Is the COBB AP for a stock RX-8 worth the $
12-21-2011, 12:37 PM
#52
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.
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....
12-22-2011, 08:19 AM
#53
@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.
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.
Last edited by 04Green; 12-22-2011 at 02:14 PM. Reason: some confusion
12-22-2011, 08:29 AM
#54
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
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
12-22-2011, 09:30 AM
#55
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
12-22-2011, 10:54 AM
#57
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.
Last edited by MazdaManiac; 12-22-2011 at 10:57 AM.
12-22-2011, 11:32 AM
#58
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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.
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.
12-22-2011, 02:21 PM
#59
@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.
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.
12-22-2011, 03:44 PM
#60
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.
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.
12-22-2011, 05:51 PM
#61
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.
12-22-2011, 05:58 PM
#62
Metatron
iTrader: (1)
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.....
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.....
12-22-2011, 06:28 PM
#64
Metatron
iTrader: (1)
"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.
If I had a dollar for every one of these conversations........well, you know.
12-22-2011, 07:11 PM
#65
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.
12-23-2011, 05:57 AM
#66
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.
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.
12-23-2011, 09:39 AM
#67
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.
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.
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:
https://www.rx8club.com/mazdamaniac-183/accessport-instructions-instructions-197783/
For a limited time, all AccessPORT orders are 10% off. The thread about that (with discounted links) is here:
https://www.rx8club.com/mazdamaniac-183/10%25-off-all-accessport-orders-225855/
12-27-2011, 09:53 AM
#68
FULLY SEMI AUTOMATIC
iTrader: (9)
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
to the haters, no im not having any problems just a few quick questions
12-27-2011, 10:26 AM
#70
FULLY SEMI AUTOMATIC
iTrader: (9)
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
thanks, jesse
01-04-2012, 07:57 AM
#71
FULLY SEMI AUTOMATIC
iTrader: (9)
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
was a xmas present from my gf. does the 6 months start when she purchased it? it took a couple weeks to get
01-05-2012, 10:17 AM
#72
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
was a xmas present from my gf. does the 6 months start when she purchased it? it took a couple weeks to get
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
Last edited by MarkAngelo; 01-05-2012 at 10:22 AM. Reason: Added link
02-14-2012, 02:05 PM
#74
I zoom therefore I am.
I would suggest using jeff's email supplied with your purchase and found in : https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=197783
Let him know you'd like to delay the start of your calibration service.
Let him know you'd like to delay the start of your calibration service.
02-25-2012, 11:48 PM
#75
Registered
Cobb AP
I have a 2009 R3 manual RX 8. It almost has 15k miles on it. I put an AEM cold air intake on it and I still want to increase the horsepower to about 250-275. Anybody have any recommendations? Would the Cobb AP get me to 250 since I have the cold air intake already? I am also worried about voiding my manufactory warenty
Thanks
Thanks