NEW VF48 need Tuner
 

I am obviously new so be gentle>

I have a 2005 Forester and a boat load of new parts going on in the next week or so and I am planning on running the Cobb VF39 map. Is that safe and where can I get tuned on a 4 wheel dyno??

Grimmspeed PnP STi exhaust manifolds
STI uppipe
VF48
STi TMIC
Cobb Catted Down
STI midpipe and back

Can I safely run the VF39 map??

Thanks in advance!!

Closest 4-wheel dyno is Paul at DBTuned in Roseville. He's done work for a number of guys on the board.

VF39 is an okay base map, but I bet the boost would be off with the VF48 and also maybe ported stock header.

Nearest AWD Dyno is in Sac. - DBTuned. In the bay area GST Motorsports is a good option.

Kinda weird to have the GS port/polish exhaust manifolds without their cross-over pipe. They open them up to match the gaskets, and that creates quite a step into/out of the stock cross-pipe, doesn't it?

They do the same to the X pipe as well. Its all 9 ports.

So, you got the whole ported header w/crosspipe from them? It's pretty sweet, and the best sounding (stock sound).

Don't run that base map for long!!! Cobb specifically warns against running anything other than a VF39 on the VF39 map...they even said running a VF43 on that map was a risky idea.

You can always run the fuel economy map which restricts boost as well as being gentle on the gas until you get to the tuner.

I am going to run the Cobb E-Tune until I can get over the hill. Cobb says it is within "5-10%" of a dyno tune. They admit it is not as good but should be safe to run. Does anyone have any experience with this?

yea its not bad... its just like the OTS maps on the AP!

DBtuned Sucks
 

OK got my car tuned at DB tuned. It went well and the car had no problems. I think I had a 275 Torque and 254 HP but thats the problem. I really don't know. I can't say that I would go back to DBtuned for anything. The owner, Paul is very opiniated but thats fine I just sat and listened. He liked what I did but spent a great deal of time telling me about the "kids" that bring in their cars that are not ready to be tuned etc. He told me that he can make more money working on cars rather than tuning and made me feel like I was a bother. I had just spent months searching for a car, thousands on parts and hours upon hours installing them. Paul also backed my car into the curb getting into the Dyno bay hitting the muffler and my factory mud flaps. It is very tight getting into his dyno because it is on the side of the building. I heard the crunch of the car going onto the curb and the drag of it coming off from inside the shop so obviously he was aware that he did it. The windows were down so he could listen to the car. He said nothing and since I needed the tune I just sat there with my mouth shut.

I do not have any dyno charts or other information. He said he would send them to me. Well... he has not. He does not return my calls and he has not sent the charts by email like he said. I have sent several requests with no answer at all. I don't know my PSI, air fuel, HP or Torque curves etc. Really I have no idea. I feel that he was competent and my car will not blow up but I will be taking it to Fine Line imports for a retune.

I thought I would share since he is the the closest tuner to us.

Thanks for the review.

Sent PM. I would be happy to log car and tell you afr, boost and do a road dyno on the car.

Sent you a PM also. That would be great. Thanks!

Mike do you need a boost gauge?

I do not have a boost gauge and wanted to run without one. If I add one I want it to go where it it not easily seen. With modest mods and no plans on racing is it required? Thanks

Required, no, recommended, yes.

I try to stay below 5 PSI in 5th gear since it's not great for the car to sustain much higher. A boost gauge is obviously instrumental for that. The other benefit is that you can ID over/under boost and other issues that cause something like slow spool with one.

PM sent.

I've never heard bad reviews about Paul, ive had multiple friends get their cars tuned there and have never heard of any problems, all stated Paul was a great guy...

A simple misunderstanding and miscommunication on my behalf, with a little bit of laziness as well.

I logged the car today and sent logs to paul to discuss...

:popcorn:

;) we will see how it goes.