Engine Management FAQ: Read if you are thinking of buying one!

[mrsaturn7085]

Originally Posted by snowrx

mrsaturn7085-
Thanks for the input, it's appreciated. And yes, the PNP box runs speed density

Cost update, the plug and play box for the 02-05 WRX running MS-3 code is going for $1200, and the MS3 kit + MS3X+ harness is under $600 if you're a serious DIY guy.

https://www.diyautotune.com/product/...05-subaru-wrx/

What I meant was: if you go from MS to a different speed density setup (AccessPort, standalone, etc.) it will be an easy changeover due to the changes you'll have in-place just to get the MS up and running.

For the price, I'd get an AP and call it a day.

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[snowrx]

My understanding of the AP is that it only loads other peoples tunes?

Not sure what "stage" my EJ257 block/worked EJ20 heads/VF30/STi cammed/700cc injector/full exhaust motor would be, but I'm guessing there would be extra expense in further tuning or licenses to tweak the AP, unless that's what the open source takes care of. I've not followed Subaru engine management options since I installed my UTEC/Tuner combo many years ago, I'm trying to get up to speed.

I'll confess that using the same software to tune both cars has an appeal that may discount other solutions!

[mrsaturn7085]

Nope - the AP can log & monitor as well as live tune (or offline tune) using the free AccessTuner Race software. Cobb keeps the software under lock and key, however - you need to have a valid AP serial no. to be able to access the downloads, and even then, you will be limited to tuning your car unless you buy the professional version of the software.

Cobb offers a number of base and 'staged' maps to start off with, but the tunes are fully open to the end-user. Unfortunately, many professional tuners *will* lock the tune if you decide to have it tuned by them - finding a tuner that fits your needs is key, here.

The AP is versatile enough (and maintains OBD) that even though I have switched to a MoTeC M800, I keep my AP available to plug in the OEM ECU and renew the registration every two years. Having the ability to revert to OBD compatibility means I'm able to do the OBD emissions testing rather than needing a sniffer test; the car would probably pass either test, but the OBD check is MUCH faster.

[Outbackxt413]

Anyone know of a good subaru tuner in Massachusetts? Preferably western mass?

[BlueScooby]

Brentuning in Sterling MA is probably your best bet for a dyno tune. I live in MA but after weighing my options and reading customer feedback I went with an Etune from Eric at Torqued Performance and couldn't be happier. He only tunes turbo subaru motors and his experience definitely shows. Great guy too.

[Scargod]

Originally Posted by Outbackxt413

Anyone know of a good subaru tuner in Massachusetts? Preferably western mass?

I can offer you this customized Google map I made three months ago, when I was looking for alternatives.
As to Brentuning in Sterling MA, I did not contact him as recall and the website is dangerous, according to Google Chrome. I also did not go west into NY. I was trying to avoid towing my car on a trailer through the NYC area. There may be many places in the NYC area and on Long Island if you can drive there.
I'd suggest you pick a reputable place with an in-house tuner and not one with a roving, mercenary tuner.
Added:
Bren Tuning
Brendan Griffin
(508) 762-1769
6 years in business
377 Worcester Rd
Charlton, MA 01507-1503
AKA, Autobahn East

[OneBadAssWREX]

I have a 2011 WRX Hatch running Stage 3 AP.

My mods are

Cobb Accesport V3
Cobb SF Intake
Grimmspeed EBCS
Grimmspeed TMIC W/Perrin Throttle Body to Intercooler Coupler
Perrin Turbo Inlet Pipe
Stock BOV
Invidia Catless Divided Wastegate Downpipe
Invidia Catless Catback Exhaust W/1 O2 sensor

I'm currently running the cobb stage 2+sf 93 mt v331 LWG Map:

I did a data log and took a picture of my parameters. I am still over boosting in every gear. I'm boosting up to 20.1 PSI and once I hit 3rd hear an at 5500RPM it throws a code and puts my car into limp mode. The code of course is the overboost code. The check engine light comes on, the cruise control flashes, the brake light comes on.

Here is what my AP readings are in 1st-4th
gear 120mph 11° degrees out and I'm in the
Mountains high altitude
Boost
-10.11
11.76/19.57

Feedback Knock
-1.40/0.00

Fine Knock Learn
0.00/0.00

Dyn. Adv. Mult.
1.000
1.000/1.000
DAM

Dynamic Adv. Len
0.00
0.00/6.50

Dynamic Adv.
0.00
0.00/6.62

So first off is that a bad knock reading? And second how the hell do I stop over boosting before I blow something up?? [

[snowrx]

Cold temps and the associated denser air always push my boost levels up.
Quite often my perfect summer boost settings are to high come winter.

Assuming all your boost plumbing is/was functional before this.

[theSTIprojectgrey]

great info !

[Joey118]

I need help finding a very basic plug-in “performance chip”. I was taking to one of my friends, telling him my car basically has no commercial mods available for it (2004 Impreza Outback [NA]) and he told me that Subaru’s respond really well to performance chips. So I want to find one that will work well on my car, which has no current mods. I don’t know anything about car tuning and it probably isn’t worth it to spend a lot on my car anyways. So I just want recommendations for a cheap and easy plug-in that will at least give my car a little more performance, if that’s possible.

[CvryanWRX]

Originally Posted by Joey118

I need help finding a very basic plug-in “performance chip”. I was taking to one of my friends, telling him my car basically has no commercial mods available for it (2004 Impreza Outback [NA]) and he told me that Subaru’s respond really well to performance chips. So I want to find one that will work well on my car, which has no current mods. I don’t know anything about car tuning and it probably isn’t worth it to spend a lot on my car anyways. So I just want recommendations for a cheap and easy plug-in that will at least give my car a little more performance, if that’s possible.

Maybe you just need a K&N air filter...ah shoulda checked date before posting since this is a year old!