How good is the COBB reflash? Is it safe and can it go back to oem?

 

It's similar to ECUtek. But i dunno about returning it to OEM. If you want to do that, keep a nonflashed stock ECU handy. you can probably find someone selling one.

I say just go to Shiv or I-speed.

-Gagan

 

I've been researching it myself, and I've read nothing but good things. You can flash back to stock. Read up on it here, and be sure to checkout the FAQ.

 

Yeah, one of the advantages of Cobb is that it's only $20 or $25 per reflash, but you do have to spring for shipping each time (both ways too). Once their (currently vaporware) AccessPort flash device comes out, you can do it yourself.

 

Yah...just pay twice as much for the same technology...

 

For Cobb Stg. 0 why don't you have to go to cold plugs, ltw pulley, etc., like Shiv?

 

cause shiv wants to make more money. DUH

 

Cobb Stage 1 (ECU reflash only) is pretty much the same as
Vishnu Stage Sub0 (ECU reflash only)
PPP Stage 1 (ECU, hose, axleback)
TXS Stage 1 (UTEC ECU upgrade)

in terms of projected performance gains.

It IS interesting how each vendor diverges from that point. Cobb Stage2 and TXS stage2 are more aggressive maps to go with a freer-flowing turboback exhaust, while Shiv seems to go a more novel direction with the pulleys, plugs, and uppipe. Prodrive simply deletes the factory midpipe cat, which kind of makes sense given their packages seem based around their exhaust product.

I guess there are just different directions by which to chip away at the inefficiencies and safety margins engineered into the stock spec.

IMO, if you don't want to fool around with stuff yourself, Vishnu is a great place to go. Once you start going with your own uppipe and exhaust mods, taking the Cobb route has proven to be safe and a bit cheaper to boot, and their product is "designed" or at least officially claimed to work with a wide range of products whereas Vishnu is more strict about homogenizing to their brand products.

 

Personally, i try to get local vendors, or in this case, tuners business.

Shiv and I-Speed are nearby... if something were to not work, then what his Miguel gonna do at 5pm? call texas where it's already 7pm?

It's totally up to you Miguel. Cobb is definitly cheaper.

-Gagan

 

But what is BETTER!!!!
I have a top secret of japan turbo back catless and gruppe-s uppipe k&n filter. is that close too stage 2?
I just want to be fast and safe.

 

Nobody really knows which is better, because few people have multiple WRXs or change mods often and run comparative dyno tests. Shiv should have the same kind of dyno day for WRXs that he had for the EVO last month

It doesn't seem like you're too concerned about cost, so here is what I THINK: If you've got your own turboback, you will be ABSOLUTELY safe going with Cobb Stage 2. I don't think anybody's ever said anything bad about it. All you really need to qualify is an aftermarket downpipe, but with the full turboback, you're set. Cobb doesn't even recommend the uppipe, but it can't hurt.

Cobb is also the only ECU reflash that doesn't seem to care about what turboback you use. Shiv, Prodrive, etc. are pretty big on staying with the their complete stage setups. On the whole I'd say the reflashes are more or less equivalent, but if you're looking to get the most power out of your car, you should consider custom tuning/dyno time, and that's really where going to a good local tuner like Shiv shines.

 

w3rd!

-Gagan

 

Will shiv tune if I have a COBB reflash?

 

ps thanks to you all for your input.

 

if you get the cobb reflash there won't be anything for shiv to tune. It's either you get the reflash from cobb or you goto shiv and tell him you want him to tune your car and he will with his own products.