[speeddoc74]

I'm new to the forum here and was wondering about what ECU upgrade would be the way to go for my '08 sti. I will be getting my car (dark grey metallic with BBS and nav) in a week. I've seen multiple threads on how long to honor the break-in period, but once it's done, I would like to get more bhp and torque. This car needs to remain my daily driver, so I am only looking for a bump of 25-40 hp and approx 30 or so bump in torque.

Any suggestions as to what is the best value for the dollar?

Thanks.

[Brand]

Cobb Acessport is by far the best gain for your dollar and it requires no work other than plugging some stuff in. It also drastically improves the tune; the factory tune is very choppy and lean in comparison. I would recommend doing the ECU flash ASAP rather than waiting until after break-in: it's more fun to drive, and probably better for the engine. Then, if you want a bit more power, you can upgrade the downpipe.

[speeddoc74]

Thanks for the reply. My followup question is,
Would the best choice be a Cobb AccessPort with Perrin mapping? or with Cobb maps?
I read the whole thread posted in 'Technical' regarding Cobb AP with Perrin maps and all I've been able to figure is that a Cobb AP is a really good idea, and probably with Perrin maps.

I live in Minnesota right now, where 91 octane is the rule and nonoxygenated 91 octane is obtainable for extra. Would the nonoxygenated 91 have any effect, good or bad, on a 91 octane ecu map? If I got a 93 octane map and ran it on 91 octane, how would that (adversely) effect the engine?

[Brand]

Originally Posted by speeddoc74

Thanks for the reply. My followup question is,
Would the best choice be a Cobb AccessPort with Perrin mapping? or with Cobb maps?
I read the whole thread posted in 'Technical' regarding Cobb AP with Perrin maps and all I've been able to figure is that a Cobb AP is a really good idea, and probably with Perrin maps.

I live in Minnesota right now, where 91 octane is the rule and nonoxygenated 91 octane is obtainable for extra. Would the nonoxygenated 91 have any effect, good or bad, on a 91 octane ecu map? If I got a 93 octane map and ran it on 91 octane, how would that (adversely) effect the engine?

I have not used the Perrin maps at all because I got my AP locally, but if you are going to order online I see no reason not to order from Perrin so you can try them both out and see which you prefer.

I don't believe nonoxygenated fuel would give you any benefit. Typically it's used for stuff that isn't run very often, like weedeaters and lawnmowers because it is less prone to phase seperation and developing moisture, which can then lead to rust and deposits. I'm guessing it's available in MN because a lot of equipment sits idle over the winter.

I would not run a 93 map on 91, it could increase the potential for engine knock. I believe the 93 map would be slightly richer as more fuel could handle the compression cycle - you could get autoignition with lower octane as a result. Of course I'm not a tuner so someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[speeddoc74]

Thanx.
It sounds like a 91 octane map is the way I'll go. Incidentally, is there an estimate out there on what the hp and torque gains are with a stage 1 map? Does the boost come any sooner in the rpm range with this map?

[twigg107]

did you look at cobbs dyno chart on there website.....

CobbTuning.com - 08 STi AccessPORT

[Szumita]

+1 for the AP

[Josh@EpicSpeed]

I was able to find some 93 around Minneapolis last sumer. I think it was at Sinclair stations. Don't know about the rest of the state.

[Subw00er]

I have the perrin map and it feels no where as strong as the cobb, there is just something wrong with it. COBB 93 feels great. Dont buy this car without buying an AP - it totally transforms it and its well worth the money. Order it now and have it for your new car. You might as well break it in how you will be running it later, so that means put the AP on. Many have done this and mine went on at 400 miles. The car feels great. Just take it easy in the beginning and resist high revs.

[speeddoc74]

Thank you everyone for the recommendations. I'll check out the dyno chart on the Cobb webpage, and I will definitely see if there are any gas stations still running '93 octane.

[speeddoc74]

On the Cobb website, it advertises for maps for 91 and 93 octane for the Ca/Nv/Az, and then for the rest of the country. Does anybody know the difference? I live in Minnesota, but will be moving to CA in 6 months. What would happen if I ran with the correct map for where I am now, and then ran it in CA on CA fuel?

[Brand]

Originally Posted by speeddoc74

On the Cobb website, it advertises for maps for 91 and 93 octane for the Ca/Nv/Az, and then for the rest of the country. Does anybody know the difference? I live in Minnesota, but will be moving to CA in 6 months. What would happen if I ran with the correct map for where I am now, and then ran it in CA on CA fuel?

Nothing will happen other than your timing adjustments will reset when you flash the ECU I think. Should be no problem changing maps when you move, the AP is very easy to use