2017 WRX Manual w/ Cobb Accessport

@nrasubaru

I am really interested on your thoughts on the Cobb OTS Stage 1 (91) on a stock car. I am contemplating getting a Access Port, and just running the Stage 1 OTS tune indefinitely (I can swing the AP, but not the further cost of tuning)

I am really only looking to improve driveability. My biggest gripes with the stock tune are:

1. Throttle Mapping
2. Inconsistent/Hesitant acceleration above 3,500 rpms
3. Hesitant Acceleration From a stop

I don't drive aggressively, but there are times I need to get ahead of someone from a stop, and I feel alot of the time when I try and need to accelerate quickly, it sometimes just feels sluggish. Also, when accelerating from 3,500rpm and up, it just seems sometimes the acceleration is strong, and somewhat linear, but other times I feel like the acceleration is hitting a brick wall.

How do you feel the Stage 1 OTS is vs the stock tune in those types of situations?

What is holding me back is:
1. I don't want to have to drive around with the AP connected and mounted all the time

2. I have time to mess with and troubleshoot potential issues with the car. I don't' what to have to collect logs, and chase problems.

3. I hear the Stage 1 OTS runs richer then the stock map, and since our cars already have fuel dilution issues, it may not be the best thing to run long term (This is hearsay, I don't know for sure)

I see alot of hate on the Cobb Stage 1 OTS, however there are many variables like people running it with different mods, or maybe mods it wasn't designed for, people running it on different octane levels, and "Power Snobs" who have unrealistic expectations on what it should do.

whiplash willy said:

@nrasubaru

I am really interested on your thoughts on the Cobb OTS Stage 1 (91) on a stock car. I am contemplating getting a Access Port, and just running the Stage 1 OTS tune indefinitely (I can swing the AP, but not the further cost of tuning)

I am really only looking to improve driveability. My biggest gripes with the stock tune are:

1. Throttle Mapping
2. Inconsistent/Hesitant acceleration above 3,500 rpms
3. Hesitant Acceleration From a stop

I don't drive aggressively, but there are times I need to get ahead of someone from a stop, and I feel alot of the time when I try and need to accelerate quickly, it sometimes just feels sluggish. Also, when accelerating from 3,500rpm and up, it just seems sometimes the acceleration is strong, and somewhat linear, but other times I feel like the acceleration is hitting a brick wall.

How do you feel the Stage 1 OTS is vs the stock tune in those types of situations?

What is holding me back is:
1. I don't want to have to drive around with the AP connected and mounted all the time

2. I have time to mess with and troubleshoot potential issues with the car. I don't' what to have to collect logs, and chase problems.

3. I hear the Stage 1 OTS runs richer then the stock map, and since our cars already have fuel dilution issues, it may not be the best thing to run long term (This is hearsay, I don't know for sure)

I see alot of hate on the Cobb Stage 1 OTS, however there are many variables like people running it with different mods, or maybe mods it wasn't designed for, people running it on different octane levels, and "Power Snobs" who have unrealistic expectations on what it should do.

Click to expand...

I was really hesitant at first about it, because the car is new and I haven't even done my first service yet on the car.
After a lot of research, the Cobb AP turned out to be dependable. The entire process only took 5 minutes, after you update the firmware on the Cobb AP using your computer.
I encountered a minor issue when it was updating. The software said "Do not unplug from computer... Update in progress."
It was stuck on this screen for nearly half an hour and I decided to unplug and restart the AP and the updated firmware actually did get installed successfully.
After that, I connected it to the OBD-II port (right above the clutch pedal - to the left a little bit) and it took about 5 minutes for the AP to backup my stock ECU and flash it with the Cobb Stage 1 OTS (91 Octane)

I'm in the same boat as you as well. I'm not planning to go all out with the modding and might run Stage 1 OST for a while.
The throttle mapping and the rev hang (from 1st to 2nd) are horrendous on stock tune.
I didn't like the accelerator pedal at all from a complete stop because it was so sensitive.
Sometimes I would over rev by accident when I barely place force on the accelerator pedal.
The car was also jerky while in lower gears (at least for me it was).

I was prepared to resolve potential issues as well while flashing the ECU, but thankfully I didn't encounter any
The entire process was quick and seamless (although I drove my car for a few minutes prior so the battery won't lose voltage while the flash is in progress).

Now I'm enjoying the car more. The rev hang has been reduced. It's still there but its not as bad as it was with stock tune.
I can cruise in a parking lot in 1st gear and its so smooth, no jerkiness at all.
I have no fear of stalling the car, because the clutch control has been improved. It is much easier to get the car rolling from a stop and slightly add gas if needed.
You can also adjust the idle RPM with the Cobb AP if you have the fear of stalling when moving from a stop.
The accelerator pedal isn't sensitive at all anymore in 1st gear
The boost is consistent all the way to redline as well.
Lastly, the Cobb AP doesn't need to be mounted to the car at all, after you flash the ECU.
People only leave it connected for data logging and to monitor different gauges :/

You should definitely get the Cobb AP.
Totally worth it.
Make sure to purchase from MAPerformance because you get all Cobb OTS maps for free, as well as MAP OTS maps (double win!)

I don't personally have experience with the COBB AP. And I don't think I will get one even though I would like to try it because I leased my car. Being said that, I have already did quite a bit of research such as youtube, forum, facebook and google reviews. Basically most people said COBB AP is the most reliable ECU tune for occasional tuners like us. A protune is required if you are serious looking for power. However there is always this possibility that you might void warranty.

Now I've also heard from other Subie owners who have done a lot of mods(almost all of them modded from COBB AP to full out mods), that most of the dealerships(in the SF Bayarea) are "friendly" with Mods because they understand why people wanna buy a WRX. And the dealerships will honor warranty AS LONG AS the damage isn't caused by mods.

Personally I think it's worth it to get a COBB AP if I bought my car. However you need to realize that you are doing this on your own and knowing you might void warranty and no one can tell you with confident that COBB AP is "Safe" to use.

Otherwise, have fun with it!