Hey Guys been doing allot of reading, just ordered the Access Port from Cobb and see many negative reviews on the pre installed maps particularly stage 1 map. Found out they don't have maps for considerably modded cars. My only mods are a K&N CIA and Magnaflow 3" Cat back. Heavily considering about removing the cai as I've read from Mazdamaniac where they can actually decrease performance. So my question is if I re install OEM air intake will the stage 1 map be beneficial and was hoping any one with a similar set up could give any feed back. Second question do I really need to spend the extra coin on a MM tune for such a conservatively modded set up. Thanks for any input!

 

Spend the extra coin for custom tune

 

Mazdamaniac came to Toronto to tune 8's and it was epic!

Well, just trying to hype him up. The service is well worth it and the effects are awesome. My car ran great after. Like butter

You have to get that tune from him!

 

+1

Access Port FTW! now get the tune to go with it.

People now comment on how smooth the idle is...

Yesterday in traffic, 95 degrees outside, AC on the coolant never got over 198 and typically was 183 when moving.

Got another 400km+ tank of gas (to the light), mixed driving, 80mph hwy, traffic jams, commuting...

Just little benefits of MM tune

 

Thanks guys for your input! Once I receive the Access Port I'll Defenately get a MM tune. Should I keep The K&N CAI with the custom tune on or get rid of it all together......Hoping MM can answer this?? Again guys many thanks!

 

I am running the Stage 1 and I have BHR ignition, HKS catback, SR catless midpipe, and the stock intake setup. The rest of my mods are reliability mods and suspension, looks, etc. I will be receiving the BHR midpipe and adapter needed for my nitrous kit soon.

Most of the crap talk I found about the Stage 1 was unfounded in my logs. I have been running it over a month and logged about ten times and compared them to my stock logs and everything looks pretty good, I don't run lean or anything. I'm not saying I have seen a gain in power but I will post up after I dyno to see if there is any power gains to speak of.

 

There are some RX8's that the COBB Stage 1 map works fine on. When COBB created their maps they utilized an RX8 and created the map for a specific amount of mods. The problem is the RX8 has a large amount of variation in performance and fuel delivery from one car to another. As such, some cars might run fine with the Stage 1 map but many others tend to run lean which can cause performance issues or even engine damage. Unless you know what to look for or what data readouts are dangerous we don't suggest using this tune. Either way, off the shelf tunes will never perform as well as custom tunes.

Regardless, the Stage 1 map doesn't adjust anything such as fan temps, OMP volume, dwell timing, or eliminate check engine lights. Custom tunes from MazdaManiac address all these issues and you get a tailored custom tune for your RX8.

 

Thanks for your response Flashwing, I've pretty much decided on a MM tune just don't want to take chances. Question for you........ K&N CAI in or out and back to OEM air box, do you think it is the better move? Thanks guys for taking the time to respond!

 

Back to OEM air box for sure. Oh, and just to clarify, the Cobb stage 1 does conceal CEL's

 

You got to remember that the Stage1 is not customized to your car, so running it may have its disadvantages like running your fuel too lean or other small but over time serious issues. With Mazda Maniacs, Jeff is able to basically do the same thing the stage 1 is doing but it will be customized just for your car which will get rid of the fuel issues and other problems. I highly recommend the custom calibration. I know its alot of extra money but at least you can have the peace of mind.

 

Serious issues such as what? I agree the custom tune through MM is the best bet but don't spread misinformation. Some have reported lean conditions but if you search you won't find a large number of people who have logged and had serious lean issues. I log almost daily and I have yet to experience lean conditions while running the stage 1, or any other bad side effects from the tune. I may be lucky but I disagree with the comments that the Stage 1 is generally dangerous.

Are you running the Stage 1, have you logged running the Stage 1? or are you just repeating what others have said? Do you even own an AP? Just curious.

 

I do have an accessport and have been studying the subject for a while now. If someone is not like you, who does not pay attention to the live data and doesnt know what they are looking at, which you know there is an abundance of, it is over time going to lessen the life of the engine and even ruin the cat. I am one of those that prefers custom tunes because RX8s can be tempermental. It seems that no RX8 is the same. This is not misinformation but common sense about engines and anything mechanical that does not have correct application. I made the last post too short so I can see why you thought the way you did. These damages can take years. I do realize some but not all RX8s would do just fine with the Cobb stage 1 but it just sounded safer to say not to use the Stage 1 since I dont know the person and anything about his complete knowledge. I feel the MM calibration that Jeff can provide is much safer and possibly even safer than his stock if he has a mod or two.
I apologize for not being too clear. I agree that this websight and all others can get very annoying since people tend to try to make their thoughts sound like hard case fact. Ive been an Rx8 owner since july of 03 and know how frustrating this car can be with some of its problems while just being stock that I dont want others to be in the same boat and or worse. I dont recall saying that the Stage 1 is generally dangerous though.