COBB Tuning Blog

COBB Tuning has just released 2012 Subaru WRX Stage1, Stage2 and Non-Performance maps for COBB Tuning SF and AEM intakes. Stage1+Intake results in gains of 7%HP and 6%TQ while Stage2+Intake results in gains of 12%HP and 21%TQ! In addition, Stage1 and Stage2 Fuel Economy maps and a Valet map are available for both intakes.

Please visit the COBB AccessPORT Subaru Map Database to download these new Stage1 and Stage2 maps for the COBB SF Intake and AEM Intake.

For instructions on how to download and install maps, please see our Step-By-Step AccessPORT Map Download and Install Guide.

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COBB Tuning has just released 2012 Subaru STI Stage1, Stage2 and Non-Performance maps for COBB Tuning SF and AEM intakes. Stage1+Intake results in gains of 28%HP and 37%TQ while Stage2+Intake results in gains of 31%HP and 48%TQ! In addition, Stage1 and Stage2 Fuel Economy maps are available for both intakes.

Please visit the COBB AccessPORT Subaru Map Database to download these new Stage1 and Stage2 maps for the COBB SF Intake and AEM Intake.

For instructions on how to download and install maps, please see our Step-By-Step AccessPORT Map Download and Install Guide.

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COBB Tuning is proud to announce the immediate availability of our proprietary Speed Density (SD) tuning solution for all currently-supported 2.5L USDM turbocharged Subaru vehicles! This capability is available as a free update to our AccessTUNER Pro software and AccessPORT firmware. Our implementation of Speed Density adds our proprietary tuning logic to the factory ECU, enabling it to calculate load, ignition and fueling requirements using the engine’s manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, instead of the factory mass airflow (MAF) sensor. COBB Tuning’s exclusive Realtime tuning capabilities and Hybrid Logic (active switching between MAP and MAF based logic) make this a uniquely powerful and flexible engine management solution. 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 Subaru performance enthusiasts.

Why Speed Density
The most basic function of an engine control unit (ECU) is to measure airflow and its translation to engine load. Precise and consistent load calculations along with feedback from other critical sensors allow the ECU to accurately control ignition timing, variable camshafts, and fuel delivery. The most common way to measure load in modern vehicles is with a MAF sensor. Vehicles with stock engines and mild upgrades can utilize the MAF sensor with excellent overall results. However, in big-build and motorsports applications where power levels are extremely high and intake airflow configurations are less standardized, the use of a MAF sensor can be limiting.

Speed Density tuning using the Subaru factory ECU is a major break-through for high-power Subaru builds. High-power builds using the OEM MAF sensor require very large MAF intake housings to keep the MAF sensor within its usable range, which introduces reduced resolution and unpredictable turbulence that can affect tunability and drivability. Eliminating the need for a very large, high-quality MAF intake housing using Speed Density tuning logic allows for more flexibility when designing a turbo kit and the associated piping and plumbing. Speed Density tuning gives precise control over fueling, timing and other critical tuning components necessary to properly calibrate the vehicle at the very high power levels that today’s big Subaru builds are capable of producing.

Hybrid Logic – Ultimate Flexibility
The Speed Density update for AccessTUNER Pro software offers multiple ECU control modes to give the professional tuner and AccessPORT user a wider choice of engine modifications and tuning options. The software can program the ECU to run in the traditional pure MAF mode, a pure “Speed Density” mode, or a Hybrid Mode which uses both MAF and “Speed Density” with dynamic logic switching between the two.

Ease of Conversion
In order to make the transition to Speed Density as painless as possible, COBB Tuning has streamlined the process within the AccessTUNER software. Simply open an existing MAF-based calibration using the new Speed Density enabled software and resave the map. All of the tables from the MAF-based calibration will be loaded into the Speed Density based calibration. You are now ready to start tuning the Volumetric Efficiency (VE) table without the need of starting a new calibration from scratch!

Proven Performance
COBB Tuning’s Speed Density for 2.5L Subarus has already proven capable of tuning big-power Subaru engines. The LIC Motorsports 2004 Subaru STI Time Attack race car claimed the Modified AWD class victory and set a new Modified AWD class record at the Infineon Raceway Global Time Attack 2011 season finale using the AccessPORT and Speed Density tuning. More information about this performance and in-car action can be seen HERE.

Speed Density Availability
This initial release of Speed Density is available for professional tuning shops using AccessTUNER Pro software for turbocharged Subaru USDM vehicles. Speed Density for AccessTUNER Race is currently in development and will be made available to self-tuners once development and testing is completed. “Off-The-Shelf” maps will not be made available for Speed Density as custom calibration specific to each vehicle is required.

Currently, the following USDM 2.5L turbocharged Subaru vehicles are supported:

• 2008-2012 STI
• 2004-2007 STI
• 2008-2012 WRX
• 2006-2007 WRX
• 2007-2011 Forester XT
• 2004-2006 Forester XT
• 2007-2011 Legacy GT
• 2005-2006 Legacy GT
• 2009 Impreza GT / 2.5GT

We are in the process of investigating the feasibility of implementing Speed Density on 2.0L turbocharged Subaru vehicles. More information on this will be available soon.

To have your vehicle tuned using Speed Density logic, simply follow these steps:

• Contact your preferred ProTUNER, confirm they have the latest Speed Density enabled AccessTUNER Pro software and schedule a Speed Density dyno-tune appointment with them.
• Update your AccessPORT firmware to version 1.6.4.0-3162 (or later) prior to your scheduled tuning appointment. To update your firmware follow this Step-By-Step AccessPORT Firmware Update Tutorial.

It took us quite a bit longer than anticipated to develop Speed Density for all USDM 2.5L turbocharged Subaru vehicles, but now that it is complete, we are very excited about this release. We have combined our proprietary Speed Density logic with the flexibility of Hybrid Mode dynamic logic switching, the convenience of the AccessPORT’s Realtime tuning capabilities and the sophistication inherent in the factory ECU, bringing a powerful and unique solution to meet a large and long-standing demand in the Subaru enthusiast community. We would like to thank you for your patience and want to hear your feedback regarding Speed Density on your Subaru!

To learn more about our implementation of Speed Density, please download the Subaru 2.5L Speed Density Tuning Guide. If you are interested in becoming a new Subaru ProTUNER capable of tuning customer vehicles with Speed Density, please give us a call 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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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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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.

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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 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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