Hey guys, I'm just at the beginning of the mod trail, and from my experience in the DSM (first mod I bought was ECMLink) world the first thing I want to get is engine management. Now, I've read tons about both, but I'd really like to hear about people's experience with either.

I'm up in the air about whether I should get the Cobb access port, or the Tactrix 2.0 cable. I mean, beyond price difference, the functionality seems to be about the same? I know I need a laptop for the tactrix, but i have one so that's a non-issue.

My understanding is that if I want to log data (which I do), the tactrix is the way to go. But I've heard that Cobb is easier to use?

Anyway, I'd love some input on this topic. Thanks in advance!

 

Anyone? I'm in the same boat trying to decide which to go with.

 

From an end user point of view:
Accessport is very easy to use, and exporting data is just as easy. it appears to be a usb storage device under Windows and you can just copy and paste the files out on to your computer. I like how i can instantly change between 91 or 93 maps. It appears on Cobb's website that you could self-tune using the their free software too. However, I'd like to see more maps for other mods from Cobb.

 

From what I've been reading, I'll probably be leaning towards the Tactrix... it seems like Cobb is lacking in support for the Ralliart, and favouring more heavily to the Evo? And datalogging with Evoscan seems to be a good thing too (tactrix supported). But I'd still like to hear more.

 

Is swapping between tuned maps and stock maps easy with the Tactrix cable?

 

Yes. It just as easy as plugging in the tactrix, select the map you want, and push a couple of buttons.

 

On one of the threads it mentions saving a copy of your stock ROM and the ECU Flash software has a button for reading the ECU. Do you just hook up the cable, hit read ECU and then save the Rom file to keep your stock map?

 

Yes, that how it is done. I would recommend sending the backup rom to a few e-mail account just to make sure it's safe even if you computer's hard drive crash.

 

Yeah, a few burned CDs/DVDs wouldn't be a bad idea either. Now I just need to find a cable, it appears to be out of stock.

 

I have the cobb ap and I am very happy with it. The data logging is superb, and that little device has so many cool features...dyno, 0-60, 1/4, etc. I am running stage 1 93 and the diff in performance is impressive. The car pulls alot harder, and just runs better as a whole. It also has other cool features like valet map, no reving over 2k, anti theft, fuel economy, etc. Not to mention, if you dont like the canned tune idea, you can take to a protuner and get a custom tune which stays on the ap and can be loaded anytime. The extra horsepower is great but its the data logging feature that I think is second to none. Installation is easy and fast. My fuel economy has improved as well, quite a bit. Was at about 22mpg on highway stock, now I am pushing 26-27 consistently, with some spirited driving in between. I am going to be slapping on a turbo back and test pipe, already have catback, and then am going to run stage 2 93 map, which will put my RA up around 280. Overall I am very happy with it, if you are looking for an easy tuner, with great data logging, and support, I would go with Cobb. But, if you are experienced with tuning, Tactrix is a no brainer.

 

Have you tried the fuel economy map? I am curious how much better fuel economy you would get.

 

I'm sure someone in your area will be happy to help you flash your car.
But you should still order your own, it's very convenient when you have warranty work that needs to be done.

 

Ha unfortunately my area is not well know for its car scene. I only know of one Evo X (all stock) and one Evo 7 (minor mods).

 

I'll be placing my order next week, I expect, for the Tactrix 2.0 and a Boost Pill. I'll end up logging with EvoScan, and flashing with ECUFlash. Looks like for my purposes, this is the best route to go

 

Looks like the cables are back in stock...I just placed an order for mine.

Where are you purchasing your boost pill from. I wanted to buy it from GST since they are providing the maps for free but the only boost pill I could on their site are listed on the 06+ section. Is it the same thing? Judging by the pic on AMS's site and GST it looks the same but i want to make sure.