COBB Tuning

[bz24]

I'm looking at getting a COBB AP, the SF intake, COBB BCS, and the COBB downpipe (I already have the nameless exhaust) or turboback. How does the tuning work? Can I just use the AP to tune it myself or do I have to go to get it dyno tuned? I know this is a simple question. This is just my first WRX and I have no idea. If any of this sounds dumb point me in another direction on any parts or anything like that.

[Calvinball]

If you are getting a BCS, you'll need to get it tuned. Cobb doesn't offer OTS maps that can be used with the BCS.

[zax]

^Agreed. However, you can opt to use AccessTuner Race (free through Cobb) to tune your Wastegate Duty Cycle and Turbo Dynamics. It's not too difficult, provided you have time to read the FAQs.

[bz24]

If you are getting a BCS, you'll need to get it tuned. Cobb doesn't offer OTS maps that can be used with the BCS.

So if I go get it dyno tuned they will know how to tune it and all that?

[zax]

So if I go get it dyno tuned they will know how to tune it and all that?

Yes, however I certainly wouldn't pay the $500 for a dyno tune JUST for an interrupt-type EBCS.

[bz24]

Yes, however I certainly wouldn't pay the $500 for a dyno tune JUST for an interrupt-type EBCS.

So you would just say don't get the EBCS and I can tune it with the AP on my own?

[Heide264]

So you would just say don't get the EBCS and I can tune it with the AP on my own?

No,

If you get the EBCS, you have the ability to tune the required tables yourself. You will just need to do some reading and understand the associated tables. Or ask for some help.

An EBCS isn't a bad modification, but be aware that they aren't particularly easy to tune for without experience. You really should understand how the Subaru boost control system works before trying to tune it yourself. Otherwise, you can always save the EBCS and throw it on when you get a professional tune down the road.

[zax]

I'm honestly not sure how the Cobb EBCS fares. I do, however, know first hand that my GS EBCS is a complete PITA to tune. It took over 15 iterations to hit and hold my target boost properly on my stage 2 tune. And I don't think I ever got it 100%... as I upgraded my turbo in the next few weeks. I've heard the Perrin and GM units are much easier to tune, but I have no first-hand experience.

[Heide264]

I'm honestly not sure how the Cobb EBCS fares. I do, however, know first hand that my GS EBCS is a complete PITA to tune. It took over 15 iterations to hit and hold my target boost properly on my stage 2 tune. And I don't think I ever got it 100%... as I upgraded my turbo in the next few weeks. I've heard the Perrin and GM units are much easier to tune, but I have no first-hand experience.

I believe the Cobb is the same identical solenoid as the grimmspeed unit. Most are a generic industrial solenoid you can get quite cheaply - you just need to mount it somewhere. I didn't feel like digging through stuff when I did mine, but you can look through the RomRaider forums for details.

The Perrin and GM ones are supposedly different solenoids.

I've found the boost solenoid is tough to tune as well. You need to really know what you are doing and have a lot of patience with it. Once you start doing any mods that make the system more dynamic (EWG/EL headers for example), it'll become more and more critical that you tune your boost tables correctly.

[bz24]

No,

If you get the EBCS, you have the ability to tune the required tables yourself. You will just need to do some reading and understand the associated tables. Or ask for some help.

An EBCS isn't a bad modification, but be aware that they aren't particularly easy to tune for without experience. You really should understand how the Subaru boost control system works before trying to tune it yourself. Otherwise, you can always save the EBCS and throw it on when you get a professional tune down the road.

Is it pretty easy to tuneSF Intake with either the downpipe or turboback?
I have a Nameless exhaust. WOuld you recommend removing it and getting the turboback?

[Terminal Kuz]

^Agreed. However, you can opt to use AccessTuner Race (free through Cobb) to tune your Wastegate Duty Cycle and Turbo Dynamics. It's not too difficult, provided you have time to read the FAQs.

I did this ^^^^ with the help and guidance of people on here.

[Heide264]

Is it pretty easy to tuneSF Intake with either the downpipe or turboback?
I have a Nameless exhaust. WOuld you recommend removing it and getting the turboback?

I personally don't recommend tuning for an intake without a wideband o2 sensor. I am a big pusher of them and feel they are really a needed tool for anything past stock breathing (including a down pipe) unless you have a lot of experience and are comfortable with how the cars normally run. That being said, the Cobb maps were made with a large survey space and are generally pretty good when it comes to using the equipment they list in their map notes. I believe they have an OTS map for either a stock car with and without their brand short ram intake (commonly referred to as Stage 1 or 1+ with intake) and an OTS map for any catted aftermarket down pipe with and without an intake (stage 2 / 2+)

You can add a down pipe with a nameless exhaust, without removing the axle back. I started with a Nameless axle back actually on my 5 door. When their mid-pipe came out, I bought one. I use an invidia catless down pipe. You can piece your own system together, just be careful to verify fitment between the various pieces.

If you aren't aware, the downpipe will be your largest gains under the curve when compared to an intake or a cat-back. Some people will argue the intake may provide gains over the down pipe.

I'd really just recommend sticking to their off the shelf map notes (no EBCS). Down the road a ways if you want a professional tune or are ready to add another batch of mods, get a professional dyno tune and add the EBCS on then.

[zax]

Is it pretty easy to tuneSF Intake with either the downpipe or turboback?

You require a Wideband O2 sensor to properly tune for an intake.

[Mikie13]

the AP should have a map included for Stage 2 for their intake. Read the map notes to find out specifically.

No point in replacing parts you already have. You only need the downpipe portion of the turboback to go Stage 2.

[bz24]

You require a Wideband O2 sensor to properly tune for an intake.

Which wide and O2 would you recommend?