Tunes other than AP, SB and HT?

[frivolous_rob]

Does anyone know if there are ways to tune other than AP, SB, and HT? A tuning shop around here told me that they are able to tune if I install an Apexi AFC and I was just wondering if this is legit or not, or if I should just drop the money on the HT since it will equal out to the same price. I have an Ebay test pipe in the mail along with a boost gauge and an AEM Wideband that should all be here around the same time. Future looks to be in take, BPV, and exhaust, but no dp since I dont want my turbo to smoke. I have an 07 speed3 with 62k on it completely stock. Any help is always appreciated, thanks.

[pearl_ms3]

im not 100% sure but i dont think the HT can be tuned. i would get the accessport. i think it is the best of the 3.

[forcedinduktion]

accessport +1

[i8urgti]

dont cheap out, get the access port. and for the sake of god get a fuckin downpipe and stop being such a vagina

[frivolous_rob]

Well, with the access port I would have no idea what I was doing. And the smoke is excessive , so a downpipe will probably be the last thing I do.

And what I meant reference the hypertech was get that and just run the stage from it and call it good, or get the air fuel controller and have a shop hook me up..

[pearl_ms3]

COBB ACCESSPORT> HT. You can make changes to the ots (off the shelf maps). you cant make any changes to the ht.

[frivolous_rob]

Yeh Ive read into all this, but how useful is making changed when I dont know how and dont really have much time to learn, don't want to fry my motor from incorrectly tuning.

[banditscout]

IMO, if you're looking at staying close to stock with regards to bolt ons, the Hypertech is a good option. It's easy, makes good power, and will allow you to run a TBE, and FMIC no problem. The downside is not being able to tune, so you probably won't be able to squeeze every bit of power out of your given mod list.
AP, or HT are both good options.
Just depends on what you're wanting to spend, and how far you're willing to go down the rabbit hole.

[pearl_ms3]

the only changes i ever make is up the load to increase the boost. but with the new software, you can tune by psi not load. there are tons of knowledgable people on here that can help.

[justint5387]

Why did you buy a wideband? You can read that info off a DH or AP (not sure about HT)

[08cosmic3]

Originally Posted by justint5387 Why did you buy a wideband? You can read that info off a DH or AP (not sure about HT)

It's an AEM wideband which = kewl.

[frivolous_rob]

I dont have dashhawk or accessport.

And the real question was can we tune with out the typical engine management systems, or is that the only way our ecu is tunable.

[justint5387]

Originally Posted by letsfightrobbb I dont have dashhawk or accessport. And the real question was can we tune with out the typical engine management systems, or is that the only way our ecu is tunable.

Then may as well save the money and get an AP since you want a tune.

[m4tic]

you can get a ecutek tune... but you need to take it to a shop that supports MZR DISI, and has a competent tuner

[Stealth01]

There is no datalogging or tracking with the HT, which is the major limiting factor as far as I'm concerned. If I am plugging in a new tune, I want to monitor for bad things happening.

[04psm]

there is no type of program out there for opensource tuning?

Originally Posted by letsfightrobbb Does anyone know if there are ways to tune other than AP, SB, and HT? A tuning shop around here told me that they are able to tune if I install an Apexi AFC and I was just wondering if this is legit or not, or if I should just drop the money on the HT since it will equal out to the same price. I have an Ebay test pipe in the mail along with a boost gauge and an AEM Wideband that should all be here around the same time. Future looks to be in take, BPV, and exhaust, but no dp since I dont want my turbo to smoke. I have an 07 speed3 with 62k on it completely stock. Any help is always appreciated, thanks.

I would be very hesitant to put an AFC on my car. This is completely insufficient for tuning a Speed3 or any modern, turbocharged car really. I would be hesitant to use this on any car honestly. The users on this site typically go with the one of three options because they have found them to work. Yes, the AFC is cheaper, but it is not appropriate for your car in any way.

Granted, I am biased so I am going to tell you go with the AccessPORT. It will be all the engine management you will need, ever. We can support you from stock all the way through any big turbo build.

Of course there are other options, but it seems like you know what those are. However, don't let the expandability and tunability of the AccessPORT scare you off. We have maps that are ready to go that will work very well with your car AND we have a knowledgeable tuner network and great customer support. With the AccessPORT you just plug it in to the OBD2 port and flash on the desired map. It is that easy.

If you have a smoking turbo, you need to take that to your dealer as this is not a downpipe issue, but a turbo seal issue. Doing the PCV mod will also help reduce smoking.

It seems like a plug and play handheld ECU tuning device is the way to go for you. You can dip your toe into tuning and modifiying your car easily without having to take anything apart etc. Shoot me a PM if you have any other questions or needs, but please, whatever you decide on, don't do the AFC!

[DSIT995]

Dont let not having tuning experience be a factor in buying an AP

Like anything it just takes time to learn, I had ZERO experience tuning b4 my MS3 and now I tune my car myself & with the help of other members on this site (probably leaving some power on the table but its safe & i can change it when needed)

Its not that hard once u understand the basics of this car

[frivolous_rob]

Thanks all the serious people for the info, the rest of you should let people do what they want and stop tryin to be badasses.

[frivolous_rob]

Reference the smoking turbo issue, its not smoking yet and I bought it at 61k so the warranty is up. From what I read the only way to get a tune one is under warranty. Is that incorrect? & thanks for the info on the accessport. Is there somewhere to read indepth on the accessport besides peoples reviews, i.e. Service manual for the device its self, not just what it does but how to use it?

All that you want and need to know lies within this link! CobbTuning.com - 2007-2009 AccessPORT

It could very well be that the turbo on your car has been serviced if it is at 60k miles. It isn't so much that they tune the turbo as they just replace it. There was a turbo seal issue if I am not mistaken.

Again, if you have any questions, just PM me here or call us up at 1-866-922-3059. We are happy to help you in any way we can!

Travis
COBB Tuning

p.s. Where are you located?

[frivolous_rob]

p.s. Where are you located?

Alamogordo, New Mexico. Thanks man.

[Oswald]

I see what many of you are saying in regards to the AP, but some of us don't want to spend, or have, the time to learn how to properly tune our vehicles. For people like that the HT offers a nice plug and play solution. Its not really about the price difference for me as much as the convenience and piece of mind. I will personally get a dashhawk to go along with the HT and call it a day. I am not looking to make max power, just kick it up a notch over stock.

[senor blanco ms3]

Originally Posted by Oswald I see what many of you are saying in regards to the AP, but some of us don't want to spend, or have, the time to learn how to properly tune our vehicles. For people like that the HT offers a nice plug and play solution. Its not really about the price difference for me as much as the convenience and piece of mind. I will personally get a dashhawk to go along with the HT and call it a day. I am not looking to make max power, just kick it up a notch over stock.

This is where you guys make me want to bash my head into a wall. Between the cost of a HT and a DH, you could buy an AP. I don't know why people think the AP means you have to know how to tune. The AP is completely plug and play. You can download off the shelf maps for your AP and flash them to the car in the same manner you would do with a HT.

So you can buy 2 devices (which you can only use one at a time) and have a small handful of features or you can buy one device that has the most features of any tuning device including FFS and LC, allows you to datalog all PIDs at once, have the option of getting protuned if/when you ever decide to go that route and if you look around, can be had used for a little over $400. Seems like an easy choice to me.

[Oswald]

Originally Posted by senor blanco ms3 This is where you guys make me want to bash my head into a wall. Between the cost of a HT and a DH, you could buy an AP. I don't know why people think the AP means you have to know how to tune. The AP is completely plug and play. You can download off the shelf maps for your AP and flash them to the car in the same manner you would do with a HT. So you can buy 2 devices (which you can only use one at a time) and have a small handful of features or you can buy one device that has the most features of any tuning device including FFS and LC, allows you to datalog all PIDs at once, have the option of getting protuned if/when you ever decide to go that route and if you look around, can be had used for a little over $400. Seems like an easy choice to me.

I completely get where you are coming from, but I just think that with the AP there is more of a possibility of me screwing something up and popping my motor. If I download the wrong tune, or accidentally change something and next thing you know its like Hiroshima under my hood. Maybe I am just being overly paranoid, but I just really don't want to deal with any issues.

[AZSPEED3]

The AP is seriously so easy, I don't understand why so many people are worried about using the AP. Just plug it in and follow the simple directions. Save stock map, then upload one of the maps already on the AP. The newer OTS maps are good and safe. I have not heard of anyone blowing due to an OTS map. Also you can always plug the AP in and double check to make sure you have the right map flashed to your car.
The AP has been the best mod I have bought for my MS3. Trust me once you get one you will love it and wish you had gotten it sooner. Have never heard anyone complain after buying an AP.

[justint5387]

Originally Posted by Oswald I completely get where you are coming from, but I just think that with the AP there is more of a possibility of me screwing something up and popping my motor. If I download the wrong tune, or accidentally change something and next thing you know its like Hiroshima under my hood. Maybe I am just being overly paranoid, but I just really don't want to deal with any issues.

If that happens, then something is wrong with you.

[senor blanco ms3]

Originally Posted by Oswald I completely get where you are coming from, but I just think that with the AP there is more of a possibility of me screwing something up and popping my motor. If I download the wrong tune, or accidentally change something and next thing you know its like Hiroshima under my hood. Maybe I am just being overly paranoid, but I just really don't want to deal with any issues.

The AP and HT work exactly the same as far as downloading the appropriate map and then flashing your car. There is nothing you can press on the AP itself that will change your tune. If you don't know what map to download, just ask. You only need to download one map so once it's on your AP, there's no chance of you loading the wrong map. Stop being paranoid!

[frivolous_rob]

^ Yeh I would never buy both, simply I think the DH is a fad and only influences people to worry more than they should. wideband and boost is enough to monitor and my buddy also has a scangauge I can use to pick up any DTCs. As for the AP I cant figure out where to view the maps for 91 octane, I live in NM and the highest we have is 91, and octane booster everytime I fill up would be ridiculous.

But I do appreciate all the input.

[pearl_ms3]

Originally Posted by letsfightrobbb ^ Yeh I would never buy both, simply I think the DH is a fad and only influences people to worry more than they should. wideband and boost is enough to monitor and my buddy also has a scangauge I can use to pick up any DTCs. As for the AP I cant figure out where to view the maps for 91 octane, I live in NM and the highest we have is 91, and octane booster everytime I fill up would be ridiculous. But I do appreciate all the input.

Cobb Maps

i have an ap and dh. i disagree that you only need to watch afr and boost. i watch afr/fuel pressure/knock (KR) and boost on my boost gauge.

[senor blanco ms3]

Dude seriously? A fad?? Monitoring your engine properly is a fad? There is more than wideband and boost.

As for OTS maps for the AP, did you check the COBB site? CobbTuning.com - 07-09 MAZDASPEED3 AccessPORT Calibrations

[frivolous_rob]

for my specific taste I don't care to monitor anything except for boost afr, and oil pressure, which will be on the way as soon as the funds come in. I am not like you super-tuner dickheads that babysit a mazda. Everyone has there own taste. Everything else means nothing to me, obviously knock is good to monitor but for ME its not something thats too big of a deal because I will be barely modded. Its just a car, not a marriage where the husband beats the wife and continuously has to be monitored.

[pearl_ms3]

Originally Posted by letsfightrobbb for my specific taste I don't care to monitor anything except for boost afr, and oil pressure, which will be on the way as soon as the funds come in. I am not like you super-tuner dickheads that babysit a mazda. Everyone has there own taste. Everything else means nothing to me, obviously knock is good to monitor but for ME its not something thats too big of a deal because I will be barely modded. Its just a car, not a marriage where the husband beats the wife and continuously has to be monitored.

lol. ya fuel pressure isnt important.

[frivolous_rob]

Yeh I guess knowing if your motors low on oil not a big deal, spinningsbearings and bending rods, no problem

[justint5387]

Fuel pressure and knock are important

[wankular]

Sounds to me like you should just stay stock. Don't want to monitor anything, don't want to learn how to tune. Get the intake and testpipe and call it a day.

[mituc]

Originally Posted by wankular Sounds to me like you should just stay stock. Don't want to monitor anything, don't want to learn how to tune. Get the intake and testpipe and call it a day.

Well, the intake+test pipe (not to mention a downpipe, de-catted or with a sport cat) without a tune will result in a lot of lean spots all over the rev range (and some other stuff such as boost spikes). So the engine wear and even the possibility of popping up are even higher than using these mods with an OTS map which is addressing these issues (HT does as well)

Ok, so you don't want to tune, you don't want to monitor, you don't want to put too many bolt ons - HT is the answer, this is what the HT tunes has been created for. The HT tune runs as big rich as the stock tune, it has slightly different advance timing maps, increased load targets (therefore boost limits) and that's it.

If you don't want either HT, AP, SB then I don't know man... go to a shop and get a custom flash tune, something with the load targets set not too high (so that boost will not go over 18PSI or so) and advance timing maps conservative enough to run safely with 91OCT gas.

[Oswald]

Originally Posted by wankular Sounds to me like you should just stay stock. Don't want to monitor anything, don't want to learn how to tune. Get the intake and testpipe and call it a day.

I never said that I didn't want to monitor anything. I just don't personally have the time or desire to learn how to tune. There is really no need to be a dick about it.

I didn't really realize all of the available tunes to download for the AP. I may have to look into it a little deeper and may decide to got that route. Thanks to those of you who provided constructive responses.

[wankular]

Originally Posted by Oswald I never said that I didn't want to monitor anything. I just don't personally have the time or desire to learn how to tune. There is really no need to be a dick about it. I didn't really realize all of the available tunes to download for the AP. I may have to look into it a little deeper and may decide to got that route. Thanks to those of you who provided constructive responses.

I was talking to robb, the OP who mentioned he didn't want to become a "super-tuner dickhead Mazda babysitter". Sometimes I mix up the brownies.

Originally Posted by Oswald If I download the wrong tune, or accidentally change something and next thing you know its like Hiroshima under my hood.

Stay away from the GT-R maps.



sorry, was that being a dick?

Originally Posted by Oswald I never said that I didn't want to monitor anything. I just don't personally have the time or desire to learn how to tune. There is really no need to be a dick about it. I didn't really realize all of the available tunes to download for the AP. I may have to look into it a little deeper and may decide to got that route. Thanks to those of you who provided constructive responses.

Oswald,

We offer many different calibrations, however, they are all pretty self-explanatory as to what each map is designed for (spedific intakes, downpipes etc.) We also offer detailed documentation for each map as well. There is little danger of installing the wrong calibration and most of the calibrations are very subtley different so there is again little chance of nuking your engine with the wrong map, your car will just run somewhat funky. The biggest concern is running a map for your fuel type. When in doubt, just give us a call at 1-866-922-3059!

Travis
COBB Tuning