OT - Subaru computer reflash Options

[partwerks]

I've been told that it is possible to reflash the computer to the Subaru WRX engine.

Anyone know the protocol in doing something like that?

[Krank]

There are actually a couple of different ways to re-flash that ECM. Most, like Cobb, have a stand alone-hand held unit that plugs into your OBDII connector to either live monitor or re-flash your ECM called AccessPORT. You do not have to have it connected all the time. There is also a program for a lap top with an interface cable that does the same thing. The advantage of the hand held unit is that you can log your performance parameters to quantify your changes in either your engine map or when your change up to a higher performance engine part so you can actually see if you achieved any performance gain or if you just wasted $200.00 for some shiny bling. You can then take the unit and connect it to your laptop or desktop to download your logs for viewing/Emailing/storing. You can also log and live monitor with the lap top but it is kinda hard on it when you do some aggressive driving and the laptop is sliding around the floor.

Cobb, and others have OTS (off the shelf) maps which you can download from their site. There are tuners that can mail you a custom map after you send them a few engine logs and list out what is on/in the motor. If the motor is in a 914 then I would suggest to properly tune it, find a local tuner that can get some touchy feely from your car. The first question I would ask them: Do you guaranty the map and will you keep trying until you produce a map that we are both happy with?"

The worst scenario for those engines is detonation! After any mod, check the log for knock! Usually a stage 2 requires some aftermarket exhaust, usually 3" and if you like noise, a cat delete. The intake requires a cone style filter with a new MAF sensor housing. These mods will net you somewhere in the neighborhood of 12% - 17% HP gain if I remember correctly.