Hi everyone,

My search did not yield the results I was looking for (people using "CA" instead of "California" definitely hurts when searching because I think the Search function excludes words with less than three letters) so I'm turning to all of you for help.

I've had the AP since early April 2005 for my 2004 WRX Sedan (5MT). I've been running Stage1 91 octane base and realtime maps the whole time except when I go to the track (Stage1 93 octane used after I put some 100 octane in). The powertrain is stock except for the AP and a Prodrive intercooler Y-hose that was installed on 02/17/2007. Two Sundays ago (02/11/2007), I noticed I could hear pinging/knocking at WOT in 4th gear. I think I also heard it a little (not nearly as much a few weeks before that).

I was running the Stage1 91 octane v1.30 base and realtime maps. I reset the ECU using the AP and tried running again with the same maps. Although I don't think I really heard any pinging/knocking, I decided to switch the realtime map to the Stage1 CA 91 octane map to play it safe.

Should I continue using the Stage1 91 octane base map with the Stage1 CA 91 octane realtime map?

I would think these would be the possible combinations:
Stage1 91 octane base + Stage1 91 octane realtime (was previously using and am hoping to use)
Stage1 91 octane base + Stage1 CA 91 octane realtime (current)
Stage1 CA 91 octane base + Stage1 91 octane realtime
Stage1 CA 91 octane base + Stage1 CA 91 octane realtime

I know with the Stage1 91 octane basemap, boost will max out around 15.0-15.1 psi in 4th and 5th gear. The Stage1 CA 91 octane realtime map seems to have the boost come on a good bit "slower" than the non-CA realtime map. The Stage1 CA 91 octane base map seems to only boost in the high 13s/low 14s psi and feels noticably weaker than the non-CA base map.

I personally would like to stay with the Stage1 91 octane base map. I can live with using either Stage1 91 octane realtime map. However, if I'm risking damage to the engine, I would love to know right away! I would love input from anyone in California, Nevada, or Arizona who may be able to help me!

Could I have simply have put bad gasoline into the vehicle?

What would you all recommend?

Thanks in advance!

God bless,
Loren

Minor update:

I made a good number of hard 3rd gear pulls on my way home from work last night with no pinging at all. It may have been the gas I was getting from one Shell station.

For now, I'll stay at Stage 1 91 Octane base map with Stage 1 CA 91 Octane realtime map.

The main reason why I don't want to go to the CA base map is because there is noticeably less power at WOT (because boost pressure is less?).

Any more suggestions, folks?

Thanks,
Loren

IIRC the ca maps run less boost, more timing, and more fuel. all around less for making power.

i would suggest a custom tune for anyone in states with less than average gas.... **** i suggest a custom tune to everyone, but ESPECIALLY if your gas is outside what the rest of the country sees.

I know cobb's map is made for "ca" gas, but it's just not the same as a custom tune and don't let anyone tell you other wise.

there are some that end up making MORE power with a custom tune, and at the same time have more safety built into the map...

I got quite a bit of pinging yesterday when I went WOT on a trip down to San Diego and back.

I switched to the stage 1 CA 91 octane base map late this afternoon and all seems to be going well so far! Boost is maxing out at 15.0-15.1 psi in 4th and 5th gears. :) Power seems okay according to my posterior.

God bless,
Loren