Tuning requires some sort of software and hardware interface to get the job done. The COBB AP is the hardware intermediary in this instance. He got a Pro-Tune (custom tune) from a tuner that owns a COBB Tuning license and software. So they did the tune with the COBB software and loaded it onto the AP as another map. So yes it is a custom COBB tune because it utilizes the COBB AP and is not a OTS map provided by COBB. In the Subaru community it's usually just referred to as being Pro-tuned.
Other shops MAY be able to tune your truck via a Tatrix cable if there is software for it, but usually it is extremely limited on what the tuner can do. Also you do not have the ability to swap maps on the fly. In example: I'm driving across country with a tune for 93 octane and I'm running low on gas. Gas station I pull up to only has 91 octane. Hook up the COBB AP and swap your map to the 91 octane map and you're good to go. If you had a tune with no flashing unit on hand/laptop with you or whatever you are screwed.
Tuning isn't cheep. A lot of tunes that are provided with some sort of flashing unit are meant to slightly bump performance while keeping the engine safe. You can't expect companies to provide a map as a 1 map to rule them all since no 2 engines act exactly the same. This is were you go and get your custom tune done for the mods you have and how your engine specifically acts. OTS maps are honestly just a stop gap until you get a custom tune. So if you want to play, you gotta pay.
In my opinion if you are going to tune your Raptor (Or any other vehicle for that matter), you had better have the ability to change your fuel maps on the fly and have safe fuel maps provided. The COBB AP is nice because it makes it super simple. Plug it in, change it, and you are on your way. No fussing with a laptop and they come pre-loaded with the basic fuel maps you need to keep the engine safe.
Nah I get all that - you answered my question basically, scenario was the poster’s truck got custom tuned by a shop utilizing cobb’s Software & hardware platform, so he can take the AP w/ him wherever & switch between different files & back to stock. Got it.
I’m already gearhead tuned w/ an SCT handheld...I keep the handheld in the glove compartment strictly as a precautionary measure in case I get some major drivetrain failure & need to get towed/bring to dealer & wanna revert to stock. Don’t have to worry bout octane/bad gas w/ GH tune.
Majority of my experience tuning/modding vehicles is w/ actual custom dyno tuning proprietary to the shop (GM vehicles) using HP tuners or EFI live I guess. Scenario where you bring vehicle to shop they do multiple dyno runs get it in the ballpark, then drive on street for a number of miles/scenarios data logging w/ laptop hooked up, then back on dyno for final tuning tweaks. That’s how my Z06 is tuned, & in my mind that’s a “custom” tune.
I guess what this poster is doing is basically the same- except utilizing cobb software vs HP tuners & being able to store maps - including stock- on a device for changes on the run. Def good to have for a DD like a raptor, now that I think of it would be useless for my vette has too much crap done to it anyhow wouldn’t even startup if it were on a stock file lol, wouldn’t run on anything but 93+ either
Reminds me how “old school” it’s becoming lol
