[Subw00er]

I hear a slight ticking, maybe its even a light knocking sound when I use the COBB 93 map. For giggles I tried the 91 map and its there as well, but maybe a bit less so. In stock map, the tick is gone. Again, this is VERY SLIGHT, I've heard cars with bad knocking before and its nothing like that, but its loud enough for me to be thinking about it every time I hit the go pedal and to post here!

Has anyone else heard this? Should I worry about it? I called COBB and they suggested I check to make sure the advance is in spec. I checked it (dynamic advance I think its called) via the AP (V2) and it is always at zero, or above. It usually hangs between 0 and 5. I was told that if its going above 0 then the car is advancign timing (ie not detecting knock) so this is a good indicator that I'm not getting knock and the engine is probably ok. I just think its weird how I can hear it with the map and dotn hear it in stock form.

I've also tried the Perrin 93 map, and although for some reason I'm clearly getting a LESS POWER from the Perrin map (WTF?!?!), it does not exhibit the ticking.

At first I thought it was bad gas, which may be partially true. I ran my tank down to .5 gallons and then filled up from a different gas station with 93 (Mobil). I do believe the sounds was ever so slightly less after the tank change. Is it possible both stations have the same ****ty gas? Is there a way to test octane? Should I use an octane booster in there to remove this as a possiblity?

The only other thing I want to mention is that when I watch the AP for boost, I never seem to really go above 17.5 psi or so. I should be seeing higher on the cobb 93 and definitely on the Perrin 93 maps, right? I've flashed the ecu like 10 times now, is it just confused? Maybe I should do the ECU reset and quick-learn procedure (Please foward link on that if you know, I lost the link).

So, am I just hearing things, or is this sort of noise normal for a upgrade tune? I'm new to all of this stuff. Thanks for any replies!

[GilMikalian]

I have not had the ticking, at Stage 1 or 2 but I'm using the Cali maps from Cobb. I have read that it may take some time for the ECU to adjust to the new settings so perhaps wait out the ticking to see if they're still there...all the while keeping an eye on the timing to make sure you're not hurting your baby.

[CFar]

I havent noticed it, will check tonight.

Im hitting mid to high 18 psi without any hesitation. Throttle response is far better in 93 then 91.

[CFar]

17.8 +/- .8psi are in Cobbs notes for the map.

As for the ticking, is it full throttle, moderate, or light?

[Subw00er]

Originally Posted by CFar

17.8 +/- .8psi are in Cobbs notes for the map.

As for the ticking, is it full throttle, moderate, or light?

So I guess I am in normal spec there. I heard the ticking pretty much everywhere, especially noticable in low to medium, revs.

Originally Posted by GilMikalian

I have not had the ticking, at Stage 1 or 2 but I'm using the Cali maps from Cobb. I have read that it may take some time for the ECU to adjust to the new settings so perhaps wait out the ticking to see if they're still there...all the while keeping an eye on the timing to make sure you're not hurting your baby.

You were right, this is good advice in this case. I did watch the timing and it stayed at or above 0 (generally 0 or 4.5 or 5).

***Update: the light knocking/ticking seems to have gone away on its own on this third tank of gas! It took about half a tank before I noticed it disappearing, sweet! I am back on the COBB93 map and its fine. I guess I will chalk this experience up to bad (or low octane-who knows?!) gas and the ECU needing time to learn. Its running very smooth now.

The interesting part is that it doesnt feel as fast as it did when the ticking was present?! Are these two things connected somehow? I wonder if I should try 91 gas instead of 93?!

[howboutthemapplz]

no, but go to a different gas station. stay with at least 93 octane if possible.

[ryanwrxduksa]

I have a question. I don't normally notice ticking. Only when I am in a drive throgh or sitting in a tunnel. When I am sitting at the drive through and idling or pulling up I can hear alot more. There's no power loss, oil consumption, or any other problems.

I noiced a very slight and quiet ticking in my old wrx and it was nothing compared to this. Is the STi alot noisier than the wrx? I'm slightly concerned but it's always been there and is more noticable with stage 2. Is there a reason for it or anything I could / should do? Btw, I'm still getting my oil changed at the stealership, any chance its the oil?

Thanks, Ryan

[mofoSTI]

Listen to other subarus and you will notice that they all sound like a sewing machine on the outside.

[ryanwrxduksa]

Originally Posted by mofoSTI

Listen to other subarus and you will notice that they all sound like a sewing machine on the outside.

How loud is acceptable? For reference, it's louder than my 2002 WRX. I am not complaining about it, just noticed it more lately because I don't normally eat fast food so it was much more distinct the past couple days.

[snorky]

is the tick only under boost?

[xcritic]

Sticky Lifters? I had a car once that would do this all the time, never was a problem.

[ryanwrxduksa]

Originally Posted by snorky

is the tick only under boost?

No, It's all the time except most audible when next to a solid surface such as a building. Like in a drive through.

[snorky]

If you're concerned, take it to a mechanic. all you're going to get here is armchair speculation.

[04SubieDude]

have you checked your oil lately?? just throwing that out there

[ryanwrxduksa]

It was just at the dealer for an oil change. It was there before and after. So they drove it and did the oil. I thought about a heavier oil or German Castrol but it hasn't been over 45 for more than 1 day...

Ill ask in the regional forum for a stage 2 STi.