The ‘uncrackable’ GT-R (R35) ECU





GT-R (R35) High Flow Cats

Stock:


Cobb:



http://blogs.cobbtuning.com/

can't wait for results

I have never modified my exhaust. This may be a stupid question, but why are high flow cats "off road use only"? If the catalytic converters are present, couldn't they still pass emissions testing?

I believe there are regulations regarding cat replacement. Also, my experience with high-flow cats on a 300ZX showed that they had a lot of trouble passing exhaust emission levels.

I am favorite this.

I will take one cracked ECU please.
Cost? JDM GT-R for the Caribbean(Jamaica)= shipping and handling included?

yes, "off-road" status is related to emissions primarily, though it can also be related to noise levels.
exciting to see the ECU cracked already. that's a good sign of things to come!

"off-road use only" is also a way the manufacturer can avoid the hassels of getting things DOT approved and leave all the liability for fines on the consumer. You'll see quite a few after market items stamped "off-road use only."


BTW...great job Cobb!!!! Those look like they'll flow MUCH better than those stock stuffed burritos. Should see some great gains since it's for a turbo application. My 350z gained ~9hp by putting a set of high-flow cats on.

Question: Are you guys replacing all 4 cats, or are you deleting two with this set-up?

looks promising

SO lets say I get caught with these on by the police one day.

I live in California, what type of problems might arise for me?

So if you take it 'off road', that will have less of an impact on the environment I suppose?

Most likely you will get fined and/or have to provide proof of correction back to stock via inspection. Depends on the cop, I too live in CA and have heard some horror stories on savvy police coming down on modded cars.

they would never know unless you had no cats and were spitting soot and black smoke....

I'd like 2 high flow cats, dismiss the other 2 ... And a full titanium form there back

Thanks Cobb, go American tuners!!

Impressive!

Now - who can tell me how to get in touch these boys at Cobb Tuning. I am in Singapore and a bunch of us are immensely interested in getting our hands on the AccessPORTs...

Of course we have a bunch of other questions as well about the JDM cars which our Japanese brethren are wholly unprepared to answer!

Chuck - or whoever has contact details. Please PM me if you dont want to put up on the board. I am serious about this question.

just google Cobb tuning... They are pretty east to get ahold of... If I could post links from my iPhone I'd do it for you

I'll take the Mine's cat. It maybe a bit more street legal. Cobbs is closer home so I am very interested in that cracking sound I hear.

Thanks for the support guys!

On the 'off road use' issue, the situation is that it is simply illegal for you to replace ANY of the factory emissions equipment on a new car. Even if you are beyond the year/mileage limits of the regulation, you still have to replace with a certified OBD-II cat which currently don't officially exist in the US.

So while the emissions output will be very close to stock and even if you still pass the emissions 'sniffer' test, to the letter of the law it is not a legal modification. This is the same if you buy our cats, Mine's, or anyone elses OTHER THAN stock Nissan. To be honest, to the letter of the law even if you REDUCE emissions from what the stock car produced it would still not be technically legal because the law doesn't just state the car has to pass emissions testing but also that you cannot alter the factory emissions equipment. That includes altering it in a manner that may improve it. Silly, I know, but those are the laws. There are certification processes you can go through, as we are doing with the intakes, but currently for the catalytic converters there are no approved solutions for OBD-II cars.

So anything we offer that may alter the emissions equipment on the vehicle has to be used by off-road racing vehicles only. If you're in California (or really anywhere in the US), don't touch those items if you're planning on driving your car on public roads and you'll be legal. There are a LOT of guys contacting us already that only plan on track driving their GT-Rs, which is why we developed this part.

The 'cat-back' section is open from an EPA point-of-view but there are still other laws that must be met such as the SAE J1169 mandated sound requirements (95 dB) and some other safety related requirements. The also applies to other countries as well. The ADR in Australia, Japan is getting much more strict particularly with exhaust modifications, you have the various laws in the EU and in particular the very tough TUV in Germany. That's not to say the aftermarket will go away, but we have to be more professional about the way we operate. Simple as that.

If anyone has any specific questions for me in particular about the GT-R, feel free to post here or email me directly at trey (at) cobbtuning.com. I'm doing part of the GT-R ECU discovery and tuning so I'm happy to answer any technical questions you have. I don't know everything, obviously, but I'm happy to share with others what I know.

Cheers,
Trey @ COBB

trey. what do you think about using MOTEC ecu replacement? or even the Greddy E-Manage Ultimate?
do you think they would be great solutions for the GT-R? or are you just not there yet.

also. i know past nissans had to replace the whole ECU to tune it. (actually modify the ecu chips internaly itself). how will accessPort play a roll if thats the the thing here?

are you actually able to write to the ECU using accessport?

Thank you Trey for the very clear answer to my "off road use" question. As I am not in the first year allocation market, I have yet to decide if this will be a track only car.

:D

I won't comment on the capabilities of other products, all I will say is that the factory ECU is a very capable system. You get very advanced closed loop boost control, electronic throttle body (plural as there are two) control with feedback between the two to keep them 'in-sync' in one another, variable cam timing control, etc. Add to that all the communications that happen between the seperate computers on the car through the CAN BUS (traction control, transmission control, ABS, etc) plus the fact that it is OBD-II compliant. That all is just the tip of the iceberg, but I hope the reason for my opinion is understood.

I know from dealing with other ECUs, particularly the latest model ones we're seeing from Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, etc that the degree to which they are controlling things is very difficult to consistently manipulate unless you can get inside it and actually change it like a Nissan engineer would have.



You don't need to replace any chips on the GT-R ECU to tune it. It uses a sophisticated 32-bit processor w/ on-board FLASH memory to store all its program code and calibration data. With the AccessPORT, we can write new data to the ECU. This is much like how Nissan would do it to make an update to the ECU software to address a driveability issue or the like.

The AccessPORT installation process works as follows:
1) AccessPORT is plugged into factory OBD-II connector and powers itself on.
2) You then select which 'map' you want to use based on your engine modifications (ie: stock, exhaust, exhaust+intakes, etc)
3) The AccessPORT will first read the stock data from the ECU (ALL of it) and save it, then it will re-write the ECU with our new tuned data.
4) Done. Easy as that.

If you want to change a map (say you upgraded the car with new exhaust) you just go to Change Map on the AccessPORT, select the new map and it'll flash it straight to the ECU. If you want to uninstall the AccessPORT, you can do so and it'll return the ECU programming 100% back to stock. The AccessPORT can then be installed to another GT-R, or back on your own GT-R. You can install and uninstall it as many times as you'd like. Some of our other customers do this action when they go into the Dealer for service work.

It's also worth noting that the AccessPORT only works on one vehicle at a time. Also, the dealership service tools (ie: Consult-III) still work 100% with the AccessPORT installed except their ability to update the ECU with new software (reflash it). We don't want customers losing their ECU tunes by the dealership accidently writing over it so we lock out that ability. To unlock it, and allow the dealer to rewrite the ECU, all you have to do is Uninstall the AccessPORT first. Again remember you can do this as often as you want.

The core concept of the AccessPORT is simply to give enthusiasts the convenience of reflashing the ECU when THEY want do. No more shipping ECUs back and forth whenever tunes are improved, changes are made to the car, or worse case the dealership erases it and VERY worse case you have to pay to get it reflashed again.

Hope that helps,
Trey @ COBB

That's fantastic Trey!!! Looks like Nissan just integrated everything for tuning this car right into the factor ecu, but at an even higher level. That explains why Amuse is already pushing over 600hp and was able to just turn the boost up to 17psi. GOOD THINGS!!!! It's fantastic that someone (COBB) stateside has accomplished accessing this info and you guys (COBB) look like you're doing it the right/most customer friendly way.

From your installation process above: do you only leave the Access port plugged in while you're re-writing the ECU? Kinda like plugging your laptop in and then unplugging it when you're not using it?

I guess I'll be buying an AccessPORT when my car arrives

Thanks for the post.
Just to clarify, if I had AccessPORT on a car and switched to the valet map to give to the dealer, the dealer would NOT be able to reflash, correct? Also, any idea on if ECU reprogramming is a part of normal service on this car?

From what I'm getting out of this, all you need to do is "unplug" it and the map goes back to factory?...and when it's plugged-in, it acts kinda like a piggy-back?

my understanding is the device is only needed to read/write to the ecu and store maps.
you plug it in to write a new map, unplug when finished. you're using the device to change what's on the ecu.
so the tune works like a modified factory ecu, and not like a piggypack or anything
could be wrong though...

Wow, this thing sounds amazing.... Id like the high flow cats and a titanium exhaust....

with the ACCESSport , do we get maps and paramaters from cobb based on mods we have done? or is its a "one time" tune and it adjust itself?

Those were my first thoughts, but then he mentioned "unplugging it," so I went back to that gray area.

Trey, what about the codes for the TPMS sensors on the wheels? we want to run differnt wheels without the sensor tripping a code. what do you think?

If they're anything like the ones Nissan/Infiniti use in their other vehicles, they are smart enough to detect when no paired sensors are present in the wheels and tell the system not to set the tire-warning beep and dash light, sort of disabling themselves if you will.

The AccessPORT is not a piggyback, it reflashes the ECU and if you unplug it from the OBD-II port, the ECU is still reflashed with the new data. However, you can leave it connected to do some of the MANY other functions the AccessPORT allows for such as map switching (Valet mode, anti-theft mode, fuel economy, etc), Performance Data (0-60mph, 1/4 mile, Power Estimate -or- 0-100 kph, 0-400 meter if you prefer), Read DTC codes, and a few things the factory car honestly does a bit better such as Live Data (engine parameters displayed as a gauge on the screen), Instant and Average fuel economy and so on. Granted the factory car already does some of those features perfectly well, but that is just to illustrate the AccessPORT is more than just a programmer.

For maps, our philosophy is that the vehicle should be tuned as a system and that rarely is a 'one size fits all' map the best solution. We will have a map for a stock car, and different ones for different level of modifications. These are all pre-loaded on the AccessPORT when it ships. If we come up with additional maps, or improvements to the maps based on customer feedback, then you can download them for free from our website, load them onto the AccessPORT, and flash them to your car. Furthermore, we do ALL of our boost control through the ECU. It's more than capable and often more advance than nearly all electronic boost controllers so why not. Eventually, we'll offer the tuning software to other tuners/shops so they can custom tune each GT-R for its own particular configuration and owner's tastes.

You guys may want to check out our website and look at what we do for some of the Subarus, Mitsubishi EVO, Nissan 350Z, or Mazdas with the AccessPORT to get an idea for how the system works. Admittedly our website is still a bit confusing at explaining what all the AccessPORT does (the curse of being an engineering company as opposed to a marketing company) but it is getting better and there are some videos on there as well.

I'm going to be off the forum for a little while so please continue to post questions and just understand it may be a few days before I can reply. Also, our GT-R will be at the Performance Nissan meet this Saturday in San Bernardino, CA if anyone wants to stop by. I personally won't be there unfortunately but several of COBB staff will be out with it, our G37, and our 350Z.

Cheers,
Trey @ COBB

Good info, thanks Trey

Trey, can you give us a little more info on the valet mode. Does it inhibit the speed or acceleration or both?

Thanks!

Hi Trey - given that you are going to be off the forum, you might not get this.

I sent an email to you and the sales@cobb id asking a load of questions. You have answered most of them here... The two left from my long list which I mailed are:

1. when do you hope to have a production version ready? I am asking this for the JDM GTR, not the US version - to be shipped to Singapore
2. What are the expected costs likely to be?
3. Is it possible to get a version which can reflash several cars? This is assuming the stock and enhanced maps for each car stay identical...

I (and several others) are keen to get our hands on this product! Will wait for more info from you.

Cheers
TC

Oh yeah! Sounds like Cobb is going to have the deal for the GT-R here stateside.
I am liking what I am hearing with this Access Port. Is there any ability to tune the car yourself on the fly, say you want to adjust A/F or Boost levels while at the track etc.?

Also, and, with a $70K car and especially considering the cost of parts from Nissan for this car, how is Access Port going to be regarding warranty?

This is to Trey, or those tuners that already have a GT-R.

After-market non run-flat, real performance tires/track tires. What is your solution or initial direction for the GT-R or are you just going to run the stock run flats.

My first change is wheels, and Michelin PS2 285/30 20 rear and 255/35 20 front. Not a fan of run flats on a performance car.

Any chance of seeing a turbo back titanium exhaust system in the future from Cobb Tuning?

yea , that's what I want with high flow cats....

Why no intakes ? I just like the sound... Doubt they do much in the way of performance... At least with my evo it was little

http://blogs.cobbtuning.com/?p=222

Damn, Cobb is all over this car. Glad to see this happening so quickly and so close to home.

There will be many wheels on the market that will work with the TPMS. iForged, the first after-market wheels i purchased for my GT-R work with the Nissan GT-R TPMS. My bigger concern is with after market tires. I am going to run Michelin PS2's from day one on after-market wheels with Nissan GT-R TPMS sensors installed on the iForged wheels. If no one else jumps ship on the stock run-flats before then. I will have a nice cross country venture reported in progress on the Michelin tires including top end runs and track runs.

Love the GT-R as you al know, just not a fan of run-flats.

iForged had direct access to the GT-R prior to TAS and wheels you order through them are compatible with the GT-R and the GT-R TPMS. Yes, I am going to drive the GT-R all the way back on iForged wheels with Michelin PS2 tires, not the stock Nissan run-flats.

With the STi's it set a limit on the rpms only. Something like 3800 or 4000 iirc.

Valet mode? Hehe, I already do that with my power FC, only I set it to 3,000 rpm. Car barely moves, but runs more than enough if it needs to move in a parking garage.

Call me boring but I plan to keep this car stock. I've had far too much experience in my time with aftermarket mods and warranty work and I don't plan to give the dealer any excuse to invalidate issues. Sure the Magnuson-Moss is a great thing to throw around but implementing it is another issue. But I digress, I'm really looking forward to seeing what the tuners and the owners will do with this car, I like to live vicariously. ;)

As for iforged wheels, I've heard enough bad things about that company and it's products over the years that I wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole.

As far as keeping the GT-R stock, I agree. I am hesitant, although I would love to go beyond wheels and cat back because of the warranty.

Bad things about iForged? I've been running on them for 2 years now on one car and 1 year on a track car. Hit more construction zones, and pot holes than I care to remember on the street car. As I have traveled longer on my 19" custom iForged, I have hit those road obstructions more aggressively. Guess what. My original iForged, through all of this on SF streets and freeways are still holding up strong.

My guess, the biggest complaints you have heard, were only centered around customer service and delivery times. Trust me, if you want iForged wheels, be patient. It is worth the wait. If you want mass produced, go somewhere else.. The complaints you have heard about iForged, if any, are centered around response time, and turn around. Nothing to do with quality, and probably mostly centered from one outspoken internet loudmouth, originated from one dissatisfied customer. I don't listen to this garbage, that exists for every company out there, including my own. I can tell you from fact there are many more satisfied customers.

For my track car, I have taken a set of three piece iForged wheels, that were never intended for track duty (way too fancy) and abused the living shit out of them, hitting apex after apex, without problem. Guess what. I still own them and they are in perfect condition. Keep in mind that this is a wheel that was never built for the abuses of track, but has survived Infineon, Buttonwillow and Laguna Seca. That is one though wheel and I have tested it, on more than one car. I wouldn't be dropping the money they cost, especially on the GT-R if I didn't know from experience that they are well worth the wait. Yes, if you want a set of quality iForged on your car you will have to wait approx. 6 weeks to get them. If you need them overnight, go somewhere else.

The only reason I replaced the iForged wheels on my track car was for a different offset and wheel width in a single piece construction. Guess what, iForged has single piece wheels for track use now. Guess what I am going to run on the track with my GT-R.

You don't trust iForged, that's your own misguided lack of experience based on someone else's misguided experience. Speaking from your own experience carries a lot more weight. If you want to listen to some pansy ass who couldn't wait for a repair on a 3 piece wheel a year ago , that's your business. I am going to be running iForged on street proudly and on the track in a 19" one piece custom offset with absolute faith in their superior construction. I've personally tested them and I know.

I notice that you have led's rear view monitor and something else on order...Where are you getting them from and How do I get them?

What Kind of HP Gains should we be seeing? I hope a lot

The AMUSE makes around 610 HP I believe..are we near or better than that with the CobbTuning flash?

Also in terms of adjustment, does the AccessPort have the ability to adjust all the necessary functions of the car, or would we see even better numbers with a piggyback such as AEM?.

Thanks Trey, I think you've just sealed the deal for quite a few new GTR owners. Your AccessPort product is the perfect complement to already well designed and implemented Nissan ECU.

Do you keep a list of third party maps available from your OEM tuning shops? I'm sure these guys will get creative and provide some interesting work using your products.

I know these are complicated systems and novices should not try to customize maps without thorough knowledge of all the interactions between them, ie., knock adjustments tables and such. Being a programmer and data specialist by profession the temptation may be too much for me and I might end up trying my had at this. Given that you are an engineering company and documentation for novices is minimal, I would still like to see as much technical detail published as possible for what tables(maps) are available and how they interact. Let us know when the tuning software is available!

i know the mines ecu is geared toward safty in mind. protects the engine but gives whatever performance it can give with that in mind. so its consirvitive. what was the mines ecu pumping out with hp? i forget.

anyways. iForged... how much do the iforged rims for your GT-R weigh? are you getting the 22" or the 20"'s? what do they look like?
http://www.nagtroc.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21225 (here are the two that were displayed latly).
the black ones are nice, but the other are gehtoo and obviosuly not a track wheel.

Complaints just didn't come from one source but various customers on different automotive forums over the years, and not just concerning customer service and supply but also build quality and durability. I'm not disputing your experience using the product, obviously you've enjoyed using their wheels enough to continue that relationship, but when I, as a consumer, hear this much bad feedback about a company, I take all that (including your good experience) into consideration when I decide to purchase, or not purchase, a product.

I tell you tho, the iforged owner is using that customer money well and creating one heckuva 996TT to 997TT conversion on 6spd!