OFFICIAL TUNING DEVICE THREAD FOR YOUR MS3/MS6

[JTMS3]

This thread is to educate new users on the most commonly used devices for our platform when tuning the ECU.
There are other options out there, but these are the most widely used and supported.

** First things first. You do this at your own risk!**

• There is not a single dealership that will approve this mod! It would be wise to uninstall all modded ECU maps before any trips to the dealer.

• Like any mod, there is a risk involved, so it is highly recommended you work with the manufacturer or a pro tuner before beginning to make sure the solution is right for you. This will serve to get your knowledge to where it needs to be before making any major changes to the ECU.

• An HPFP upgrade is required for most tunes, more information here.

Cobb Tuning AccessPort
COBB Tuning - MAZDASPEED Accessport V3

Supported models:

■ 2007-2013 MAZDASPEED3
■ 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6
■ 2007-2013 MAZDASPEED Axela
■ 2004-2006 MAZDASPEED Atenza
■ 2007-2013 Mazda3 MPS
■ 2004-2006 Mazda6 MPS




Description:

Simple ECU flashing with gauge package! The new in-cabin mountable Accessport V3 has a large, full color, higher resolution screen which allows you to monitor up to six parameters in real time. Fully customizable from the look (multiple bezel colors), layout (set up race, street, or dyno gauge clusters), and mounting options (choose from 1,000s of standard vehicle mounts). And what's looks without brains? More processing power, memory, and storage to flash faster while saving all of your maps and logs. This is your new Accessport.

Why?

The Accessport is the world's best selling, most flexible, and easiest to use ECU upgrade solution for your Mazda. Unlock power hidden within the vehicle by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations. Follow our staged upgrade path with pre-loaded Off The Shelf (OTS) maps or use custom mapping for any modification level. It's the last engine management solution you'll ever need.

Features:

MAZDASPEED Accessport V3 (AP3-MAZ-002)

•Larger, full color, higher resolution screen
•Customizable multi-gauge display
•In vehicle mount, with on/off switch
•Faster and easier to use with a familiar face
•Interchangeable faceplates

AccessPort helpful links:
AP User Manual
V2 (discontinued)
http://accessecu.com/support/docs/ma...UserManual.pdf
V3
https://cobb.app.box.com/ap3-maz-qsg

Typical data logging results:
http://accessecu.com/support/docs/su...0Guidance.html

Differences between the Gen1 vs Gen2 MS3:
http://accessecu.com/support/docs/su...%20Support.pdf

ATR Helpfile:
http://www.accessecu.com/support/doc...MAZDASPEED.pdf

OTS Maps:
COBB Tuning - Maps

Cobb MSF vendor page:
Cobb Tuning - Mazdaspeed Forums

VersaTuner
VersaTuner - An Innovative Tuning Solution -

Supported models:

■ 2007-2013 MAZDASPEED3
■ 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6
■ 2007-2013 MAZDASPEED Axela
■ 2004-2006 MAZDASPEED Atenza
■ 2007-2013 Mazda3 MPS
■ 2004-2006 Mazda6 MPS
■ 2007-2009 CX-7




VersaTuner is easy to use. You don't need to be an engine tuning guru to use it. It is wizard driven to help you perform common tasks, provides visual cues and uses easy to understand terms to describe what is being done. Forget about tinkering with small buttons and tiny screens of embedded tuning devices. Enjoy a premium tuning experience on the large color screen of your Windows PC, laptop or tablet. Keyboard shortcuts and large uncluttered information screens are provided for in-car tasks, such as data logging. Audiovisual alerts are employed to keep distractions to a minimum.

VersaTuner is a Windows™ application, so it runs on regular computers and requires no fancy hardware apart from an easily obtainable J2534 Pass-Thru device, used to talk to the car. Connect one end of the cable to the OBD-II port of the car, connect the other end to a USB port on your computer and start tuning. There’s no need to splice any wires, install additional electronic modules or take out your ECU.

Features:
•Online tune database
•Deep control of ECU
•Tune editor
•Dashboard and data logging
•Next generation log viewer
•Extensive diagnostics
•Launch control and no lift shifting
•Community-centric approach
•Global availability

VersaTune now offers tuning of load to 4.0 and RPM to 8000 in key relevant tables.

Originally Posted by Steve@VersaTune Extended Load and RPM Axes Twenty One tables deemed critical to performance tuning and drivability have had their axes extended to 4.0 load and/or 8000 RPM. The tables modified include load targeting, fueling, ignition, valve timing, throttle, and boost control. Proper tuning of large turbo equipped vehicles is finally possible. Drivability is radically improved by removing the on/off behavior of tunes limited to a load of 2.0. All extended tables have “Extended” in the table name. We are in the process of adding this to Gen2. It should be ready shortly. Thanks, Steve

VersaTuner helpful links:

Features:
VersaTuner - Features

Available Tunes:
VersaTuner - Available Tunes

Tech Specs:
VersaTuner - Technical Specifications - 2006 - 2007 MAZDASPEED6, Mazda 6 MPS, MAZDASPEED Atenza

VersaTune MSF page:
VersaTune - Mazdaspeed Forums

Hypertech MaxEnergy Sport
Max Energy Sport - Hypertech - [B]

Supported models:

■ 2007-2013 MAZDASPEED3
■ 2006-2007 MAZDASPEED6




Max Energy Power Tuning extracts every bit of energy possible out of every molecule of fuel giving you more miles at part-throttle and more power at wide-open throttle. In order to increase engine efficiency, horsepower and torque, our engineers first make hundreds of dyno runs to optimize the spark and air-fuel curves point by point over the entire rpm band from just off idle to wide open throttle. Next we take the vehicle with the new tune to the track and the street to verify real world performance gains. The results…maximum power, quicker acceleration, smoother shifting and better driveability.

Features:

• Intakes supported: Cold Air Intake Tuning AEM Brute Force, BEGi Cool Air System, Cobb Tuning SF Intake, CorkSport Short Ram, Custom Performance Engineering Xcel Nano Air, Custom Performance Engineering Xcel Cold Air, HKS Racing Suction Intake System, Injen Cold Air, K&N Typhoon, MAZDASPEED Cold Air, Takeda Attack
•Top Speed Limiter 25 - 75 MPH in 5 MPH increments, 81 to 255 MPH to match speed rated tires
•Rev Limit -500 to +500 RPM
•0-60 MPH Restriction
•DTCs Read and Clear
•Return Back To Stock
•Internet Updateable
•Engine Idle RPM -100 to + 200 RPM in 50 RPM increments

MaxEnergy helpful links:
Ref Guide and Manual:
http://hypertech.com/ProductManuals/sport.pdf

Hypertech FAQs:
FAQs - Hypertech

Tuner Software Update:
http://www.webservice99.com/webdownl...structions.pdf

MSF Tuning Vendors

Freektune - http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/forum/f699/

Hypnotic Tuning - http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/forum/f737/

Stratified Automotive Controls - http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/forum/f600/

[Raider]

Sticking....

I'll be sending msf bucks to you in the morning!

[rfinkle2]

WOW... Awesome!!!!

Ganque actually swapped ecu's from mexican to US Spec so he can use the AP.. Maybe a helpful resource here:

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...acement-85575/

[rfinkle2]

@JTMS3, A lot of effort went into that guide, and imo, you can tell.

[JTMS3]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 @JTMS3, A lot of effort went into that guide, and imo, you can tell.

some of it was easy enough to dig up just a lot of reading and determining what was worth putting in for each one.


Grazie @Raider for the extra MSF bucks!

[AZSPEED3]

Great write up man. Alot of good info for new members looking for tuning options

[Raider]

Enough for $600,000 msf bucks, too!

Want some, click the link in my sig!

[RhoadBlock]

Great work on the thread bro. Definitely add something about the CP-E Flashes because if they actually do go that route, they can't make good power without them.

And please mention PERM Tuning for the AP. Aside from the fact that they're honestly one of the best in tuning the DISI platform with the AP, we gotta show our love for some of MSF's own best/brightest members.

Guys we can all start sharing opinions, dyno sheets, etc imo. This way people doing their research can decide which device to go with based on their mod levels and our failures & successes. I know it'll get slanted quick, but it slants for good reason.

[phate]

Originally Posted by JTMS3 Got any recommondations for other tuners on this board? Let me hear it and I will add to the list.

@atvfreek does some excellent work, as well

[Ferg]

@codyb154

[JTMS3]

thread updated, SB removed.

[doobs004]

does the hypertech still not work on a 2012? theres still no updates?

[JTMS3]

Originally Posted by doobs004 does the hypertech still not work on a 2012? theres still no updates?

sorry didn't see this until now.. It looks like the HT device still is not supporting 2012 as of yet. I am sure if you call them they can give you a good idea of when it will be.

[amodea1]

i know it says in your write up and in the description for the COBB AP
•Map Database: Free access to the OTS map database from COBB Tuning that provide excellent starting points for specific modifications
•Technical Support: Outstanding technical support from the software engineering team and our expert calibrators
does that mean i can get my buddies scooby AP and get the maps for my 08 MS3?
i searched but couldnt find anything definitive.
great write up by the way, this convinced me to get one regardless.

[MS3MYK]

Originally Posted by Vansquish No. The AP is model-specific. If you have an '08 MS3, you need to get an AP for the '08 MS3.

So an AP that was for a 06 MS6 but was unmarried, wouldn't work for an 08 MS3??

[Vansquish]

Originally Posted by MS3MYK So an AP that was for a 06 MS6 but was unmarried, wouldn't work for an 08 MS3??

Well...I guess my old post was deleted (rightfully so). The MS6 and MS3 have an AP that can be used on either car, it merely depends on firmware updates.

A Subaru AP, however, will not work with the MS3/MS6.

[ASHMS3]

The Mazda AP is universal I believe. I think you just have to update firmware to your model and year. Somebody correct me if I am wrong.

[V1rotate]

Thanks... Cobb AP for me

[JTMS3]

@AndyT Thanks for the updated info on the ECUTEK programmer. I have updated the OP with all the info on it.

Originally Posted by stefan what about the standback? :p

It was on here but I was asked to remove it.

[eksces]

OP needs an update! Cobb went GLOBAL with Mazda! AccessPort works now on All mazdaspeed/MPS 3/6 around the world.

[JTMS3]

updated OP with new info on VersaTuner.

[Badinfluence]

Great Write up. I have been reviewing the ATR file and around, but I can't find a good guide for 3-port tuning. Do you have one to add to the sticky?

[LastOfThePrimes]

I purchased a Hypertech about a year ago, for $300 new. It's the ONLY thing I've done to my car. For what I paid, and the improvements I noticed I have been extremely happy with it so far. Now I'm finally at a point where I want to extract more power from the car. However I don't plan on going too hard core, Bolt ons only. In your guys opinion should I keep the Hypertech unit or invest in an AP. My performance goals are basically to embarrass stock camaro SS's for example. Your input is appreciated.

[Raider]

Sell it on another forum, get AP.

[Jin]

Thanks for sharing!

[gamma500]

Can't say that I have noted any real AFR improvement with my stock 08 MS3 and HT..still logs rich and my questions to HT re: this situation always ends with them telling me I have a boost leak somewhere which is not my case per pressure testing and my trim numbers. A very tame tune too say the least and HP increase they claim with stock car is apparently only occurring in their Dyno garage.

[Raider]

Sell Hypertech. Get Accessport.

[f15ms6]

How many of you are using Versatune?

[udntknw]

I think we are going to be seeing more people start using Versatune. But seems only a few in the states are.

[Deldran]

HOW TO - Switch to VersaTune

[f15ms6]

Originally Posted by Deldran HOW TO - Switch to VersaTune

I think I made that post the same day you made that new thread

[cam1391]

To tune with th ap do you need to upgrade your wideband o2 sensor or is the stock sensor acurate enough for safe tuning?

[udntknw]

Stock wideband is plenty accurate.

[cam1391]

Originally Posted by udntknw Stock wideband is plenty accurate.

Glad to hear that. Is it worth the money to invest in a wideband afr gauge like prosports halo (or a uego)? Or is just running th as an afr monitor plenty.

[Raider]

Thanks to @SofaKingAwesome; for updating this thread!

[kdotspeed]

Sorry to revive an old sticky, but just wanted to point out Hypertech MaxEnergy Sport no longer is supported by Freektune (at least from what i see on their website). They only have Cobb and Versa listed as supported devices.

[MSMS3]

Originally Posted by kdotspeed Sorry to revive an old sticky, but just wanted to point out Hypertech MaxEnergy Sport no longer is supported by Freektune (at least from what i see on their website). They only have Cobb and Versa listed as supported devices.

You really can't "support" Hypertech. It is plug and play with a pre-configured set of mapping and options. Aftermarket tuners cannot, to my knowledge, alter the pre-configured maps. They've never been able to do that. About all you can do to "tweak" the tune is to experiment with different intake choices. The correct choice serves as your base MAF cal. But you would need to datalog to do that. Ultimately, most of us who have run it and datalogged have concluded that HT did a good job in getting the MAF cal right for each of those intake choices. There is little to be gained by playing around with them, and the ones that show some slight power gain, raise EGT's above what I consider wise.

I have been an advocate of HT as a good tune for those who are going to run the stock K04 turbo on pump gas. It gets very, very close to what a custom tuner can do with that turbo, pump gas and bolt on mods. It is pretty adaptable to changes on the intake side (as long as you keep stock MAF sensor housing diameter and on the exhaust side (even catless dp/rp) and is safe with those mods, according to data logs I've run and have posted here in the distant past. You cannot run it with big turbos, exotic fuel blends, custom manifolds, larger diameter MAF housing or more extensive mods.

It will get you to 300whp and 300 fp/lbs of torque with a good intake and improved flow on the exhaust side (dp/rp). That just about maxes out the little K04, anyway. This has typically been found to be better than the crappy AP off the shelf maps. Versatune can do a little better and can AP with custom tuning, but not much on pump gas.

But, I would not criticize Freektune or any other custom tuner for not "supporting" HT. I don't think there is anything to support from a custom tuner perspective. To my knowledge they are not trying to alter the mapping, and not sure there would be any way to do so, even if they wanted.

[kdotspeed]

Originally Posted by MSMS3 You really can't "support" Hypertech. It is plug and play with a pre-configured set of mapping and options. Aftermarket tuners cannot, to my knowledge, alter the pre-configured maps. They've never been able to do that. About all you can do to "tweak" the tune is to experiment with different intake choices. The correct choice serves as your base MAF cal. But you would need to datalog to do that. Ultimately, most of us who have run it and datalogged have concluded that HT did a good job in getting the MAF cal right for each of those intake choices. There is little to be gained by playing around with them, and the ones that show some slight power gain, raise EGT's above what I consider wise. I have been an advocate of HT as a good tune for those who are going to run the stock K04 turbo on pump gas. It gets very, very close to what a custom tuner can do with that turbo, pump gas and bolt on mods. It is pretty adaptable to changes on the intake side (as long as you keep stock MAF sensor housing diameter and on the exhaust side (even catless dp/rp) and is safe with those mods, according to data logs I've run and have posted here in the distant past. You cannot run it with big turbos, exotic fuel blends, custom manifolds, larger diameter MAF housing or more extensive mods. It will get you to 300whp and 300 fp/lbs of torque with a good intake and improved flow on the exhaust side (dp/rp). That just about maxes out the little K04, anyway. This has typically been found to be better than the crappy AP off the shelf maps. Versatune can do a little better and can AP with custom tuning, but not much on pump gas. But, I would not criticize Freektune or any other custom tuner for not "supporting" HT. I don't think there is anything to support from a custom tuner perspective. To my knowledge they are not trying to alter the mapping, and not sure there would be any way to do so, even if they wanted.

That's is great info! Thank you for the expanded reply. I'm very fresh to the tuning world. Not sure how HT differed yet as I'm still learning. I've had a Cobb V3 for a few years. Been looking into a protune because I've been playing with the idea of E85. But now learning there is a lot of info out there. Noob question, but would HT work with the engine being board over? You can also just reference me to other material as I am sure it is out there.

[AndyT]

Just to add that ECUTEK now has a data logging device that can also be used to read & clear DTC's and can be used for mobile mapping.

I've just bought one and uploaded an new 21psi map that my tuner wrote, it's easy to use and idiot proof as you cannot alter the maps yourself, but it does save a drive to the tuners.
You need to use a laptop and download the software from ECUTEK before you can use it. It will generate a .csv file so they can be read using excel.

This isn't locked to a single car so can be used by anyone with an ECUTEK license or sold on when you're done.



EcuTek - ProECU - Programming Kit

[stefan]

what about the standback? :p