I have a stock RX-8 with no plans to do any modding.

I drive the car daily (parked for the winter) and autocross at every opportunity.

What benefits, if any could I expect to see with a stock RX-8 and an AP map adjustment?

+10 whp. see my thread "kane tunes my car"

What benefits, if any could I expect to see with a stock RX-8 and an AP map adjustment?

In the hands of a capable tuner the Cobb AccessPort allows for several things, such as (but not limited to);

1) Increased OMP volumes for better internal lubrication.
2) Slightly leaner A/F ratios for a little more power.
3) Better throttle response, especially through the midrange RPMs.
4) Lowered radiator fan "turn-on" temperatures.
5) Raised rev-limiter.
6) Raised idle speed.
7) Data-logging.
8) Real-time display of a single data point (most people monitor the A/Fs).
9) Should one decide to go F/I the AP will stay with you.

Question: Is the COBB AP for a stock RX-8 worth the $

Answer: Yes.

GET IT! you will not regret it!

Also, if you can follow instructions at a kindergarden level buy it from Mazdamaniac and he will do your tuning for FREE!

In the hands of a capable tuner the Cobb AccessPort allows for several things, such as (but not limited to);

1) Increased OMP volumes for better internal lubrication.
2) Slightly leaner A/F ratios for a little more power.
3) Better throttle response, especially through the midrange RPMs.
4) Lowered radiator fan "turn-on" temperatures.
5) Raised rev-limiter.
6) Raised idle speed.
7) Data-logging.
8) Real-time display of a single data point (most people monitor the A/Fs).
9) Should one decide to go F/I the AP will stay with you.

10) Read CEL's and clear them.
11) Flash Anti-Theft mode for when you leave your car at the airport for extended periods.

Thx, Kev. I overlooked those points.:)

What is Anti-Theft mode and what about increased fuel economy?

I like the increased rev limit (for autocross) and better mid range power!

What is Anti-Theft mode and what about increased fuel economy?

I like the increased rev limit (for autocross) and better mid range power!

The anti-theft tune is a stock map which sets the rev limiter to 200rpms. This, in effect, prevent the car from even starting. In theory someone could have your key but without the AP to flash back to stock they would be unable to start the vehicle.

Increased fuel economy would be a byproduct of leaner air/fuel mixtures. Cobb provides an economy tune but honestly I get better mileage from my MM tune which I use all the time.

What is Anti-Theft mode and what about increased fuel economy?

I like the increased rev limit (for autocross) and better mid range power!

Cobb's Anti Theft mode PDF (http://www.accessecu.com/accessport/mazda/US_RX8M_04/Map%20Notes/Anti-Theft%20Mode%20MTv100.pdf) (Note, this is the for the '04 MT so check your year)

that's pretty neat, I'm sold.... thanks all

I have a concern with the Anti theft mode.
Most wouldnt want to carry thier Cobb with them on a trip. So you load anti-theft map and leave it in the car somewhere. Thief breaks in..cant steal the car so he grabs anything he sees of value in the car instead. You come back to a broken in car that you cant drive and you cant unlock the ECU. :uhh:

The AP can keep them from stealing your car, not the cassette tapes inside. :)

I have a concern with the Anti theft mode.
Most wouldnt want to carry thier Cobb with them on a trip. So you load anti-theft map and leave it in the car somewhere. Thief breaks in..cant steal the car so he grabs anything he sees of value in the car instead. You come back to a broken in car that you cant drive and you cant unlock the ECU. :uhh:

You would have to be RETARDED to lock your ECU and then leave the COBB in your car for someone to steal.

If you travel so light that the COBB won't fit in your carry-on or your checked bags maybe you should take a taxi to the airport.

I can get the car fixed should someone really want to steal stuff. I'd rather they not try and take my car.

The COBB is portable enough to go with you anywhere.

You would have to be RETARDED to lock your ECU and then leave the COBB in your car for someone to steal.

If you travel so light that the COBB won't fit in your carry-on or your checked bags maybe you should take a taxi to the airport.

ok then, you put your cobb in your bags....and the airline looses them. Cant drive your car until the airline discovers what state your bags ended up in.... :)

Never check your bags :)

The AP can keep them from stealing your car, not the cassette tapes inside. :)

You mean it's not a magical force field? And to think that's what I bought the Club for.

I had my first experience with the AP this weekend, and I can tell you I'm frickin sold on it. Definitely a must have.

Cobb Sucks.
Period.
























Just kidding, it pwns!

In the hands of a capable tuner the Cobb AccessPort allows for several things, such as (but not limited to);

1) Increased OMP volumes for better internal lubrication.
2) Slightly leaner A/F ratios for a little more power.
3) Better throttle response, especially through the midrange RPMs.
4) Lowered radiator fan "turn-on" temperatures.
5) Raised rev-limiter.
6) Raised idle speed.
7) Data-logging.
8) Real-time display of a single data point (most people monitor the A/Fs).
9) Should one decide to go F/I the AP will stay with you.


Ok, I'm looking to buy a AP (From MM of course) and I'm curious what exactly you get with his adjusted calibration. I realize he is correcting for mods and condition specific to my motor but these adjustments are being applied to the 4 maps that come from Cobb and that is what I get back from him, 4 adjusted maps plus a "baseline" for another tuner to work from? Also, and what I'm most curious about since I'm unsure of any knowledgeable tuners in my area, does the MM adjustment include raising idle speed, fan on temps, basically what's mentioned above or is that something a 3rd party tuner must do? I'm not planning any drastic mods beyond a cat-back and BHR coil set, possibly a midpipe.

Ok, I'm looking to buy a AP (From MM of course) and I'm curious what exactly you get with his adjusted calibration. I realize he is correcting for mods and condition specific to my motor but these adjustments are being applied to the 4 maps that come from Cobb and that is what I get back from him, 4 adjusted maps plus a "baseline" for another tuner to work from? Also, and what I'm most curious about since I'm unsure of any knowledgeable tuners in my area, does the MM adjustment include raising idle speed, fan on temps, basically what's mentioned above or is that something a 3rd party tuner must do? I'm not planning any drastic mods beyond a cat-back and BHR coil set, possibly a midpipe.

If you were to buy from MM, you would delete all of the tunes that are on the Cobb. (save them to the computer of course) You will download his basemap that is basically a stock tune with a raised limter, fans, omp work done generically. You follow his directions that are clearly stated in his tuning thread "Mazdamaniac Callibrations" about loading that map on your car, doing some datalogging, then emailing the base tune you used, plus the datalog files to MM. Its very simple. Then after awhile, he will send you a revised tune that is specific to your car. Then repeat the process again with your new tune about 2 more times. The only thing that sucks is waiting for the corrected tune when he gets backed up.

I see, that clears up a lot for me. I assume his tune is ment to replace that Cobb map and most keep their Cobb economy, valet and anti-theft maps for use, assuming they used them to begine with. Also, in the 2 or so revisions, his further adjustment is based mostly on datalogs or does the ole seat-of-the-pants dyno information factor into it?
Using the stock intake system with a K&N drop in and disconnecting the VFAD, would it be prudent to do the "scale your MAF" process stickied in the tuner forum or is that not needed with stock intake an/or something MM will have already corrected?
Thanks for the quick and helpful info!

10) Read CEL's and clear them.
11) Flash Anti-Theft mode for when you leave your car at the airport for extended periods.

This is why l bloody need one :crying:

I see, that clears up a lot for me. I assume his tune is ment to replace that Cobb map and most keep their Cobb economy, valet and anti-theft maps for use, assuming they used them to begine with. Also, in the 2 or so revisions, his further adjustment is based mostly on datalogs or does the ole seat-of-the-pants dyno information factor into it?
Using the stock intake system with a K&N drop in and disconnecting the VFAD, would it be prudent to do the "scale your MAF" process stickied in the tuner forum or is that not needed with stock intake an/or something MM will have already corrected?
Thanks for the quick and helpful info!

Jeff will make any and all corrections to the MAF readings that will need to be done. But since you are using a stock intake and have no in/or out mods besides a drop in filter, maf work prolly wont be done. You usually only need to work on the MAF if you change out the intake or add a freer flowing exhaust.

Also considering light mods - but they would be next spring. Can I buy it now, get used to monitoring things like AFR, then do the exhaust/whatever next spring without an extra fee? I have seen the instructions say 6 months limit, so assume I will do the mods in March.

What are other choices for me to compare with? At a minimum to monitor AFR, temps.

^^^^ Im in the same boat as above, I have a completely stock motor at the moment and am gonna buy the Cobb AP + BHR ignition System but am wondering if after I install those if Im gonna be able to also install a AEM cold air intake and HKS Hi-Power exhaust. I have no intention of getting a turbo.

As long as you are not outside your 6 month window you can get it retuned through MMs Custom Calibration Service.... I believe :)

Also considering light mods - but they would be next spring. Can I buy it now, get used to monitoring things like AFR, then do the exhaust/whatever next spring without an extra fee? I have seen the instructions say 6 months limit, so assume I will do the mods in March.

What are other choices for me to compare with? At a minimum to monitor AFR, temps.


You can try to find a used AP for 400 or less (a little more won't hurt) to do what you want, and then purchase tuning from MazdaManiac when you want it. That's my plan right now (bought the Cobb, will tune in spring when I realize what I want to do).

It's pretty good regardless, as I was able to increase my rev limit (AT rev limit is 7500, I set mine at 8800 and shift at 8600). I was able to also increase my OMP output lowered the fan turn-on to provide protection for the engine. I'd imagine the sooner that was done, the better for the engine.

Also, being able to monitor AFR (as you stated you wanted to) helps me pay attention to any trends. This way, if I do notice that it gets extremely rich or lean in any conditions, I can ask for help on the forum.

I WANT ONE!


looks like i will have one around marchish

In the hands of a capable tuner the Cobb AccessPort allows for several things, such as (but not limited to);

1) Increased OMP volumes for better internal lubrication.
2) Slightly leaner A/F ratios for a little more power.
3) Better throttle response, especially through the midrange RPMs.
4) Lowered radiator fan "turn-on" temperatures.
5) Raised rev-limiter.
6) Raised idle speed.
7) Data-logging.
8) Real-time display of a single data point (most people monitor the A/Fs).
9) Should one decide to go F/I the AP will stay with you.

I want to expand a bit on the data logging function.

This is a must have for anyone getting the car worked on or DIY. Before and after data really are key in assessing the effectiveness of any upgrades or repairs.
Also in the Cobb Datalog thread you can find lots of reference logs to compare your data against to help pinpoint any potential issues.

I have a stock RX-8 with no plans to do any modding.

I drive the car daily (parked for the winter) and autocross at every opportunity.

What benefits, if any could I expect to see with a stock RX-8 and an AP map adjustment?

Hi,

Are there any updates in regards to how you all like the Cobb with a completely stock Rx8.

I have a white 05 auto with a brand new engine. Since the install the vibration worsened. While the vehicle is on "Drive" at a stop it shakes worse.

Can I adjust the idle with Cobb? I find that higher idle gets rid of vibration.

Also wondering if evolv has any updates or reviews.

Thanks,

Mark

Hi all, I'm new to the board and recently purchased a 2005 RX8 MT. I have been researching the Cobb AP and was wondering if the stock maps allow me to reconfigure the OMP rates, cooling fan temperature, and idle adjustment or is that something that can only be done with the custom map from Mazda Maniac?

Thanks in advance.

Only if you know what you are doing i.e. what changes to make in which map cell. There is no play by play instruction manual that takes you by the hand and encouragingly shows you how. It's a sink or swim scenario, though some of the info is on the forum if you ever bother to search and dig for the nuggets of wisdom contained in the pile of crap post threads you will find.

You can make adjustments yourself with AccessTuner Race (forever) Beta, which you must request from Cobb Tuning:

http://accessecu.com/register/cobb.php

Hi,

Are there any updates in regards to how you all like the Cobb with a completely stock Rx8.

I have a white 05 auto with a brand new engine. Since the install the vibration worsened. While the vehicle is on "Drive" at a stop it shakes worse.

Can I adjust the idle with Cobb? I find that higher idle gets rid of vibration.

Also wondering if evolv has any updates or reviews.

Thanks,

Mark

Engine mounts.

As long as you are not outside your 6 month window you can get it retuned through MMs Custom Calibration Service.... I believe :)

What do you mean?
What happens after 6 months
And how do they retune it?

What do you mean?
What happens after 6 months
And how do they retune it?

The Custom Calibration Service (http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/accessport.htm) contract period is 6 months. After that, you can resubscribe for additional time if it is needed (like if you add forced-induction or do some other large changes to the way the motor breathes).

In reality, the 6 month deadline is a not a hard cutoff - I will usually continue to work with a customer until their calibration is perfected, regardless of how long it takes, provided the customer has been at least somewhat diligent in providing data at the on-line live tuning sessions (http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/schedule.html).
That said, it usually only takes 4 to 7 iterations to complete a tune on a normally-aspirated car and up to ten iterations for a forced-induction car, provided that the mechanical end of the deal is properly executed by the customer.
Many people come to me with mechanical issues - some pretty severe - and expect that I can "tune them out". While it is sometimes possible to do so, it is not a good idea. No amount of tuning will correct an improperly setup turbo system.
So, how long the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service contract period is extended is really dependent on the customer's commitment to doing it right.

So, I just downloaded the base MM map, and will be data logging per MM's instructions for my custom calibration.

Couple of questions:
1) is the MM base map an optimized stock map?

2) until you get the custom calibration done, how 'hard' can/should you drive the car? Are there any risks? It's my daily driver, so I need to use the car. Or should I wait to do the install and data logging until the day before I submit it?

Thanks!

PS: did someone actually see 10 rwhp on their normally aspirated car as reported on this thread earlier? Really?

lol

Couple of questions:
1) is the MM base map an optimized stock map?

It is a specialized stock map.

2) until you get the custom calibration done, how 'hard' can/should you drive the car?

As hard as you like - or at least as hard as you did on the stock map.
This only applies to a normally-aspirated application, though.

PS: did someone actually see 10 rwhp on their normally aspirated car as reported on this thread earlier? Really?

I just had a customer pull an additional 19 WHP after their 5th iteration on the service. It was verified with back-to-back runs on the OE calibration.

It is also possible to see no increase in power. It depends on your particular vehicle.
Of course, power is only one reason to use the AccessPORT.

Thanks, Jeff.

imo, buying a used cobb unless you are fortunate enough to know how to tune it is not finanicaly smart. heres what i think-most used aps go from 250-400. if you want mm tuning add ~300 to your used cobb. buying a new one from jeff with tuning included right now is ~540. personally i want one but i wouldnt buy a used one for more than 200 because i would want it set for my car and idk how to do it myself

FWIW

I went the MM route and am happy. I would not get one and dink with it myself. Car runs better, is a little better on gas, I feel it pulls better and smoother. Also, I quit premix afterwards due to the OMP bump. That was a plus as well.

Yeah, I would do it again. I really think I noticed an improvement between the steps of the tune as well. All my logs were taken on the same stretch of road, with close to the same weight in the car and pretty much the same fuel load. The major difference was temp. Looking at the logs, and looking at the 4th gear part of the pull, and matching up the times of day (temp), and how long it took to get from 3500 to 7200 RPM, I could convince myself I got a 5% or so increase in the rate the RPM would rise between the second data logging and the 4th one (the ones that matched the same time of day). Someone smarter than me will have to tell me what that equates to in horsepower...

So, yeah, it helped... Car sounds a lot cooler as well.

Thanks for the detailed review man. I want to buy this from Mazda maniac as soon as possible so that can get the hang of using it before I turbo charge my 2005 Automatic Transmission RX-8.

What I'm concerned about is that I wan to tune my current stock setup to optimum performance, but I also want it tuned for when I finally purchase the turbo kit. However, I don't plan to purchase the turbo kit until 2013. I want the Cobb AP now, tune my Naturally Aspirated stock setup and then want MM to tune my car again once I install the turbo kit.

The question is, will he allow me to do that? Will he be cool with calibrating it for me when I purchase my turbo kit in a year and a half? (without an extra cost).

Thanks,
Mark
FWIW

I went the MM route and am happy. I would not get one and dink with it myself. Car runs better, is a little better on gas, I feel it pulls better and smoother. Also, I quit premix afterwards due to the OMP bump. That was a plus as well.

Yeah, I would do it again. I really think I noticed an improvement between the steps of the tune as well. All my logs were taken on the same stretch of road, with close to the same weight in the car and pretty much the same fuel load. The major difference was temp. Looking at the logs, and looking at the 4th gear part of the pull, and matching up the times of day (temp), and how long it took to get from 3500 to 7200 RPM, I could convince myself I got a 5% or so increase in the rate the RPM would rise between the second data logging and the 4th one (the ones that matched the same time of day). Someone smarter than me will have to tell me what that equates to in horsepower...

So, yeah, it helped... Car sounds a lot cooler as well.

Mark, If I recall correctly, the tuning is valid for 6 months from date of receiving the AP, but dont quote me on this. See post #38

The question is, will he allow me to do that? Will he be cool with calibrating it for me when I purchase my turbo kit in a year and a half? (without an extra cost).


No. The Calibration Service contract period is for 6 months from the time of purchase.
I usually go well beyond that time limit if it is necessary, but switching to a different setup entirely 18 months later would not be a reasonable expectation.

You can re-subscribe to the Calibration Service when you finally do switch to forced induction.

I doubt that Jeff needs any further endorsements, so if you don't want to hear another...it's time to hit the 'back' button on the browser.

Not only is Jeff is a great guy to work with (and funny...), his work is nearly miraculous. I was the one that questioned the 19 hp gain through his work, but if my well-worn seat of the pants dynanometer is still functioning, my car/motor has a new lease on life...and 20 extra hp. I have one of those useless GtechPro units, and I'm thinking that once Jeff gets me on final tune, I'll load the stock map back in the car and see what we find out in a back-to-back comparison.

His base map was a new page on my rotary with asthma; after his first tune tonight, I swear I heard the angels sing. Are you kidding me? It's surreal.

So, Jeff.....why didn't Mazda tune this cars correctly in the first place? We've all heard the media carping about 'great chassis...okay performance'. If the RX8 performed like this out of the box, perhaps they would have sold enough of them to keep the rotary in the product mix.

For those younger enthusiasts on the forum, I grew-up in the era of the JC Whitney catalog, with performance products promising 10% power increases and what not. Of course, they never worked.... But if you're on the fence about getting an Accessport from Jeff with his tuning, do it. I mean, don't you want to hear the angels sing??

thanks, Jeff.

BTW, I suggested to Jeff that he video one of his sessions so that he can pull-back the curtain and let us see the wizard at work on YouTube. I, for one, want to see this.

I doubt that Jeff needs any further endorsements
Of course I do. I need all the help I can get.
Critics are very vocal. Fans are strangely quiet.

Thanks for the endorsement (even though it was somewhat embarrassingly over-the-top). I really do appreciate it.
I too remember JC Whitney. I got many of the parts for my 1970 Dodge Challenger from there. They suck.

So, Jeff.....why didn't Mazda tune this cars correctly in the first place?

"Correctly" isn't likely the correct word. "Close to the edge" is probably better.
Mazda needed to go with what will always work on every car and with every regulation and warranty requirement.
You - as an individual and enthusiast - are not constrained by these requirements.
So, with careful consideration for both what is possible and what is proper, we are able to bring the engine management closer to the bleeding edge than Mazda dared.

BTW, I suggested to Jeff that he video one of his sessions so that he can pull-back the curtain and let us see the wizard at work on YouTube. I, for one, want to see this.

Just for sh*ts and giggles, I am going to do that next week. I've had quite a few acquaintances ask me what it is I do, exactly and a video over my shoulder with a windowed look onto the desktop might be useful.
The tuning webinar I do gives insight into the math, mouse-clicks and theory. Watching exactly how I do it in real-time might be further enlightening.
I will record the session on the morning of the 27th.

^ That would be cool, I still think the DVD is a good idea.

^ That would be cool, I still think the DVD is a good idea.

I agree.

But time is short and so many other projects are taking precedence at the moment.

Just for sh*ts and giggles, I am going to do that next week. I've had quite a few acquaintances ask me what it is I do, exactly and a video over my shoulder with a windowed look onto the desktop might be useful.
The tuning webinar I do gives insight into the math, mouse-clicks and theory. Watching exactly how I do it in real-time might be further enlightening.
I will record the session on the morning of the 27th.


Don't make it look too easy, otherwise everyone will think that THEY can do it themselves....

@MarkAngelo,

Pay him, pay him again in 18 months. Too much to screw up, especially with FI. I have talked with people that are into learning to do it themselves and are also getting good at installing engines, like their 4th or 5th engine. One quote was, "Wow, I finally got it running great, then I outran the MAF at 9,000 RPM, ECU went full lean, engine went boom". I think that was how number 3 died. I do not think number 3 had been in there that long. (edit: oops, left out it was a turbo engine, reference was to the 18 month point when MarkAngelo was looking at going FI, sorry for the confusion)

On the +5% above, I think car is even better now. For about 4 months after the tune was completed, the the car got slowly better and better. Or, put another way, the traction control light came on more and more during the redline a day part of my drive to work (in 2nd gear). My guess is that 80,000 miles of crap finally burned off because the exhaust tone got nicer and nicer.

If I ever get time, it would be good to run back through the tunes as close to the same temp as possible, and see what happens. Or, maybe just with the current tune if I can dig up the air temps when I did the test runs.

If I ever get rid of this one (not likely), the first thing I would buy is a cobb and MM tune for the next one.

@Jeff, Kudos for the live tuning process. That was a huge process improvement.

they can do it themselves

the basic NA programming is extremely easy if you have a fundamental understanding in general, you would have to be a complete idiot and do something extremely wrong to blow up an NA engine which in the example above cannot happen in an NA engine without doing something outrageously stupid, FI is another story though

some people probably have no business doing anything to their car, but not everybody is helpless in that regard

@Jeff, Kudos for the live tuning process. That was a huge process improvement.

Thanks.


the basic NA programming is extremely easy if you have a fundamental understanding in general, you would have to be a complete idiot and do something extremely wrong to blow up an NA engine which in the example above cannot happen in an NA engine without doing something outrageously stupid

While I might agree with the general sentiment of this statement, my experience indicates that many people that I otherwise would not qualify as "stupid" or "complete idiots" seem to often not grasp the principles and methods that are basic to modifying an RX-8 calibration, even one for an NA application.

yes, but for someone to carry on like it requires a PhD or some direct, spiritual connection with the Holy Ghost to accomplish based on their own inability is just as fallacious.

yes, but for someone to carry on like it requires a PhD or some direct, spiritual connection with the Holy Ghost to accomplish based on their own inability is just as fallacious.

Perhaps, but this is the approach many, many people have to nearly every trade-craft they encounter in their daily lives, so it is excusable for some people to feel that way. Clarke's Third Law applies.

I don't see anyone that actually does this stuff swinging a thurible.

That said, there is a seeming "sixth-sense" for the work-flow that extends from a lot of seat time - especially successful seat-time - that appears magical to us whenever we witness a tradesman plying their craft. Ever watch a quality house being built? Especially the insides (cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, etc.)?
Nearly anyone can understand how drywall and plinth is crafted, but actually doing it well and correctly and in a timely fashion as a production seems mystifying.
To me, anyway.

So, what I would suggest is that it is equally fallacious to imply that "anyone can do it", even if in theory anyone could. Such an implication is not only dismissive of the tradesman's craft, but also of the observer's intelligence.

Jeff, another endorsement!!!!
Jeff's service is absolutely top notch and the results speak for themselves. This by far has been the best mod that I have bought for the car.

@Team, sorry for confusion, was a FI engine, I edited the post.

Overall there is a point where I hire stuff done by people better at it than I am. Had to get rear glass replaced yesterday, I have done rear windows, I could do it again, glass place does a better job, faster, and in less time. Cheaper too since I did not have to get the tools. Same for the tint for the window. Guys did a great job in 20 minutes for about what decent film would have cost me. Shotgun for the neighbor's RC helicopter next time it gets close to the car, that one I want the personal satisfaction associated with a clean kill, that one is all mine.

No problem, Green.. I did clarify the first part of my statement with the FI clarification as well as relative to the skill level that an individual may have. That seemed to be overlooked by some people.

Otherwise it's neither for or against my personal interest to put any twist on the subject.

IMO any halfway intelligent person with some modicum of mechanical ability and basic computer skills can study the general tuning concepts, as posted by Kane and others on this forum as well as the internet,and accomplish a basic, reasonable NA tune themselves. Someone who just goes in there and starts changing values wildly without doing any research would fall under some of the descriptive terms used earlier. Even with regard to FI there are other people just as capable of tuning your car. There are some more advanced techniques and ideas that can take it to another level, but the basic tune isn't a zoom vs boom scenario.

You can save the "craft" commentary for addressing the less informed viewers.

IMO any halfway intelligent person with some modicum of mechanical ability and basic computer skills can study the general tuning concepts, as posted by Kane and others on this forum as well as the internet,and accomplish a basic, reasonable NA tune themselves.

I agree, in principle.

But you know as well as I - as you are actively engaged in conversations with individuals that illustrate the point - that there is a dark chasm that extends between the principle and the reality.

I actively invite any and all to engage in the tuning of the RX-8. Everything you need to know is out there in abundance - neither I nor anyone else who successfully tunes these things was privy to any "secret' information or hidden resources.
As I have said many times (paraphrasing Sy Syms): An educated consumer is my best customer.

IMO any halfway intelligent person with some modicum of mechanical ability and basic computer skills

Sorry, I have to heartily disagree.

Myself as an example, there is no way I could write a good tune, and I'm no dummy.

The main factor, in any new skills, is 'you don't know what you don't know' and probably only find out what you missed after the damage is done.....

Maybe I underestimate myself then, lol. Or maybe you just lack the confidence and as a result underestimate yourself then ....

"Aw NO! - you didn't tune it without turning off the pintle factor, did you?.....that's why your Fleming valve is all burned up!"


If I had a dollar for every one of these conversations........well, you know.

Maybe I underestimate myself then, lol. Or maybe you just lack the confidence and as a result underestimate yourself then ....

You are equivocating "can't" with "can't be bothered".

The common denominator you leave out of your arguments is "value". Not everyone - even those with the capacity to master this subject - can be bothered with it. It isn't as "satisfying" to some to master something this arcane. To others, the fact that the skill, once mastered, will have no further value to them.

Just generally understanding the process enough to judge the quality of the outcome provided by someone for whom the value of mastering the specific skill is high is more than enough knowledge for most people on most subjects.

Just read though this. seems a cool bit of kit for the money, as i've been been quoted £440 ($700) just for a remap at pettit racing. Would this work with RX8s from the UK?

Also does it come with a uprated map or would i have to write a map my self? I don't think i have the brains to do that lol.

Just read though this. seems a cool bit of kit for the money, as i've been been quoted £440 ($700) just for a remap at pettit racing. Would this work with RX8s from the UK?

Also does it come with a uprated map or would i have to write a map my self? I don't think i have the brains to do that lol.

Information about the AccessPORT and the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration service is here:

http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/accessport.htm

The instructions for the service are here:

http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/instructions.htm

The instructions for the instructions are here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=197783

For a limited time, all AccessPORT orders are 10% off. The thread about that (with discounted links) is here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=225855

hey jeff whats your email for cobb questions? my gf just got me one for xmas and i have a few questions i would like to discuss privately.

to the haters, no im not having any problems just a few quick questions

hey jeff whats your email for cobb questions? my gf just got me one for xmas and i have a few questions i would like to discuss privately.

Everything is handled live, in real-time, via Google Chat. I don't do phone consultation or e-mail.

Instructions are HERE (http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/instructions.htm).

Schedule is HERE (http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/schedule.html).

Thanks!

thanks but i havnt recieved it yet which is not the problem. my question is about when the tuning starts. i dont drive my car during the winter and was wondering if it could be suspended until march or april.
thanks, jesse

bump. just got it yesterday but as i said my car is away for the winter. is it possible to suspend my tuning until spring? i would hate to waste it while my car hibernates.

was a xmas present from my gf. does the 6 months start when she purchased it? it took a couple weeks to get

bump. just got it yesterday but as i said my car is away for the winter. is it possible to suspend my tuning until spring? i would hate to waste it while my car hibernates.

was a xmas present from my gf. does the 6 months start when she purchased it? it took a couple weeks to get

I'd like to know this as well. We want to purchase it today, but I can't find the promo code anywhere... I checked the link in this thread, but the link was dead.. :(

Also, we don't plan on using the custom tune service from MM till after a year.. Is it possible to just postpone the tuning service?

It's not clear whether or not the COBB comes preloaded with Base Maps or not, but does it? I know we specify the vehicle year and model (AT or MT), but does it come with preloaded maps? If so, what MAPS come preloaded?

Best regards,
Mark