AlexD Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 and I noticed that Cobb sells packages for Stage 1/Stage 2 tuning. A Stage 2 package costs ~$2300, consists of an Accessport, a downpipe, and a cat-back exhaust, and adds 55hp and 95 lb-ft of torque. My question is this: is there a better way to spend $2300 and get more bang for my buck? This car is my daily driver, so dependability/reliability is important. In addition, I know that for awhile certain tuning products for '08 Spec Bs were hard to come by. I'm not current enough on various offerings to know whether that has changed significantly. Any suggestions?
acqui Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 I've heard good things about Cobb but I would also consider having a look at Vishnu (http://www.vishnutuning.com) as most of the people I know with STIs and EVOs run his software. That said, most people on these forums swear by Cobb, who seems to have a good reputation but is also expensive.
whobaru Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 The Cobb AP is the only way to go IMO. Worth every penny.
Leonardo Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 remember, what is stated of adding is with the map they supply which is a conservative one. I have sen cars gain 50+ extra HP and about 48# of torque with a safe protune on the dyno by Gadiel. More if you have Race Gas and want to do a race gas map. Cobb AP all the way! Unless you go with a Utec where ha can make much more HP than with the AP on the dyno.
Wraith40k Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 I have an accessport 1.0, full Turboback Cobb exhaust (w/racing cat), and cobb uppipe (catless). The cobb equipment has all been impressive in quality. You can add any of the cobb pieces individually, to fit your desired performance gains. Also, you can easily switch maps to have your car pass smog tests, or for valet (never use) or gas mileage... or even for a higher/lower than normal octane. The cobb support when I have had questions has also been the best.
Dr.Chris Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 You can still run the stage II map with just a downpipe and the accessport. I plan on getting the Cobb catted downpipe, AP and having it protuned by topspeed here in N. Georgia. A protune will get even more horsepower out of your car because it is custom for your engine. The base maps that you get from Cobb have a lot of safety built into them. My only expereince with Cobb so far is a short shifter, and the quality was very impressive. I guess the biggest thing to consider is your overall goal with the car on weather this will be the best way to spend your money. 2011 WRX Hatch currently. Looking for OXT or FXT for new daily to go with the WRX.
AlexD Posted May 12, 2008 Author Posted May 12, 2008 So it sounds like the consensus is the Cobb AP. Once I get that, how do I go about getting a more aggressive map? Do i have to find a Subie shop that has a dyno and get them to tune the car to my specs? Or are they pretty readily available elsewhere? Sorry these are such noob questions, but I'm just now getting serious about making my car more fun.
whobaru Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 Get a pro tune. You and your car will be much happier.
Neurodancer Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 So it sounds like the consensus is the Cobb AP. Once I get that, how do I go about getting a more aggressive map? Do i have to find a Subie shop that has a dyno and get them to tune the car to my specs? Or are they pretty readily available elsewhere? Sorry these are such noob questions, but I'm just now getting serious about making my car more fun. The AP comes with a series of Maps already loaded. When researching, it helps to read their User Guide. Some retail sites (PDX, TDC, etc...) will send custom maps to you based upon your list of mods and elevation - called an e-tune. Or, you can find a good local tuner that knows Subies that can custom-build a tune for your specific car for a set fee or hourly rate - called a protune. I think someone above recommended a N. Georgia tuner to you, better to get a recommendation from a forum-frequenter than just trying to find a shop with a dyno, IMHO. Cobb parts are high quality (I have their Sways, Endlinks and Downpipe), but you can go cheaper if you want to maximize your bang for the buck on supporting mods, but the $700 for the AP is pretty much a set price for you. AP is all you need for "Stage 1" and a Downpipe is necessary for "Stage 2." Read this and this as well. Good Luck!
whobaru Posted May 12, 2008 Posted May 12, 2008 Look for a partout or sale where you can get one cheaper. They're just as good used as they are new IMO.
AlexD Posted May 13, 2008 Author Posted May 13, 2008 Thanks very much, Neurodancer. I appreciate the information. That's exactly the kind of education I need! Now, to go shopping...
fonts Posted May 13, 2008 Posted May 13, 2008 Good luck in your search. Agree that an AP is great bang for the $$. Since you're running an 08 it has an OEM catless UP. You don't need a catback. You can generally find a used DP on the member classifieds for good $$. I have a Cobb DP and absolutely love it. You can run a Cobb stage II map with just a DP and the AP. If you want to get more slick you can buy a custom map from various vendors on the forum. If you want the ultimate you can get a protune. Good luck and happy hunting.
f1anatic Posted May 13, 2008 Posted May 13, 2008 Yes Cobb Accessport and then source out the other components or gut your own pipes. And pro-tune. You can get very nice numbers for under 1500 dollars.
markbrotens Posted May 18, 2008 Posted May 18, 2008 What do you think of the sway bars? Is there a noticeable difference (positive or negative) and was it worth it?
lawl Posted May 18, 2008 Posted May 18, 2008 there is a very good review of the sway bars in the suspension forum. IIRC the dude was very very happy with them. the AP is a very good tool. 700 dollars is a lot but if you can find one used go for it. they're usually not very used. mine is in perfect condition because it just sits in my room in the package it shipped in. lurk around the FS thread car for sale. PM me!
fonts Posted May 18, 2008 Posted May 18, 2008 Here you go. One used for same in the member classified section http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88506
hlewis12 Posted May 18, 2008 Posted May 18, 2008 I just bought an AP yesterday from the classified section on here. IIm sure I'll install it the day it arrives in the mail. I also live in Knoxville actually right outside (Harriman) if you want to meet up sometime I can show you how stage 1 is. Of course after reading threads this morning I can't wait to get an sti up and gut my down and go stage 2.
westy66 Posted May 24, 2008 Posted May 24, 2008 does Cobb catless DP throw a CEL? can the AP block certain CEL's? im in a state with OBD emissions testing. thanks
AlexD Posted May 28, 2008 Author Posted May 28, 2008 I don't know for certain, but I believe it will throw a CEL. I know that the protuners can create programs that will block certain CELs, but I'm not aware that you can block them using an AP out of the box. Others on here may be more knowledgeable than I am, however.
Leonardo Posted May 28, 2008 Posted May 28, 2008 The above is correct. Also a protunner can make you an "emmision passing" map!
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