Thanks a million for the explanation! I am new the RX8 but have dealt at length with Ford and GM FI engine mods and tuning.

I see on MMs website the custom calibration. So I guess if I go that route it costs me $600 for a new unit (with the custom calibration as you mention above) or buy a used one (unmarried) and then pay something more for the custom calibration (my guess is that it would cost more than $100). Last option is to buy new for $500 or used and buy tuning software. Are you referring to the mazdaedit or are there others?

Also if I bought a used one, are there a few sources other than mazdamaniac to get a simple tune written? If so what are the reliable sources for a simple stock tune?

 

Simple changes like Fan temp, OMP adjustments and blocking CEL's take 5 mins including the time it takes to download map to AP and reflash car. Its very easy to walk someone threw and their are even good reliable map tables here on this forum in regards to OMP rates. Once you get the AP and download ATR its very straight forward.

ATR (Access Tuner Race) program is free from the Cobb website once you get a Cobb AP you just have to enter the serial number to download it. The AP also comes with a stage 1 tune from Cobb already programed that you can use for a simple tune, I believe it mostly just refines throttle response maybe leans out your WOT slightly, not sure on the full details as I never bothered looking at it.

MM is not your only route for AP tuning either, a couple of reputable guys on here charge about the same but IMO go above MM on customer service and in depth explanations of what they are changing so you learn more about what;s going on, they also do not lock the map.. Not that that should give you any reason to change any tables if you do not fully understand the implications associated with doing so.

 

Also the mazdamaniac service is.

Every other thursday for 2 hours his time. I think it's 6-8 PM arizona time. You comply to his exact demands or he ignores you and doesn't even tell you that you did not comply correctly. If you did it corectly he might ask a few questions then send your tune back or he might just send it back. If he does not get to it then you have to start all over in two more weeks. So If you are the first person online and get your stuff just right you might get two adjustments every two weeks. If not then it's one every two weeks. I don't know how long it will take him to get it.

Most of the thing you are asking about are in his base tune. So you might not even need any tuning, but you can make those with the FREE ATR program very easily.

 

Great. Thanks for all the feedback and sharing your experiences. Sounds like I need an unlocked Cobb and use ATR.

 

What year is your car. I have a copy of 2005 USDM ATR.

You have to have a cobb to use it. So it will not do any good until you get a Cobb.

 

@logalinipoo
The ATR software is married to the Cobb AP so you'll need a copy of the binaries from the installed ATR version from Pelensky's machine

Basically how I do it is ... I get the person to register and download the ATR software from Cobb. They install the ATR software on to they're PC .... default install location is c:\program files(x86)\accessport\Access Turner Race - MAZDA 2005\

I get the person to ZIP that file directory up and email to me. Unpack and run the TunerRace.exe and Bobs your uncle.
You can now create maps usable for Pelensky's AP device.

@Carbon8
I've not "studied" all the table differences between the Stock Style and Stage 1 maps.
But I do know that the Fuel tables are quite a bit leaner and the Trailing Ignition Map is quite different.

I've seen some scarey lean data logs from members running the Stage 1 map on their modified intake setups.
I don't recommend the Stage 1 if the person has any intake changes other than stock.
(just saying)

 

I started looking for a Cobb AP. Do I need a certain revision level or will and V? work? Also are they programed for certain cars (RX8, mazda in general) or do they work on everything? The reason I ask is I see some for sale that was used on a Subaru wrx V2.

 

Each COBB hardware block has firmware that is specific to not only make and model, but often regional variances. Like a COBB AP for European RX-8s usually doesn't work on US RX-8s.

You have 2 options for buying one: buy a new one from MM, or buy a used one from the forums here. They disappear fast, I sold mine in about 6 hours.

(Or buy a Mazdaedit)

 

@WCS
I did not know that about the software. I know once you install it you tie it to your Accessport, but I still have the origonal install .exe file. I've installed it a couple of times, but always the same AP.