Driving a VW Jetta or Golf means you have a solid, great performing car. While they are sporty looking, modifications can make them perform and look even better than they already do. There are lots of VW performance parts that can make a difference in your car without breaking the bank, something for everyone’s taste and budget.

1. Neuspeed Front Sway Bar

Modifying your car’s front end can significantly improve its handling and doesn’t need to cost a lot.  The front sway bar is a good place to start if you are looking at changing the suspension setup.  Adding the Neuspeed front sway bar makes the handling much stiffer than any stock one already in place, making the lateral roll better than with the stock suspension setup. It is not overly expensive and can make a big difference in driving.

2. SuperPro Performance Control Arms

Super Pro SPF2821K

$75.99

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If you are looking at modifying the front end of you Jetta or Golf, you should look at the control arms, too. These SuperPro control arms are extremely lightweight but solid. If you install them, you get rid of a substantial bit of weight from the front of your car. In addition to getting rid of weight, they also add an adjustment to the caster angle in the front which further improves how the car handles. It is not a massive upgrade but it will make a noticeable positive change to how your car drives.

3. Koni Height-Adjustable Coil-vers

Koni 1150 5057

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To round out your suspension aftermarket upgrade, look at lowering springs or coil-overs. This mod will be a more expensive part of the upgrade but will blend well with the sway bar and control arms. Buying a Koni product is a little pricey but keep in mind that they know their stuff. Koni has been in the racing world for years and knows what works and what doesn’t. These particular coil-overs adjust the height of your car, lowering it just over two inches depending on how it is done. Installing them gives you corner balancing, an equal shock and spring rate, the ability to adjust the dampening and height. Doing all this work in the front end will have a big impact on drive and handling performance.

4. Megan Racing VW GTI Performance Muffler

Megan Racing MR-CBS-VWG12-SRT

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Most articles will tell you to look at the exhaust when you are going to mod a car. The Jetta and Golf are no different. You can choose to spend a little or a lot but, either way, make sure what you buy is good quality or you will just be wasting your money and replacing it sooner than you’d like. This particular muffler isn’t as loud as many of the canister-type mufflers that are being installed which may be a good thing when you have to deal with your neighbors and the law. That said, it certainly sounds powerful and looks good, too. The oval tip makes it stylish while providing some volume while you are driving. It adds some horsepower as well since it isn’t just a clamp on a pipe for style.

5. ARP Carbonilo Carbon Fiber Intake System

APR Cold Air Intake

$549.95

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Another item that most experts suggest you modify in your car is its air intake system to enhance the engine and get more power. This system from APR gives you the upgrade and tuning software to up your horsepower and gain more torque from your four-cylinder engine. This intake system, when put on the 2.0L turbocharged engine along with the software, means you get a significant jump in power.

6. Integrated Engineering FSI Intake Manifold

VW 2.0T TSI Intake Manifold

$391.24

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Automakers are always walking a thin line when creating and designing intake manifolds. They are trying to balance power with fuel efficiency. This is problematic if you want to make performance upgrades to your Jetta or Golf. Integrated Engineering basically removes the issue of efficiency and has created an intake that offers max airflow for greater engine power. It can be installed as-is or you can take the mod up a notch with water/methanol injection as it is already predrilled for this. Either way, you’ll increase the power of your car by installing this manifold.

7. Air Lift Performance VW MK IV Kit

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While air ride suspension isn’t a true performance upgrade, it really looks awesome when used. It makes your ride smooth and adjustable, depending on driving conditions, and it also looks great when used on a Jetta or Golf. You won’t hurt your handling but you will certainly enhance your car’s look.

8. Rotiform Cast CCV Wheels

Rotiform CCV 19 Silver Wheel / Rim

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Modifying your car usually means new wheels as it tends to stylize the car while enhancing the handling. These wheels are designed to add both style and performance to your vehicle. They come in different colors and are molded for durability.

9. 3D Carbon Body Kit

Body kits aren’t just for looks. While they are great upgrades that change the look of your car, they also improve performance by reducing drag. They are stylish while improving the overall aerodynamics of your car. You get bumpers, skirts, and spoilers with this kit, all of which are going to make you look sleek and drive smooth.

Final Thoughts

Finding and installing VW performance parts to modify your Jetta or Golf is a great way to improve the performance of your car and its looks. Most of these parts are designed to do both. While costs range from affordable to quite expensive, you should be able to find parts that fit your budget and still offer a significant upgrade in style and performance. There are lots of sites you can browse through to learn more. Most of the time, you will find that modifications overstock is going to change your drive for the better.

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The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show is one to follow if you are looking for new products to upgrade your Ford vehicle. This trade show is one of the best places to find the newest, up and coming items in regard to aftermarket parts. The goal of almost all the manufacturers in attendance at SEMA is to have something new to present and talk about with the press and those in the know. The new aftermarket parts that show up at SEMA for Ford vehicles are not only good quality but plentiful.

Here are the Top 10 Ford racing parts found at SEMA 2019.

1. Coyote Swap Pedal Kit for Ford Mustang 1964-1970

This part has been adapted to work in a difficult engine bay. The engines in older Mustangs have the master cylinder poking into the bay where the Coyotes DOHC head should be. Revology has solved this with this Swap Pedal kit. The kit leaves room for the engine and makes weight distribution better. A great new part dealing with this long-time issue.

Love Mustangs? Read more about out where you can find 1966 Ford Mustang Parts for cheap.

2. Hydraulic Unit for Ford Mustang 1994-2004

The mustangs from these years have issues with the mechanical clutch quadrant. This newly designed hydraulic unit created by Wilwood can deal with that by changing the point at which the clutch engages as well as the distance the pedal has to go when it both engages and disengages the clutch.

3. Pistons

These units are built by Mahle based on Jon Kaase’s original valve geometry. They are called PowerPak piston kits and can be bought to work with most current cylinder head designs. These parts will reduce drag, general wear and noise as well.  www.mahlemotorsports.com can help with any piston mod questions you have.

4. Suspension kits

These kits are made for the F-150 and Ranger owners who are heading out into rougher terrain for off-road driving challenges. The off-road leveling kit for these vehicles offers tuned suspension parts for off-road driving. These kits are made up of high-quality Ford aftermarket parts that include aluminum FOX shocks which offer great cooling ability when the trucks are working extra hard off-roading over rough terrain.

5. Instrument Panels

While this mod presented at SEMA is specifically for 1967-68 Mustangs, the selection of mods Dakota Digital has is extensive. This particular one is new, easy to install, and looks modern yet not over the top. It is a digital panel with colors the buyer prefers. A great mod for an older car in the current era.

6. Cylinder Heads

Air Flow Research has put forward new cylinder heads at SEMA 2019.  These are specifically called Renegade are for small-block Fords. They have a five-axis CNC ported intake, exhaust, and combustion changers and come in both a street version and race (competition) version as well. Most are CARB certified and the rest are designed to be non-emission compliant for either street or racing use.

7. Rotor Supercharger Packs

Edelbrock (Eaton TVS R2650) released its E-Force Superchargers at SEMA which are perfect racing parts for Ford Mustangs. These packs are 15% bigger but still fit with your stock hood. They come with bigger bearings and timing gears that are thicker for better durability. It gives the engine 25% more airflow than the last packs. They have lower air intake temperatures for better power output. Works great with Coyote built vehicles.

8. Suspension Technology

DSC introduced its suspension controller at SEMA specifically for the Shelby Ford Mustang to replace the factory-installed shock controller. It works with the factory display and basic controls. This controller offers velocity calculations along with brake pressure, g-force, and more. You can tune your chassis as simply as you would your engine, tuning your car to have more or less grip in its tires for everyday driving. This controller works well on the streets and for those who want a track-style setup.

9. Suspension Upgrade

Aldan American offered this upgrade at SEMA for modern Ford vehicles. Their Coilover conversion kit offers adjustable height and improved responsive automotive handling.  This upgrade takes the place of factory-installed shocks and springs using laser cut brackets to fit your car perfectly. They offer strength and a reliable fit. This upgrade is top of the line for your racing ride.

10. Valve Cover

SRT Hellcat valve covers were presented for use in Ford GT500s. They have air/oil separator included in this particular valve cover. They are a great racing upgrade and the Shelby can only benefit from having one.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve finally convinced your wife to let you keep building your Mustang even after purchasing that Ford crate engine, these are 10 upgrades you should consider!

Seeing the products that were presented at SEMA 2019 is exciting, especially when it comes to looking at Ford racing parts and aftermarket modifications. There are some awesome upgrades and great opportunities to ramp up some already sporty Ford vehicles. New technology and the constant upgrade in Ford racing parts are always exciting to see and hear about. SEMA highlights these upgraded parts and lays out not only the newest aftermarket items but also presents the deep breadth of parts available specially designed for Ford vehicles.

While not every new aftermarket part fits every Ford car or truck, there are still lots you can use to modify both the old and new models of vehicles. If you are restoring or rebuilding a vehicle, bought a new one, or are looking to tune and modify your Ford performance engine, the parts introduced at SEMA will take you down that path. Not only are the new parts presented by the manufacturers at SEMA but they are reviewed by the press and scrutinized by buyers. Doing some basic research on the parts you want should inform you which are of high quality and worth buying. Whether you are revving up the engine of a Ranger, F-150, Shelby, or old-style Mustang, SEMA will have the Ford racing parts you want to modify your ride.

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Choosing a new Ford racing crate engine for your car can be a daunting task but there are some great options available to boost the power of your vehicle. While engines are not cheap, you can certainly find one that is surprisingly affordable that delivers lots of horsepower while still keeping costs under control. A Ford crate engine may be the perfect answer  – you can drop a crate engine in your Ford without breaking the bank. And you’ll avoid the hassle of picking through catalogs trying to source all your Mustang parts.

Crate Engines

A crate motor means the engine is factory built. You order it, it gets delivered, and you do not have to make any adjustments before installation. Its timing is pre-set, the engine is balanced, and it just needs to be installed. These factory-built engines can be bought to fit most budgets.  There are basic inexpensive race engines that up your HP but you can also buy high-end models that are considered top of the line, extremely powerful, and made specifically for racing. Racing crate engines cost more than standard ones but they also have a more powerful output. Whether you want street power or racing power, you can find a crate engine that meets your power needs and budget.

Why a Ford?

Purchasing a Ford crate engine gives you the power you want in your vehicle with most of the added parts included, like the oil pan and cylinder heads. The other great thing about these engines is that they don’t have to go in a Ford. They can fit in other makes as well, as long as they are compatible. These racing crate engines are a great way to rev up whatever Ford vehicle you are driving.

Top 5 Ford Racing Crate Engines

1. 5.0L DOHC Aluminator Engine

Source: Ford Performance Parts

This racing engine (M-6007-A50NAA) not only adds power but is also easy to work on when it comes to customization and mods. Works perfectly in cars such as the Mustang GT. It has a 5.0-liter block assembly and offers a compression ratio of 11.0:1. While the engine is pricey, it comes with many of the extra parts you need such as heads, bearings, and pistons, just to name a few. The warranty is two years or 24,000 miles so you are covered all round.

2. Roush 511 FE

Source: Roush Performance

You can’t get much better or more well known than Roush engines for Ford vehicles. This company is known for its high-end products and racing name and their small block crate motors for Ford are just as stellar as their other engine products. This crate engine has everything going for it – a Shelby block, Edelbrock cylinder heads, and a Holley 750-Cfm carburetor. It is drop-in ready so there will be no big expenses when it’s time to put it in. This Ford racing engine gives you 600HP, 625 lb/ft for a great price. It has a two-year or 24,000 miles warranty, whichever comes first. Buying Roush means you’re buying a product with a high-quality name behind it that’s backed by both racing and production experience.

3. Kaase Boss

This power racing engine is going to give your Ford over 770HP at drop-in. It uses the newly introduced Kaase Boss 9-cylinder heads along with 850-Cfm carburetor giving you not only big HP but also 731 bl-ft torque as well. If you want more power with this racing crate engine, upgrade the cam and switch out for a Dominator carb which puts your HP over 900. This crate engine is going to put your Ford into a whole new category of power and style.

4. Ford Racing Boss 363

While this particular engine isn’t the most powerful one on the list, it’s going to get your Ford where you want it to go with speed using 500HP and 450 pound-foot. This motor is designed to fit most Fords without issue. While it is not completely drop-in ready, it doesn’t need a lot of extras to get started. The price is reasonable, its power is solid, and, with a little work, it can get you on your way with some significant HP under the hood.

5. Ford 535HP Crate Engine with Z2 series cylinder heads

Source: Ford Performance

This is a Ford performance engine that will set you back on your heels, built for power and track performance. It put outs 535HP and 545 lb-ft of torque. Every piece of this engine is premium quality, from the bolts to the H-Beam. The Z cylinder heads and .594 lift hydraulic roller cam support the power and most of the parts, such as valve covers and oil pan, make it drop-in ready. The two-year warranty will cover any issues you may have. This is a great buy when you want a crate engine to power up your Ford.

Find more Ford racing parts here.

Final Thoughts

There are so many choices when it comes to finding an awesome, quality Ford Racing crate engine. The best thing to do is narrow them down by what you want in power and budget. No matter which engine you choose, remember, you can upgrade further with other engine parts to boost the power even further. Just be mindful of laws that may become problematic because some of these engines are meant for competition, not normal everyday road use. Power, noise, and emissions requirements differ across the country in both the United States and Canada. It is a lot of work and money to drop in a new crate engine only to find you may have problems with it legally. If you’re covered as far at the legalities are concerned, you’ll be hitting the road in no time with one of these great Ford racing crate engines.

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When you have a Ford performance engine  or a racing crate engine, make sure it is tuned and modified to the fullest so you get the best performance possible. To do this, look at the mods you want, pick what is in your budget, and make sure to choose what works well together. Set a plan of what modifications are going to be tackled first as some mods should be done together to give you more power.  Knowing what works best and keeping your engine in top shape is important.

1. Breathing Mods – Intake & Exhaust

Breathing mods refer to the intake and exhaust parts of your engine which are not only one of the most popular modifications but also the easiest. They focus on improving the breathing of your engine. Most of the Ford performance engines come with stock induction and exhaust that can limit their power. You want to modify it with parts that allow for higher airflow so the power is rebalanced and, even better, increased. Make sure to purchase the correct ones as some induction kits and big bore exhausts can cause you to lose engine power rather than gain it. Understanding the balance of the exhaust with intake and engine capacity while not causing backpressure is important.

One of the easiest switches is to replace the restrictive air box for the intake to let air flow easily without restriction so the engine breathes more. Choose one that blocks the engine area from the air filter. You should also combine this mod with a free-flowing air filter as well as a larger diameter intake tube to help with the extra air coming into the engine – a perfect combination of modifications.

The second easiest mod is the exhaust. Pipes should allow air to get out easily so the engine runs efficiently and has a better fuel economy. Look at a cat-back exhaust as that means it covers all things that come after the catalytic converter. They aren’t all prohibitively loud and can be high-flow with quiet noise levels. You can also do an axle-back upgrade if your regular pipes are good so you’re just changing out the rear mufflers.

2. Internal Engine Tuning Modifications

When you choose to modify the engine, it should include high compression pistons as they improve the compression ratio. You may also want to tune it by skimming the head as this further increases the compression ratio. That said, if you do skim the head to make it flat again, you can’t reverse it so make sure you know what you are doing if you go this route. This modification should only be done if you are well versed in the process. You don’t want to damage the engine by doing something you don’t know how to do properly.

3. Superchargers

Adding a supercharger to your Ford performance engine is going to up the torque. This is different than a turbocharger. These are driven by a belt off the engine and increase torque immediately. Forcing air into the engine gives that boost. A great mod that can really give you some additional power.

4. Spark Plugs and Wires

We all monitor spark plugs and wires no matter what car we drive but when you are working with a performance engine, you want to be even more cautious to stay on top of this. All spark plugs die over time because the elements erode. This makes the ignition coils work harder to create a hotter spark. Along with putting in high-performance spark plugs, modify the wires as well to make sure that even the most basic engine parts are upgraded to meet the standards of a Ford performance engine.

5. Pulleys

Some Ford performance engines use a belt drive for parts like the alternator and A/C. This means that with the crankshaft driving the belt, the extras pull power away from the engine. A way to counteract this is to mod it by adding underdrive pulleys. These can overdrive the crankshaft using a little pulley and underdrive the extras with a bigger pulley. It slows the extras down so there is less drain. These mods need to be done properly so if in doubt have someone who is mechanically trained do it if it is beyond your scope.

6. Change a Tune

After installing a few Ford racing parts, you’ll want to update your tune to account for the extra air and fuel.

The easiest way to change a tune is to install a chip that overrides the stock tune. This means you can bypass the timing table for increased HP. You can also do this with a tuner that is handheld and simply plugs into the OBD2 port to load in a custom tune and data log as needed.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of sites and discussion groups on how to best tune and modify Ford performance engines. The more input you get, the better. If you are new to the field of mods, do a lot of reading and research. Ask questions and make sure you know the laws. You don’t want to do a bunch of engine mods and then find out that your exhaust or intake is either problematic or illegal. Mods are not just something you choose and then throw on without a thought.

Mods need to be assessed. Make sure they are compatible with other mods and are suitable for your engine. Find car communities online who are doing mods like the ones you want so you can learn from other’s experiences. Understanding what you are capable of doing and what you need help with is important. Being overconfident and under prepared can cost you money and time and damage your car. Do what you can and find a good performance car shop if the work is beyond your scope. Having your Ford performance engine providing the best power and output that it can makes driving a sweeter experience.

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If you have a Subaru vehicle, stock or performance, then understanding the aftermarket parts for modification is important to boost the performance of your car. While modifying your car is a great idea, it’s important to understand the basics of modification so you do it in a way that works not only for your car but for your budget as well. It is not only the modification details you want to understand but also the tips and hints you can use when buying Subaru aftermarket parts. You want your car to get peak performance with mods using quality parts that work with your budget.

Subaru Mods

If you want to modify your Subaru after you’ve purchased it, you have to find good Subaru aftermarket parts. But what parts are you looking for? To decide this, you must look at your budget, the desired horsepower you want, and types of upgrades, just to name a few. Drivers need to weigh the good and the bad of each mod that they are looking to complete. For example, if it is an exhaust mod, you need to think about how it affects others around you. Your neighbors and partner are not going to be thrilled if the noise of a new exhaust disturbs them. Also, knowing that the noise and emissions are within the legal limits of your area is critical, too. In some cases, there are boundaries to modifications.

Once you assess your choices, its time to find the Subaru car parts and decide on the install. Prepare a list before buying things so you don’t overspend but don’t miss anything either. Have your parts list handy so you don’t get caught half-way through the work and find that you have the wrong parts or are missing critical components. Here are some of the aftermarket parts you can look at when you want to modify your Subaru.

1. Parts for Exhaust Mod

A common WRX performance part is upgrading the exhaust. These types of modifications are not inexpensive.  Subaru aftermarket parts for the exhaust can run over $1,000 but they add to your overall power by up to 25HP. If you choose a four-inch Turbo setup, it will be louder than your stock exhaust but it offers more power, too. Be wary of the noise because even though these aftermarket parts can be high quality and effective, they can land you in trouble not only with those who have to listen to it but also the law. When you find an exhaust you like and that works for your car, they’re available both new and used. You may be able to save some money if you go the used route. There are lots of reasonably priced options when looking for an aftermarket upgrade.

2. Intercooler Hoses

Hoses don’t sound like an exciting high performance modification but they are one of the most reasonable purchases you can make in aftermarket parts. You can usually find intercooler hoses for under $200 and they replace the original equipment that looks like an accordion. New or used will work and can help boost power in the range of 8HP. These are vital to complete that Subaru race car build you’re working on.

3. Up Pipe

This is a great mod that can add up to 10HP for just over $200 but installation is not as easy as it with other parts. If you chose to go with this part, they are usually bought brand new. It is not that you shouldn’t use a previously used part, they are just hard to find as most owners don’t remove them once they are installed due to the complexity of getting them in place.

4. Intake

If you are going to install this aftermarket part, you need to understand how it works and be sure it’s installed properly. You want solid air to fuel ratio. Just because a car runs great with a modified intake doesn’t mean it’s the right one. You don’t want an aftermarket intake that runs lean as it reduces how reliable your car is. Each Subaru model needs its own specific part. One-sized does not fit all. Check with your installer and then look on the aftermarket for both new and used options. There are a lot out there as many people find that they didn’t research the part well enough and end up having to swap it out and repurchase.

5. Engine Management

Choosing a system for engine management takes the most research out of any of the basic mods for your Subaru. Make sure the system you choose delivers the best air-fuel mix and regulates the engine as you want it or the vehicle can end up with problems. Once you decide on the correct system, get aftermarket parts either new or used. Make sure you are looking for the right year and transmission as the systems change all the time and need the proper combination to work to their full potential.

Final Notes on Mods

Modifying your Subaru with aftermarket parts means your car will ride smoother and be less sluggish and more reliable. Mileage should stay consistent, too.

Make sure your general maintenance is done too! Subaru’s notorious head gasket issues, old Subaru differential fluid, or faulty battery will ruin your fun driving your Subi!

While modifying the car for aftermarket performance is good for you as a driver as it can make your car faster and more efficient, you need to be aware of your warranty, especially with a new vehicle. Don’t make changes that void coverage as you will be in trouble if you need something repaired. You can find parts in local dealerships but also on eBay and places like the Subaru owners groups such as Subimods, Rally Sport Direct, and Fast WRX. Buying used Subaru aftermarket parts can save you a lot of cash.

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Once you have modified your vehicle with a Cobb exhaust system, make sure it stays in top shape. Good maintenance and cleaning mean your investment in your car lasts and works to improve your car’s performance.

Your exhaust is a critical part of your vehicle. It removes harmful gases and converts them to less dangerous emissions, along with the muffler, reduces the amount of exhaust sounds your car makes. Here are the best ways to maintain and clean your Cobb exhaust system.

There is Nothing Like a Clean Set of Pipes

Your Cobb exhaust releases carbon dioxide which means there will be small particles of gasses fusing inside the exhaust pipe, giving it a black coat. Not only does it look unpleasant but it can also reduce the performance quality of your exhaust system. The congestion can interrupt the way gasses are emitted from the vehicle. Along with carbon dioxide, rust can also damage your exhaust.

While we don’t often think about water in our engine, it is a by-product that occurs from the combustion process and finds its way into your exhaust pipes. If you look at other tailpipes when you are stopped behind someone, you will notice water dripping. The problem with this is that if you only drive short distances or if the car is parked for a long time, the water may sit in the pipes and begin to rust the exhaust.

Maintaining and cleaning the pipes is fairly simple as the Cobb exhaust is made of stainless steel and has less chance of rust. While stainless may get a small bit of carbon buildup, you simply need to clean with soap and water every now and then. Use a cloth to clean the tip and exterior and a hard-bristled brush for inside the pipe as far as you can. If there are small carbon deposits, use a cloth and degreaser. Put the degreaser on, let it sit as long as directions say, then gently remove it in circular motions.

Once the pipes are clean, you can wipe everything down to get rid of extra dust and dirt. Putting metal polish on the outside of the exhaust tip can help with maintenance then be buffed off.

Catalytic Converter Cleaning

This sounds complicated but it is not. Your catalytic converter removes particulate matter before it goes out through the tailpipe meaning that the converter can get clogged with carbon build-up. It needs cleaning. This is a more complicated job on your Cobb exhaust system than a stock exhaust and should only be attempted if you know what you are doing since there is a chance of causing significant damage if you don’t understand the part or the process. If you don’t want to take the chance, a mechanic can do it, giving you good results without the worry.

Source: canva.com

Before you or someone else do this, make sure it needs to be done. For most cars, you can check by using an OBD-II scanner. It gives you a warning light to tell you if the emissions are problematic. Plug the scanner in, turn the key in the ignition, and activate your scanner. If the trouble code says the catalytic converter is causing issues, it’s time to clean it.

If you are going to clean your Cobb exhaust system, follow these steps. First, check if there are loose parts. You can tap it with a hammer and listen. If you hear anything, it needs to be removed and taken to a mechanic for proper maintenance. If it is fine, you can do the internal cleaning. Wait until you only have about four gallons of gasoline in your tank but check the label of the cleaner to make sure it doesn’t have more specific instructions. Pour the cleaner into the gas tank and follow the package directions closely. Drive the car until almost empty, then fill up the tank again.

Doing this should clean the carburetor well. If you have a check engine light on, see a mechanic to make sure there isn’t more cleaning or maintenance that needs to be done on the exhaust components.

Manifold Maintenance

Whether the system is a Cobb or factory, combustion engines have an exhaust manifold that takes exhaust from the cylinders in the engine and away from it. This manifold gets the same carbon buildup as many of the other parts do. It gets dirt, soot, grease, and possibly some rust as well. When there is too much buildup in the manifold, the performance of the vehicle drops. Good maintenance and consistent cleaning should stop this from happening. .

Find your manifold. The car engine has to be off for over 30 minutes so the motor is cool when you touch it. Remember to wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask so you aren’t inhaling any of the gunk. To remove the manifold, take off the hoses then use WD40 to get the bolts off the heat shield. Once the bolts are removed, you can take the manifold out.

Clean the inside of the manifold by soaking it in lacquer thinner. Use a steel brush and wool to clean the exterior and make sure to get all the spots that are really coated. Once all this is done, wipe the whole manifold with lacquer and allow it to dry. Then, reattach to the engine.

Final Thoughts

All these cleaning steps should be done on a fairly regular basis for good maintenance of all Cobb Exhaust Systems. Performing regular maintenance and making sure it is running well means better vehicle performance and longer-lasting parts. While some cleaning and maintenance are easy to do, make sure you hand it off the professionals if you are unsure. You don’t want to do something to damage the system and have it end up costing much more than a simple cleaning should.

Check out more of our Cobb guides:

• Load Cobb Tuning Maps
• Cobb Flex Fuel Kit
• Cobb Exhaust Systems cleaning
• Cobb tune on WRX 
• Cobb Stage 2 WRX Subaru Power Package

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Source: canva.com

Flex Fuel Kits allow you to use both standard and ethanol-based gas in a vehicle, switching from one to the other or mixing, hence the term flex-fuel. The main thing that makes a flex-fuel kit work is an ethanol content sensor. It gives the driver real-time measurements of the ethanol content that is going into the car’s engine and lets the ECU make adjustments based on what that sensor picks up.

The Cobb Flex Fuel Kit should be used with vehicles that are capable of handling the higher demand needed to run with E85 gas. Buying this kit is great when you want to make the gas switch easier but make sure your vehicle is capable of using it to its full potential.

Related – Do you need top tier gasoline?

All You Need to Know About the Cobb Flex Fuel Kit

This kit offers an easy install with just a plug and play solution, letting drivers change their vehicle into a one with a Flex-Fuel optimization without losing any of the delicious tuning from the factory. Cobb Flex Fuel kit is one of the simplest to use while also being one of the more sophisticated ones available. You won’t find many comparable options when looking for a tuning device. The kit uses OEM fuel and connectors along with its Ethanol Sensor Kit, measuring the ethanol amount of the fuel being used and fed to the engine.  Once the Ethanol Sensor kit has that particular data, it is then changed to data for the engine control unit (ECU) to utilize to adjust its calibrations. These are shown on your Cobb Accessport monitor.

Ethanol percentages

With many car designs, the fuel pumps are often not created for use with ethanol beyond 10 to 15 percent. Even though they aren’t designed for this, they can often tolerate 15 to 30 percent without major issues. This means if you want to take a slight risk, you can use ~E30 which gives your vehicle better knock resistance, charge air cooling, and a slight improvement in how much power your engine can put out. You won’t be able to get E30 at your gas station so you could pump E0/E10 gas along with E85. If you blend these at the correct ratio, you will end up with an approximate E30 mix for your gas tank. It is important to consider this and understand your vehicle’s engine when looking at the Cobb Flex Fuel Kit.

While there are a lot of benefits of the Cobb Flex Fuel Kit, if you end up with your vehicle gas at higher than 30 percent concentration, you may have some issues. Ethanol can cause issues with fuel pressure, loss of pressure, damaged fuel pumps, or simply knocking out the engine. It can cause loss of acceleration leading your vehicle to stall. All of this indirectly affects braking and steering as well. Although all this sounds intimidating, if you know your car and what it is designed for and put the right mix of fuel in using the Cobb Flex Fuel Kit, you should have little or no issue. It is all about knowing what works before you install it.

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If you are limited in your knowledge about the variable ethanol content and E85 tuning, make sure you do your research. It is not something to guess at. Installing the Flex Fuel kit and tuning needs to be done correctly and in the right capacity for the proper calibration process to happen and for long term use of the vehicle. Proper installation into a vehicle is one step and tuning is another. While it is said to be plug and play, that is negating the fact that some tuning needs to be done as well.

Why install a Cobb Flex Fuel kit?

1. It saves you money. E85 tends to be less expensive than regular gasoline. While you may not get improve mileage, you will save with the lower cost per gallon.

2. It makes your vehicle more environmentally friendly. While that is certainly not going to be the main draw to the Flex Fuel Kit, it is one at the forefront of conversations these days. Ethanol reduces your carbon footprint because it is made from biological materials. Cobb Flex Fuel Kits help reduce emissions by using more of a renewable resource.

3. Performance is where it is at. What driver doesn’t want to up their vehicle’s performance? Higher octane translates into better acceleration. Using more ethanol improves performance. It has a higher level of octane than gasoline which means increased power and pickup. This is the exact reason Indy cars run on it.

4. It is home-based and promotes energy security. Some of the petroleum used for gasoline is from countries outside of North America. Ethanol can be mainly created on home soil so you do not have to rely on foreign oil and you’re supporting companies here at home.

5. Cobb Flex Fuel Kits are not just for one type of car. While you do need a car that can tolerate higher ethanol, you can also make changes to adapt a vehicle. They run cleaner and with more power and use a fuel that is better all round.

Final Thoughts

You can expect an excellent product with the Cobb Flex Fuel Kit. It is one of the best on the market with an easy install when used in the proper vehicle and gets you on your way in no time. Do your research to make sure this is the product you want. Ask your seller if you have any questions and you are on the path to having a better performing vehicle with faster pick up, more power, and cleaner exhaust.

Check out more of our Cobb guides:

• Load Cobb Tuning Maps
• Cobb Flex Fuel Kit
• Cobb Exhaust Systems cleaning
• Cobb tune on WRX 
• Cobb Stage 2 WRX Subaru Power Package

The post Cobb Flex Fuel Kit – Exactly What to Expect appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

This Cobb Intake SF Tuning Black and Airbox looks amazing and has some great benefits derived from both a short ram intake and cold air intake. There are no negatives to the system due to its design. You get good performance with optimal flow while keeping turbulence to a minimum. This means you have fewer engine management issues overall. While the Cobb website offers a lot of details about this product, there are a lot of questions that come up regarding specific details and personal install experience.

Common questions answered

Here is a list that may offer some more information above and beyond the website.

1. Q: If my car’s intake has lots of leaks and I order this, do I need to buy anything else other than the Accessport so my vehicle will run properly?

A: The Accessport is all you need to get running. Nothing else should be needed.

2. Q: What horsepower increase will I see from my 2010 WRX with a CAI and box?

A: You should be seeing around a five to 10 HP increase with a tune.

3. Q: Is it ok if I only purchase the intake and don’t buy the box and then run it that way?

A: While you can install the intake and not the box, this may cause problems. Without the box, you’re pulling in hot air from the engine which leads to the possibility of power loss. So, the answer is yes, you can but it is not recommended.

4. Q: In some fitment guides, it does not show the Forester XT but the Cobb site shows that it is the same for both the FTX and the WRX. Are these the same product or have I somehow misread the information? I would hate to buy it and be incorrect.

A: Yes, this product will work for your vehicle. It is good for 2009-2013 Forester XT’s.

5. Q: If I buy the Cobb SF Intake, can I install it without buying the Accessport? And if that is ok, do I have to get my car tuned after I install the intake?

A: You are fine to install the intake without having the Accessport but you will need a pro-tune afterward.

6. Q: I don’t have a good grasp of whether or not to use oiled filters. I’ve heard they can be bad. Can I get a dry filter rather than oiled with this product? Will that work as well?

Source: canva.com

A: You will only be able to get the product with the Cobb’s SF filter that’s oil-based. You are correct that you don’t want too much oil so make sure it isn’t over oiled. If it doesn’t have too much, you shouldn’t have any problems. This answer is also based on the assumption that your vehicle is tuned for the new intake.

7. Q: Why should I install this intake over the stock intake that’s already in place?

A: There are more than a few benefits of installing the Cobb intake. It is less restrictive than the stock intake allowing more air to come in. The airbox is made of metal which means you are also going to lower the intake temperatures. Both these things will give you better performance overall as well as prolonging the life of your engine. Make sure it’s tuned properly to optimize the performance. You should see and feel a significant difference from your stock intake.

8. Q: I have noticed that there has been an increase in noise now that the Cobb SF intake and airbox are installed. Is that because of the figment issues with the airbox? Can I fix it by sealing the connector with duct tape or some other tape that is usable?

A: You don’t have to seal anything at all. The increased noise is happening because there is a higher flow of the whole intake system. With this, the noise output is going to increase as well.

9. Q: I’ve noticed that some intakes are legal and others that aren’t. The SF one is, and the Big SF isn’t. Why?

A: The answer is pretty simple. The ones that are not legal have not passed the CARB (California Air Resources Board) requirements. All our parts have to meet the standards set by local governments.

10. Q: I have just purchased an Accessport and was concerned that if I installed this intake system, it would damage my engine. I live in a cold climate and the winters get fairly bad.

A: This is a good question because people don’t often ask about the weather and temperature. Cold air can be problematic as it is denser than warm. If you have a turbo car that’s been upgraded to increase airflow, you may end up over-boosting due to the cold. This is hard on your engine but it doesn’t mean you can’t install it, though. The simplest way to prevent the issue of harsh weather and cold air is to flash the LWG (Low-Wastegate) version of the map that you have running on the vehicle. These maps are specifically adjusted to prevent over boosting in cold weather.

A second thing you can do is just be careful of your general driving habits. If you aren’t putting a load on your vehicle, such as pulling heavy trailers up hills, then you may be fine with an NRG (Normal Wastegate) map. Heavy loads are going to cause issues though with the NRG. You can always decide to tune your vehicle each season to meet the weather of that particular time. That tends to be the more expensive option and more than you actually need to do.

Check out more of our Cobb guides:

• Load Cobb Tuning Maps
• Cobb Flex Fuel Kit
• Cobb Exhaust Systems cleaning
• Cobb tune on WRX 
• Cobb Stage 2 WRX Subaru Power Package

The post COBB Intake SF Tuning Black and Airbox – Questions and Answers appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

The Cobb Access port V3 is a top-selling engine control unit (ECU) that is easy to use and just as easy to set up. This awesome ECU can access and boost the power that your car has but you usually do not get to use. Once it is installed, you can reset the moderate factory settings and overwrite them with new calibrations that are more powerful. The Accessport allows the driver to see, show, and data-log information that is the original ECU lists while your vehicle is turned on. It also lets you have any Cobb licensed Pro-Tuner create a custom tune that is exactly what you want for your car.

You need to install the hardware and then you can choose the maps you need on the Accessport for the perfect driving experience.

How to Load Maps

If you have purchased the Cobb Accessport V3, you have a few things to set up before using it. One of these things is to get maps loaded and ready for install on your car. The following instructions are easy to follow and work for all vehicle makes and years that are compatible with Accessport.

1. Enable Accessport to get up and going.

To do this, install Accessport Manager on your computer. This software enables you to transfer data from your Accessport to your computer and vice versa. This is easily done by going through the Cobb website. You find the link here.

Accessport Manager is set up for Windows or OSX Operating systems. It is the management tuning software for the device. Make sure you are uploading the newest version by using the Cobb site as older versions of the software may be elsewhere. They are either under the same name or Accessport Updater. This tuner software lets you take care of datalog files and update the firmware as well.

You need a Windows program newer than Vista or macOS 10.12 if you have purchased a V3 and have USB 2.0 ports. If you don’t have access to these ports, you can use a USB 2.0 hub as well. The V3 is also compatible with USB 3.0.

2. Connect Accessport through USB

Once your computer is ready to go, you can connect the Accessport itself through the USB port. With your computer on, use the cord that came with the product and connect both the Accessport and computer to each end. Your computer may show that the two are now connected and able to communicate. If not, they should be doing so after the next step.

Open the Accessport manager program and click on “connect”. This should make the link between the two accessible and ready to use. Your system may do this automatically when you open it up if Auto Connect is turned on.

Source: cobbtuning.com

3. Import

Once you are in the program and your Accessport is connected, look on the righthand side of your screen and you will see “Import File(s) to Accessport”. Select that and click.

4. Pick your map

Choose the file you want to install on your Accessport. This may be something you want to do some research on ahead of time so you know what works best for your vehicle and the maps you want to install for best performance.

While you are looking at the map you want to select, it is a good opportunity to delete any that you aren’t going to need from your Accessport tuner. For example, you can only access or use 91 octane gasoline then you can delete the maps that are for those running on 92 octane. The other option you can consider deleting is the custom tuning Stages. If your vehicle is a Stage 1 then you won’t be using Stage 2. Getting rid of the excess maps leaves space and makes it easier to find what you want when you start loading them onto your vehicle.

To do this, simply go to the main screen and choose the file(s) you want to remove. You can choose more than one file at a time so just hold the CTRL button (or CMD if you have a Mac) while selecting different files you want to delete. Once that is done, you simply click “Save selected file(s) to my computer”, choose a folder where you want them to land, and they’re off your Accessport and on your computer. You just click “ok” and you are done. The great thing about this is you can always go back and reinstall them if you decide you want to use them.

Click “Open” on the file you have selected and the file transfers onto your connected Accessport.

5. Disconnect

When the transfer is complete, simply click “Disconnect” and you can install the new map you have chosen on your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Everything about the Cobb Accessport has been made to make things simple for the user. There is nothing complicated or taxing in how you use it. The hardware install, firmware updates, and map upload of the Accessport keeps things straightforward. Follow the listed steps closely and head over to the Cobb website if you have any issues. Their customer support is available to help you through any issues you might have. One of the benefits of this device is everyone can use it, from beginner to expert. If you know what you want to do in regard to tuning your vehicle and the maps you need then your plan for better vehicle performance should easily fall into place. You will have your vehicle tuned and be on the road in no time with better performance and power.

We also wrote a Cobb Subaru Advanced Tuning Guide if you’re like many WRX owners who run the Accessport V3.

Check out more of our Cobb guides:

• Load Cobb Tuning Maps
• Cobb Flex Fuel Kit
• Cobb Exhaust Systems cleaning
• Cobb tune on WRX 
• Cobb Stage 2 WRX Subaru Power Package

The post How to Load Cobb Tuning Maps onto Your Cobb Accessport appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Source: pexels.com

All our vehicles come with preinstalled factory settings on the ECU (Engine Control Unit) that dictate their performance abilities. These settings tend to be conservative in nature and don’t allow the vehicle to perform to its fullest abilities. But most drivers won’t give these settings a second thought as they are quite content driving along as prescribed by the manufacturers.

Those who aren’t interested in enhancing their vehicle’s performance are content with watching the speedometer and gas gauge for their need-to-know information but there is so much more data that can be read and used to enhance a vehicle’s performance. Gas and speed are only the tip of the iceberg. There are no hidden secrets in vehicles. You may have questions because you lack the data you need but if you can get answers, you can unlock the potential of your engine.

Using a Cobb Tuning Accessport for your Subaru WRX lets you improve daily performance while ramping up your horsepower in a single, quick flash. It’s easy to do and you will notice a change the next time you’re out on the road. This isn’t just for cars that are on the road for weekend driving but for daily driving as well.

Benefits of a Cobb Tuning Accessport

For Subaru WRX drivers, boosting your performance makes your car even more enjoyable to drive. Purchasing a Cobb Tuning Accessport means you can give your car a boost without a lot of problematic or complicated work. Use its Stage 1 MAPerfomance Pro Tune to enhance the stock set up you have been driving with daily. Your vehicle will benefit from 59 Horsepower and 53 pounds of wheel torque when you are at 93 Octane. A step up from your factory settings.

While there are other ways to get better engine performance, you won’t find one this simple. You not only get better overall engine performance but you can also monitor engine metrics along the way. A Cobb Tuning Accessport lets you do it in real-time. This stylish looking monitor is easy to mount in the car and is adaptable to your interior. You can choose a bezel to match.

The Cobb Accessport is stylish but it does amazing work. It is top of the line when it comes to processing power, memory, and storage. Track up to six parameters at once, right from the ECU. Include your 0-60 time, shift lights, and trouble codes just to name a few. This goes far beyond the basic speed and gas gauge.

The Cobb Tuning Accessport for your Subaru WRX is easy to plugin and get working but you can also work with it online to set it where you want. Connect it to your computer, PC, or Mac and manage your maps, download data logs, and make choices for future tunes. You can access any troubleshooting you need to do online as well.

Features of the Cobb Tuning Accessport V3

Source: cobbtuning.com

The most up to date version of the Cobb Tuning Accessport is the V3. It’s perfect for Subaru WRX or WRX/STI models right up to the 2020 version. Many features allow for easy performance upgrades.

• Updated firmware that is for WRX and WRX/STI models up to the year 2020
• Easy to install and setup. Everything is included so no extra parts or worries. On-screen instructions are simple, straightforward and make finding your vehicle in the system a breeze. It also shows available maps with no confusion.
• If you need to uninstall the Accessport, it is simple to do. Reset your ECU to its earlier settings by simply choosing the Uninstall option from the main menu.
• Newer cars mean new trouble codes. The Accessport reads your engine’s trouble codes and diagnoses the problems quickly and efficiently then clears them when resolved. Having this option means fewer costly trips to your dealership.
• Switch up your maps with ease. You can have as many as 100 maps on your Accessport from the OTS map database or from the Cobb tuner you prefer. Having this access means you can switch between them easily as you need them.
• Your Accessport can be used as a gauge to watch boosts or any live data you want to It pulls info right from the ECU for real-time monitoring and information.
• Accessport gives you all the data you need. It records multiple channels at once so you can evaluate the data with an in-depth study of your engine performance. It stores up to 10 hours without any issues.
• If you are all about measuring performance, there is very little that you won’t find with this Accessport. You can measure your Subaru’s 0-60 time, 60’ and ¼ mile ET along with trap speed just to name a few.
• This device lets you set a shift light so you can customize your RPM Warning lights to shift perfectly each time.
• The AP Manager is perfect for doing whatever out of car work you need. You can use a PC or Mac to manage your maps, download data that has been recorded, or simply update your Cobb Accessport.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to make your Subaru WRX a better daily drive, the Cobb Tuning Accessport will do just that. It is easy to use and ups your Subaru’s performance, offering easy access to data and real-time monitoring. With a little bit of research and some easy install tips, your Subaru’s performance will above and beyond the conservative stock install.

The post A Cobb Tuning Accessport Makes a Subaru WRX a Better Daily Driver appeared first on ScannerAnswers.