AccessPORT AP-SUB-002

[LunchBox04V]

Tomorrow I will be installing my COBB AccessPORT and, not finding any threads, I thought I would do a little review on it. From the research that I have done on the COBB website, it seems pretty easy to install. I have already downloaded the newest AP Manager 2.0 for OSX. (I'm running a Mac) So here is a quick run down of the car and what I will be doing for those who have not used an AP before. (Like me. lol)

Car and Mods: 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, MT
- Slightly modified stock intake. (Removed the "torque chamber" below the dirty side of the intake. It now has two places to draw in air, the OEM intake, and the hole where the torque chamber used to be. Both are roughly 3" in diameter each.)
- K&N Panel filter.
- Invidia stock diameter, catless up pipe.
- Perrin Downpipe, with highflow cat. (Does not throw a code)
- Invidia cat back, 76mm till the split, then two 60mm.

Maps: Per the COBB data, my car will be in "Stage 2" trim.
- Stage 2, 91 Octane. (16.5psi target boost)
- Stage 2, 93 Octane. (Same as 91, but more aggressive timing. Requires 93 Octane or HIGHER.)
- Economy Map. (Boost limited to 6-10psi)

My plan is the start with the 91 Octane map, data log, and see if I get any knocking. If it is running good, I'll switch to the 93 octane map. I will talk to the folks at Oakos Subaru (Sterling Heights, MI), and if they think it is ok, I might go straight to the 93 octane map.

In final form I would like to reflash the 93 octane map to the computer (Base Line Map), and then run the Economy Map as a Real Time map (only on long road trips). I would eventually like to get a Pro-Tune, but $600 will take a little time to acquire. lol This is subject to change... I will know more once I talk to the folks at Oakos tomorrow. (They seemed super cool on the phone, I know I have been pestering them for the last week as to when this AP would get in. lol)

My big goals are increased power(not a 450hp STi, just a little more), a smooth power band, and increased MPG (I have heard 2mpg increase with the stage 2 map, so long as I keep my foot out of it. lol)

Any tips, tricks, or help would be great!

[LunchBox04V]

All I can say is WOW!! Night and day difference. I heard several people say that you will have to re-learn how to drive your car. That was true. Ok, few notes, and the impression.

I thought I saw a post, but maybe the poster deleted it. I DID end up starting with the 93 Octane map. 93 Octane is the standard premium fuel in Michigan. It is also what Subaru wanted used in the car (It calls for Premium Fuel) So, after talking to the folks at Oakos (SUPER cool people, and lots of free sticker and such), we decided going straight to the 93 octane stage 2 map was safe, and reasonable.

Oakos of Sterling Heights, Michigan are wonderful people. I talked with Taylor initially, and also Ian (I think... I feel bad I cant remember. Owns a grey '06 ish STi) I was going to do all the prep work on the AccessPORT in the parking lot. They came out and said "Hey, you can use the desk in here if you like." Which I did. Awesome people, then they even said they would help install it, without charge. If you live in the lower Michigan, Ohio area, I highly suggest going to visit them.

The installation was a breeze. Download the AP Manager 2.0 from the COBB website, for you computer type. UPDATE the AP BEFORE using it on the car. Mine came with the most up to date firmware. Now, go to the car, and put it in test mode (see the AP manual, super simple). Plug the AP into the OBD2 port, and turn the key ON but do NOT start. Honestly, just follow the on screen prompts from there. It will automatically download the original factory ECU programing before it loads the new map, but AFTER you select the new map. Then, take the car out of test mode (When the AP tells you) and your done!

Impressions: COBB OTS Stage 2, 93 Octane Map.
- Smoother between shifts.
- Loads more torque!
- More stable AFR. (Even stock, between shifts, the AFR would drop to 20.7:1, WAY too lean. Now it wont drop below 17:1)
- Slightly increased mpg (Looks to be about 1.5, maybe 2 mpg)

I am super impressed with the new map. It was easy to install, easy to update, and had big gains. I would suggest this to anyone who has a supported vehicle. The car just feels better all around. It really feels like a higher end car now, and the performance matches the rest of the character of the car.