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Old 11-07-2005, 08:58 PM   #1
jason2004STI
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Question Would COBB StreetTuner be worth it?

Sorry to ask such a nOOb question, but after searching and reading countless pages, I'm still utterly confused... Here goes.

I've an '04 STi with the following power mods:
COBB AccessPort
COBB Full Turbo Back Exhaust
COBB Stage II Map (the 93 oct. base map that comes with the AP)
K&N Typhoon

My friend's tell me that the StreetTuner software from COBB would allow me to custom tune a map that could be stored on the AP and installed to my STi. So I say, that's cool what will that gain me? They tell me that with my current upgrades/mods I could tune it to get ~400hp and possibly more than that in torque. I'm thinking this sounds too good to be true.. So I search and research, only to become more confused than when I started. I think I understand the what and how of the AP & StreetTuner combo and how that is supposed to work. Now, I do NOT want to invest in any more go fast "parts" at this time. No Big Gulp 850cc injectors, nor APS-FMIC (oh so sexay), nor Hugegantic Turbo's. I'm done with that for now, a custom tune on the other hand is still an acceptable upgrade. So, with my current setup will the Street Tuner software really give me the gains that my friends have so kindly boasted I could make? Or am I better off living with the StageII map that came with my AP? Any advice, suggestions or comments are welcome!

Peace
Jason

Oh, and I forgot to ask my other question... Would it be better to just go somewhere with an AWD dyno and get them to custom tune it? Thanks again!
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Old 11-07-2005, 09:26 PM   #2
subablunc
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your US STI has 300 HP and 2.5 l no ?

even with that, 400 HP is a bit...hum say optimistic.

with your setup AP is enough.

but are you sure you do not want to upgrade your parts ?
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Old 11-07-2005, 09:32 PM   #3
jason2004STI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by subablunc
your US STI has 300 HP and 2.5 l no ?

even with that, 400 HP is a bit...hum say optimistic.

with your setup AP is enough.

but are you sure you do not want to upgrade your parts ?
Yea, I figured he was just trying to talk me into getting it, just to see.... I'm sure that for now, no more parts...I just got a house 6 months ago.. priority shift .. Maybe in another year or so I will go injector/turbo/fmic etc... What's a more realistic gain from using the Street Tuner? Would I get better results from a AWD Dyno and tune, or is S/T & Dyno tune the same thing?

Thanks!
Jason
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Old 11-07-2005, 09:50 PM   #4
crazymikie
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If you plan on learning how to tune the car yourself and making lots of setup changes, StreetTuner is a good option for you. You can pay the upgrade fee ($400) and retune until your heart is content. For the same price, you can just get a dyno tune, though. HOwever, if you change your setup, you will have to pay this fee each time.

The K&N Typhoon intake could definitely use calibration, so StreetTuner will allow you to do that. I think the gains will be noticeably and the car will definitely feel smoother once you figure out what you are doing. I've thoroughly enjoyed learning and using StreetTuner, but your mileage might vary.

Really, the quality of the tune will come down to who does the tuning, not really the tool used (StreetTuner or ProTuner). If you can find someone in your area to help tune, StreetTuner might be a better idea.

FWIW- on a WRX with TBE and uppipe, I put down 230ft/lbs of torque and 219hp on a dyno where Cobb Stage 2 cars put down about 200-210 ft/lbs and 200-210 hp. The driveability of the car is a lot better.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Mike
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Old 11-07-2005, 10:48 PM   #5
jason2004STI
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Thanks for the info crazymike. I am looking for a solution that will allow me to continuously fine tune my car/setup regardless of change in upgrades. I still have some more research to do before making the actual purchase, but I'm feeling more secure in sticking with COBB's Street Tuner product. I've been very pleased with the results and quality of COBB's products thus far, hopefully StreetTuner will keep that trend ...

Peace
Jason
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Old 11-07-2005, 11:00 PM   #6
nhluhr
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If you go from the AP Stage2 directly to the StreetTuner Stage2 map, you will probably notice a slight reduction in performance. The reason is the basemaps that Cobb supplies with ST are not tuned as aggressively as their AP maps, for the simple reason that they want to give the end user a little tuning headroom.

You won't get 'gains' unless you actually do intend to custom tune it (and then only if you do it well).

But pricewise, you could spend $400 on a protune with your existing accessport and get a professional custom tuned map. Or you can spend $450 or whatever it is to have streettuner and then tune it yourself (and/or pay a shop to tune it). StreetTuner gives you some other useful things that a Protune doesn't... namely, extensive datalogging abilities.

The key with StreetTuner though is endless tuning for the end user... you are NEVER locked into what your last tuning session put you at.
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Old 11-07-2005, 11:02 PM   #7
mcowger
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StreetTuner is an excellent product, and will definitly allow you to do what you want.

Expensive though, just for 'tinkering'.
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Old 11-07-2005, 11:06 PM   #8
nhluhr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcowger
StreetTuner is an excellent product, and will definitly allow you to do what you want.

Expensive though, just for 'tinkering'.
I don't think StreetTuner is expensive at all, if you already have the AccessPort. Think about it this way:

StreetTuner not only lets you tune it yourself (with no per-reflash fees), but also gives you datalogging that is comparable to that of the $330 DeltaDash package.
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Old 11-07-2005, 11:18 PM   #9
jason2004STI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nhluhr
If you go from the AP Stage2 directly to the StreetTuner Stage2 map, you will probably notice a slight reduction in performance. The reason is the basemaps that Cobb supplies with ST are not tuned as aggressively as their AP maps, for the simple reason that they want to give the end user a little tuning headroom.

You won't get 'gains' unless you actually do intend to custom tune it (and then only if you do it well).
...
The key with StreetTuner though is endless tuning for the end user... you are NEVER locked into what your last tuning session put you at.
That makes sense about the change of maps, giving the tuner some room to tune .. I've got a good friend that works for Delta-V (a tuner shop out of Virginia), and he mentioned that another location is building a AWD dyno only 45 minutes from Richmond (where we live) so I won't have to trek for like 4 hours to get to the only other AWD dyno I know of near us. I'm pretty sure I can get a "in-the-biz" discount for some after hours Dyno time and or some basic tuning with the StreetTuner. I'm reading up on COBB's forums about current users and their issues.. research research research Thanks again for the info

Peace
Jason
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Old 11-07-2005, 11:22 PM   #10
mcowger
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nhluhr
I don't think StreetTuner is expensive at all, if you already have the AccessPort. Think about it this way:

StreetTuner not only lets you tune it yourself (with no per-reflash fees), but also gives you datalogging that is comparable to that of the $330 DeltaDash package.

Don't need to convince me about ST . I bought my copy the week it came out .

Originally, it sounded like he didn't really want to do anything but slightly tweak minor stuff, and for that is a bit pricy. However, I do agree that its an awesome tuning/datalogging tool.
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Old 11-08-2005, 12:34 AM   #11
subablunc
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the possibility of self tuning is the point that decided to go with AP/ST...

one day we say "I don't want anymore parts, my TBE and IC hoses are enough" and a few months later we're purchasing bigger turbo and injectors etc.

that's why AP and its "ease" of use seems a good choice (and no cutting !).

I figure you plan on adding some power parts in the future so that you'll have to optimize them and the only way is to get the best evolutive EM.
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Old 11-08-2005, 03:20 PM   #12
jason2004STI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by subablunc
one day we say "I don't want anymore parts, my TBE and IC hoses are enough" and a few months later we're purchasing bigger turbo and injectors etc.
Oh yea, let me clarify.. I do WANT lots more go fast parts.. I don't NEED any more go fast parts My budget has shifted from the automotive, to the domestic (upgrades for the new home) .. Some time in the future (a year or more off) I will be ready to upgrade turbo/fmic/injectors/etc.. I've been reading up on the StreetTuner, looks like it will work out best for what I'm needing. I really appreciate everyone's input and info!

Peace
Jason
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Old 11-26-2005, 10:41 PM   #13
purduephigam
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had to bring this thread back...

i'm in the process of researching this product as well.

it seems like it'd be the best bang for the buck in my case, because i am planning to mod more and more as time goes on (kind of addicted). however, i feel like i wouldn't have any idea how to use this thing. it looks so complicated

don't get me wrong i am more than happy to learn how to do this (and do it properly); are there any newer tuners that feel overwhelmed by this? are there any "dummy" guides to tuning? hah
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Old 11-26-2005, 11:28 PM   #14
mcowger
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I was/am a new tuner...it is daunting. Read mick_the_ginge's guide to the UTEC...some of it is UTEC specific, most of it is not. That helped, that and asking more questions.
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Old 11-26-2005, 11:39 PM   #15
purduephigam
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link?
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Old 11-26-2005, 11:42 PM   #16
hondaeater69
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Tuning for dummies?? not sure if that one's out yet
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Old 11-27-2005, 12:29 AM   #17
purduephigam
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right now i've got an 05 wrx with invidia turboback, stg II 93. would the streettuner even be worth it for me with these mods? i'd like to think i could tune it to get a substantial increase in power. any thoughts?
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Old 11-27-2005, 12:38 AM   #18
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don't get the ST if you don't have a deep desire to learn how to tune yourself. Just get a protune. I bought the ST because i thought i wanted to learn how to tune, but it got old fast and i ended up just getting a protune. I have the SW incase i ever need to change anything, but i feel it's kind of a waste because i don't use it very often. I like to work on my car ocassionaly, but it doesn't consume my life like others'.
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Old 11-27-2005, 12:43 AM   #19
purduephigam
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i do have the desire to tune myself. and the fact that i want to upgrade things (turbo, intercooler, injectors, intercooler hoses, uppipe, ewg) will allow me to further tune my car. right now since money doesn't grow on trees, a protune now would be a complete waste of money knowing i would upgrade parts sooner or later....
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Old 11-27-2005, 08:04 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by purduephigam
link?

http://www.wrxhackers.com/modules.ph...ewtopic&t=1507
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Old 11-27-2005, 08:38 PM   #21
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I am a noob to this forum and to the ECU tuning so bare with me... I have had bikes and cars over the years and done some "tuning" if sitting at the side of the road adjusting the gap on a set of points and adjusting the advance on a distributer counts.

The problem I see with all of this is trying to use a butt dyno. Solid numbers, for torque and HP along with boost, O2 levels etc... are what's needed. If you are going to make small changes the ECU can adapt to some extent (or so I am told) but large changes will require a Dyno.
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