTX turbo, and a higher capacity oil pan. LIC Motorsports also decided to eliminate the BPV to increase turbo and throttle input response. Everything was buttoned up only 10 hours before hitting the track. The outcome? “Power delivery is awesome!” Gary Sheehan was also impressed with the driveability of the car compared to previous years. “The car is now very stable and predictable on corner-exit, allowing me to accelerate out of the corners hard.”

Tim Bailey of COBB Tuning took advantage of the new AccessPORT Speed Density tuning, currently in Alpha testing, to ensure the LIC Motorsports STi could optimize the upgraded engine internals. COBB Tuning’s AccessPORT Alpha Speed Density is able to eliminate the mass airflow sensor and use a comprehensive volumetric efficiency model to calculate airflow and load based upon manifold pressure and temperature. This combination offers a simple solution for tuning high horsepower vehicles. An experienced tuner like Tim Bailey can take advantage of any tuning software to create a great running vehicle, but his response to the AccessPORT Alpha Speed Density software was telling: “In a word, it is nothing short of elegant.”

The final piece of the puzzle came together with the race weekend management from LIC Motorsports. After putting together a great car, it only took a long Friday night and a few alignment adjustments to get the car where it needed to be. The result was an almost perfect Saturday! Gary Sheehan was able to push the team in to 1st place with a Limited AWD class track record of 1:41.888 and a giant gap of 1.3 seconds to 2nd place. But, “The Underdogs” know one win doesn’t warrant gloating. Noah says “It’s doing it consistently and systematically…time proves if we are a force to be reckoned with. If we have the means to continue down this path, we will ensure this becomes the norm for our team.” This success also helps emphasize to their customers that “standalone ECUs are not necessary when there is a product like the COBB AccessPORT.”

To learn more about LIC Motorsports, visit www.LICmotorsports.com. To learn more about COBB Tuning and the AccessPORT, visit www.COBBTuning.com.

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