Noob Tuning help

[sleepy04]

So i really like to do my own tuning on my car. It's a 04 wrx with a catless turbo-back exhaust. Right now I'm running the OTS stage 2 map from Cobb. I know to get the best power out of it, a protune is the best bet. But I would like to have a go at tuning it. Mainly because I can do the majority of the mechanical work, and i'm a real hands on type person. I love getting into everything and doing the work myself.

I've downloaded the AccessTuner Race software and i've been reading over the Cobb manual that comes with it. Is there anything else that you guys might recommend, any books, websites etc. Something that might give me a good baseline to start with. I've been cruising around the Engine management section of NASIOC, and I've done some google searching. But as i'm not an expert, i have no idea what would be reliable or not.

[xxthat girlxx]

Uhhh.... I wouldn't touch my car's engine management without supervision from someone experienced. Just my 2 cents.

[MikeGT]

Uhhh.... I wouldn't touch my car's engine management without supervision from someone experienced. Just my 2 cents.+1 on that.

[sleepy04]

No i understand that. I'm not going to jump into right away, and if it seems really confusing i'll definitely take it somewhere.

But i'd like to have at least an idea of what they are doing and how they are doing it and what it involves.

[Ron89]

Great book with Subaru, Ford, and GM info. Also plenty of theory.
http://www.amazon.com/Engine-Management-Advanced-Greg-Banish/dp/1932494421/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277694094&sr=8-1

Haven't read this one but I think I heard it was worth reading.
http://www.amazon.com/Modify-Management-Systems-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760315825/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277694094&sr=8-3

Bad Noodle's Tuning Guide
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1626520

UTEC Guide
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1221413

[MoN]

Also keep in mind, as you continue modding your subie, the cobb accessport is gonna be worthless to your engine's new upgrades, and you will eventually require a pro-tune. Which is why if you notice SO many people are selling these used, because after upgrading this accessport is not compatible (does not recognize many upgrades. It is only compatible with so many modifications. For now I guess you'll be ok, but dont try to go for the most powerfull setting and blow up your engine or something. Like Sarah said, your better off getting a pro-tune, which could cost you the same if not less that the accessport... and be much safer. Good luck. Sorry I cant help you chose the right setting for you as I have no clue... If your close to central MA. Brentune does a great job at great prices!

[StripesRX]

Most people use the AccessPort with stage 2 off the shelf(and some go with the ready made OTS maps for other mods) but you can use an AccessPort with any sort of modifications. All it does is allow your tuner to use the Cobb tuning software and gives you a nifty tool to save maps, see codes and data log. The less expensive option is to use the free Opensource software, but personally I'll go with Sarah on this. Tuning your car is the single most effective way to kill your car.

If you want to get involved in the tuning process, I know a few tuners in the northeast run small class sessions on basic and advanced stuff. And if you do get tuned, ask questions! most tuners will gladly explain whats going on. :)

[MoN]

Amy your so insightful, I love it :)

^^ And ya thats what i meant to say once you keep modding your gonna have to re-tune save the map etc etc with each added modification... why not just go w/ a tuner u know?

[sleepy04]

Thanks for the help!! my plan is to get a protune when i get a bigger turbo and stuff. i just want to have a little bit of an idea of what is happening, and maybe learn a little that i can try on my own.

I would love to get a protune whenever i needed it, but the only tuner in my "area" is in NoVa at Mach V, which is a 3 or 4 hour drive.

[bannerd]

Also keep in mind, as you continue modding your subie, the cobb accessport is gonna be worthless to your engine's new upgrades, and you will eventually require a pro-tune. Which is why if you notice SO many people are selling these used, because after upgrading this accessport is not compatible (does not recognize many upgrades. It is only compatible with so many modifications. For now I guess you'll be ok, but dont try to go for the most powerfull setting and blow up your engine or something. Like Sarah said, your better off getting a pro-tune, which could cost you the same if not less that the accessport... and be much safer. Good luck. Sorry I cant help you chose the right setting for you as I have no clue... If your close to central MA. Brentune does a great job at great prices!


The AP isn't worthless to new engine upgrades, you can use the cobb map manager to load a custom tuned map to the AP and it allows you to load that into your car. Keep the AP if you're going to be using the stock ECU. Most tuners give you several maps based on the types of gas they have tuned the car too. Many people have racing maps for their cars setup which allows them to get a better power band on a higher/more stable octane fuel.

Tuning a car is not dangerous at all, in fact people blow their motors because they have no idea what they're doing. Tuning is seriously easy with the right knowledge. Most people sell their AP's because they have upgraded their stock ECU to ecutek, AEM or another third party deal. Most applications these days show you the load of what is going on in the car and how much duty that application is putting out. A good tuner will keep it mild for the mods that are on the car without breaching the limits. Other tuners go way over the recommended specs on the duty cycle which causes the premature failing. Once you get the right knowledge it's pretty easy to be honest. I recommend looking at romraider and just start logging you car. If you have the money you can talk to cobb about their tuner software. Most shops use that haha

Oh, one more thing read this, it is good;

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxhc3ViaWVuZXdiaWV0dW5pbmdn dWlkZXxneDoxMGYzM2M5NjBlYzY3ODI4

[jaxscuby]

i would first learn how to datalog.
then install wideband o2 sensor.

if you can find a efi-101 class, efi unversity..search on internet.
read some books on fuel injection.

if you were closer I would do some data log rides with you..
but alas you're in virgina..