OEM ECU vs. Aftermarket Flash
08-12-2003, 07:47 AM
#1
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OEM ECU vs. Aftermarket Flash
I have read quite a bit about the advantages of flashing the OEM ECU. It appears that the Cobb AccessECU gives the most bang for the buck and reflashing the ECU seems like there are no negatives.
QUESTION: If Cobb, Vishnu, etc. can remap the ECU, why doesn't Subaru just map the factory ECU for performance gains? Why the conservative map as default? I cannot help but think that there must be a downside to changing the OEM map or Subaru would ship the WRX with a better map.
I have a 2004 WRX and sorry this is such a newbie question.
Scott
QUESTION: If Cobb, Vishnu, etc. can remap the ECU, why doesn't Subaru just map the factory ECU for performance gains? Why the conservative map as default? I cannot help but think that there must be a downside to changing the OEM map or Subaru would ship the WRX with a better map.
I have a 2004 WRX and sorry this is such a newbie question.
Scott
08-12-2003, 09:27 AM
#2
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Subaru tunes for safety and good gas mileage in the WRX, not all out performance. Of course they COULD tune for performance, but look at it from their perspective. They sell you your car with a warranty on it. If anything breaks or blows up, they have to fix it - at least inside the factory waranty. So how do they take measures to make sure they don't have to fix anything?
By being conservative. They want you to be able to put crappy 91 octane gas in it, drive through the desert when it's 120 degrees out, with the AC on, and come out the other side none the worse for wear. They're not selling the WRX just to you, they're selling it to all Americans, and quite frankly, most Americans don't have any idea how to take care of a car, and a lot of WRX buyers will simply beat on the car mercilessly because it's a "performance car".
Subaru tries to keep the driver-inflicted destruction to a minimum by being conservative with their ECU maps. This is why you don't get 14 psi until you're at more than 50% throttle too, and why they put that restrictor in. A lot of dumbasses will take their new WRX, rev it up to 7 grand and drop the clutch. Subaru has to take some sort of precautions to make sure doing that won't blow up the tranny right off the bat.
All companies take precautions and tune conservatively, not just Subaru.
By being conservative. They want you to be able to put crappy 91 octane gas in it, drive through the desert when it's 120 degrees out, with the AC on, and come out the other side none the worse for wear. They're not selling the WRX just to you, they're selling it to all Americans, and quite frankly, most Americans don't have any idea how to take care of a car, and a lot of WRX buyers will simply beat on the car mercilessly because it's a "performance car".
Subaru tries to keep the driver-inflicted destruction to a minimum by being conservative with their ECU maps. This is why you don't get 14 psi until you're at more than 50% throttle too, and why they put that restrictor in. A lot of dumbasses will take their new WRX, rev it up to 7 grand and drop the clutch. Subaru has to take some sort of precautions to make sure doing that won't blow up the tranny right off the bat.
All companies take precautions and tune conservatively, not just Subaru.
08-12-2003, 12:50 PM
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,780
Car Info: Boosted Geo Prizm
About 90% of the above is true. But it's not all about breaking things and warranty claims... It's about compatibility with different fuel types, weather conditions, etc...
Cali gets lousy fuel, other states get 93/94 at the pump. Weather is different at different locations thus boost levels could change up to 2psi. Dont forget Altitude...
There are so many variables as to why the car is the way it is. Just be happy there is an aftermarket for your vehicle. Just think if you owned a Kia
Cali gets lousy fuel, other states get 93/94 at the pump. Weather is different at different locations thus boost levels could change up to 2psi. Dont forget Altitude...
There are so many variables as to why the car is the way it is. Just be happy there is an aftermarket for your vehicle. Just think if you owned a Kia
08-12-2003, 02:16 PM
#4
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Thanks for the comments - much appreciated. I think when the AccessPort comes out I will get it. Seems to be the most cost-effective solution and I'll never have to send out the ECU.
Question: I am in NY so the weather is quite seasonal. Does that negatively impact the Cobb AccessECU flash? Also, if the ECU "learns" by driving habits, will I be changing the Cobb-flashed map due to my particular driving habits?
I also like the fact that the Cobb flash is undetectable vs. the UTEK which displays a code on the Subaru testing equipment.
Question: I am in NY so the weather is quite seasonal. Does that negatively impact the Cobb AccessECU flash? Also, if the ECU "learns" by driving habits, will I be changing the Cobb-flashed map due to my particular driving habits?
I also like the fact that the Cobb flash is undetectable vs. the UTEK which displays a code on the Subaru testing equipment.
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