Is an AP Necessary for Me?

[J-Speed Inc.]

I currently have an SRI and one resonator removed from the exhaust (possible will get the second resonator removed soon). Other than that, I will be adding a CPE inlet pipe and that will probably complete my engine mods and I'm still under warranty. I went on Cobb's website and can't seem to find a tune that would work with my setup.

 

[714ms3]

I would say that no, it is not necessary. Howwever, you will get gains from it, and it is a safe way to continue upgrading. As to which map to use; just trial and error. Start with stage 1 + SRI and just monitor.
I will actually be putting mine up for sale later today. PM me if interested.

 

[OnebigTymer11]

Or run the closest setup then get a tune!

 

[COBB Tuning]

We always recommend tuning for any performance application. The benefits of tuning are incontrovertible. You will get more power, safely, than if you just install bolt-on parts. We find that the power had from installing intake parts usually comes from fooling the MAF sensor and mechanically altering airflow, this is not an ideal way to tune. You might consider keeping your intake system stock and simply running a tune. This will net more power with a broader power-band.

Travis
COBB Tuning

 

[ericrapp]

It seems the tuning is the biggest move you can make on a forced induction car. Remember the car company will often leave the car docile and fuel efficient to maintain warranty and emissions. I think some vehicles leave more underneath than others, to be brought to the surface with timing and fuel management while keeping a close eye on the resulting data. I did it backwards. Bought all the bolt ons over time and tuned the car afterwards. One thing that is great about the piggybacks that are offered for our cars is that you can see what the motor is really doing. (using cheaters like voltage clamps can work but it is risky at best.) ! Then bolt on more free flowing parts and then manage those bits. It really is quite a lot of fun. I have reached the bigger turbo part of the game

 

[FWD FTL]

I have some questions for you Travis, I recently saw 3 dynos compared on MSF.. and they were done on the same day back to back. The car making the most power has the same mods as the other two making less power.. the only difference in the cars was the one who made the most power was untunded with no AP.. care to explain? Also If you get a custom tune, how poorly does it affect us DD who need good MPG?

 

[COBB Tuning]

That is a hard answer to quantify without seeing the whole picture.

Peak power is a very narrow metric for looking at overall power production or driveability. Just because a car makes more peak HP does not mean I would consider it tuned. For example, you can bolt on an exhaust or an intake on these cars and because boost is a function of airflow over the MAF sensor, this car will make more or the same peak power, as a car that is tuned running an AccessPORT. The reason being is that the untuned car is running more boost, however, there is no control over that boost, it just does what it does. That goes for timing changes, fueling changes and boost control. The tuned car, will probably have more area underneath the power curve, more consistent boost control, more consistent fueling/AFR and appropriate timing.

The other thing to consider is you have no way of looking at knock correction etc. Looking SOLEY at power production is a rather myopic way of looking at tuning. Sure, you can have some impressive numbers on the dyno, but if the car is running dangerously lean with uncontrollable fueling and boost, it won't be running for long.

Tuning is the key.

 

[FWD FTL]

ahhh, that was a great explanation Travis.. thank you again, care to answer my question about how your customers are seeing changes in MPG? I really WANT to get an AP from you with a custom tune, but practicality before modding..

 

[shpankey]

That is a hard answer to quantify without seeing the whole picture.

Peak power is a very narrow metric for looking at overall power production or driveability. Just because a car makes more peak HP does not mean I would consider it tuned. For example, you can bolt on an exhaust or an intake on these cars and because boost is a function of airflow over the MAF sensor, this car will make more or the same peak power, as a car that is tuned running an AccessPORT. The reason being is that the untuned car is running more boost, however, there is no control over that boost, it just does what it does. That goes for timing changes, fueling changes and boost control. The tuned car, will probably have more area underneath the power curve, more consistent boost control, more consistent fueling/AFR and appropriate timing.

The other thing to consider is you have no way of looking at knock correction etc. Looking SOLEY at power production is a rather myopic way of looking at tuning. Sure, you can have some impressive numbers on the dyno, but if the car is running dangerously lean with uncontrollable fueling and boost, it won't be running for long.

Tuning is the key.

For some reason I can't send a PM. So...

Travis,

I live in Glenpool, Ok. but a drive to Plano takes me no-time. My car has a few mods but is running pig rich like you wouldn't believe. more than any other car I have EVER seen. The plugs started fouling after just 8700 miles. Anyhow, I was wondering if you still had the AP Challenge going on? I'd love to get that, as I really want a tune bad. My mods...

Protege Garage HP fuel pump internals
COBB Turbo inlet
COBB SRI
Turbosmart Forged BPV
Denso Iridium 1 step colder plugs (.30 gap)
Test (race) Pipe
Ford Motorcraft XT-M5-QS synthetic tranny fluid
Penzoil Platinum 5w-30 synthetic oil
CP-e Rear Motor Mount (60 dur.)
Shifter Bushings


...anyhow, let me know. If you have any specials going on and when/if I can bring my car in. It's an 09 MS3 with 8700 miles on it. Please email me at chadsparks@cox.net thanks!