2018 WRX BigSF Intake, Power Packages, and Off The Shelf Maps
Earlier this year we learned of Subaru’s face-lift to the 2018 WRX and STI models. Both models received nice changes to styling cues along with a few performance enhancements. While we initially hoped our existing BigSF Intake System for the 2015-2017 WRX would remain a bolt-on solution for the 2018 WRX, changes to the car’s headlight and front fascia would not allow it. After working with the car for a few weeks our hard parts engineering team was able to make changes to the existing intake system and work those changes into production. With the new intake now available, Staged Power Packages and accompanying Off The Shelf Maps are also now available for the 2018 Subaru WRX 6MT and CVT.
Subaru BigSF Intake System 2018 WRX
 |
 |
 |
The Big SF Intake for the 2018 Subaru WRX is constructed of full 3″ aluminum tubing, a custom aluminum airbox, and a dual cone intake filter. Mandrel bent and powder-coated black, the 3″ intake tube and custom airbox look great in the engine bay and increase airflow potential substantially. The reusable Green filter can be cleaned and re-used for the life of your vehicle!
http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/air-induction/subaru-big-sf-intake-system-wrx-2018
Stage Power Packages for 2018 Subaru WRX
 |
 |
 |
With an intake system available, we are also now able to offer Stage Power Packages to take your 2018 Subaru WRX from stock to street warrior! A Stage1+BigSF Package combines an Accessport with the all new BigSF Intake System. The Stage 2+BigSF Power Packages add a 3″ Turboback Exhaust into the mix. Two versions of our Stage2+BigSF Package are available – with and without a resonator in the J-Pipe. Power output for the Stage 2+BigSF Packages will be identical, only differing in exhaust note.
2018 WRX Stage1+BigSF Power Package
2018 WRX Stage2+BigSF Power Package (Resonated J-Pipe)
2018 WRX Stage2+BigSF Power Package (Non-Resonated J-Pipe)
Is there news on an ETA on the 2018 STI AP firmware release?
No current ETA however we are trending towards a release here in the next month or so. Our Calibration Team is currently creating OTS maps, once those are complete and tested we will be able to provide a more accurate date.
Marshall@COBB
Marshall will the 2018 WRX Stage 1+ BIGSF power package suit the Australian model?
Hey Steve, we actually just recently recieved the 2018 WRX ECU information last week. Once we are able to add tuning capabilities to the Accessport and confirm parts fitment we will be able to offer the Stage1+BigSF Power Package! No ETA quite yet, but hopefully soon!
Marshall@COBB
Hi Marshall,
I am awaiting the Australian release from COBB for the MY WRX stage 1 +, meantime I will be deleting the EGR and TGV from the vehicle. I understand that this will bring the engine light on, so my question is will the access port be able to delete the code for the engine light or will I need a tuner to delete?
Hey Steve, the COBB Off The Shelf maps will not have codes for the EGR/TGV modifications so you would need to have the car custom tuned by a Protuner should you go that route. If you would be interested in test-fitting the intake for us please send me an email ([email protected])!
Marshall@COBB
is there any performance part available for the 2018 sti , im looking forward to get a cold air intake or something
Hey Marcos, we do not yet offer parts that require tuning changes as Accessport development is not quite complete. When Accessport development work is complete and we are able to offer OTS maps to properly tune for an upgraded intake or downpipe we will make those parts and packages available for purchase.
Marshall@COBB
How much hp and torque gains is expected with the Stage 1?
A Stage 1 COBB OTS Map will produce peak gains of +8.5% HP / +8.5% TQ and maximum gains of +15% HP / +15% TQ at 4500 RPM.
Marshall@COBB
Hey Marshall: I am new in the WRX arena. I got the Stage 1 completed and it definately makes a big difference. I went to by the turb-back and had some difficulties that I won’t bore you with. But I found out the hard way the you do not have that for the CVT? Does that mean you will never have one, it is a 2018? I already read above that adding the J pipe only and keeping factory add more HP and I could do that now and reflash for just that, is that right?
Hello,
The short story is that the CVT transmission doesn’t handle significant increases in torque very well. So we will most likely never sell a j-pipe or a stage2 tune/kit for the CVT models. In testing, we found that it was simply too risky to make an OTS option that could damage the transmission. That being said, it is possible to have one of our authorized ProTuners make a custom tune for you if you decide to purchase a j-pipe from someone else. Just keep in mind that it’s a little risky. A Pro-tuner can try to play with the torque levels to keep it in a safer range while increasing HP, but there is never a guarantee when driving the car aggressively. – Adam@COBB
when are you expecting to get ots for 2018 stage 2 with big sf? im currently having to run the economy map
Hey Jeff, we have that map available here!
https://www.cobbtuning.com/maps/2018-subaru-wrx-mt-usdm-stage-2-bigsf-map
Marshall@COBB
Currently running stage 1 91 map on my 2018 WRX. Looking to add a Hybrid BOV. What map would I need to flash and how do I get my hands on it. No tuner shops in my area.
Hey Ben, we have not tested any hybrid BPVs with our OTS maps so I cannot say for sure if one is guaranteed to work. As long as the valve is recirculating 50% or more of the air you should be okay with your current map. I would anticipate potentially running into some rich spots during shifts and on decel.
Marshall@COBB
I recently installed the COBB intake on my 2018 WRX 2.0 USDM and since installing it I have noticed a faint squealing noise at low speeds. It happens around 1.5K to 2K rpms. It almost sounds like brakes squealing. I did some research and have found several people with the same issue after installing aftermarket intakes. My question is what can be causing the noise? and is this something to worry about? All my AP readings look good. Thanks for your help.
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for contacting us, that is the first I have heard of that but our support team might know more. Please send an email to [email protected] and attach a video that captures the noise if possible. They can try and help further diagnose the behavior. I would also recommend doing a pressurized smoke test as well.
Adam@COBB
What power gains will I see going from Stage 1+ Big SF to Stage 2?
Hi Blaine,
Power gains will vary with octane fuel used. Check out the map notes for the details: https://cobbtuning.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PRS/pages/75071626/Map+Notes+for+VA+WRX+6MT+North+American+and+ADM+Spec
Kyle@COBB