Update History
Our current Flash Tune version (as of Jun 15, 2026) is 11.00.
Version 10.30 to 11.00:
- Introduced Slot Specifc Exhaust crackles
Version 10.20 to 10.30:
- Improved take-off smoothness in 1st gear
- Reduced rev hang when shifting
- Improved engine braking
Version 10.10 to 10.20:
- Fueling delivery improvements
Version 10.00 to 10.10:
- Smoother throttle tip-in
Version 9.00 to 10.00:
- More safe power and torque based on thousands of tunes and datalogs analyzed
- More adaptable wastegate strategy for modified cars
- Smoother tip-in and gear change strategies
- Reduced the likelihood of torque limit and fuel pressure too high codes
Version 8.10 to 9.00:
- Faster adapting, more responsive ignition timing, and knock management
- Idle dip improvement as the car comes to a stop
- Fuel system improvement to increase combustion efficiency
- Air fuel ratio targets optimized for pump gas and ethanol tunes
- Improved STuned traction control for less momentum loss during cornering.
- Added high torque (HT) E30 option (+15-20ft/lb from 2500-5000 RPM over regular E30)
- Replaced Medium crackles with Progressive Crackles.
Version 8.00 to 8.10:
- Added support for adjustable Launch Control, Flat Foot Shifting, and Driving Rev Limit
Version 7.10 to 8.00:
- Broadened torque curve at peak turbo efficiency
- Refined knock control response and adaptation
- Adjusted fueling response to lessen HPFP strain at peak torque
- Improved Rev Limiter response at redline to reduce engine strain if the rev limiter is hit
- Improved throttle response during takeoff
- Added throttle mapping options: linear, aggressive
- Added WMI support
Version 7.00 to 7.10:
- Better boost holding and higher sustained torque post spool.
- More consistent wide open throttle air-fuel ratios.
- Reduced cruise and idle AFR oscillation on vehicles with aftermarket downpipes.
- V2 "crackles and pops" for exhaust sound. Louder, crisper crackling that stops 1-3 seconds after lift. More audible with all exhaust setups. Less fuel is used during over-run with this iteration. See the video below.
Version 6.10 to 7.00:
- Crisper, more direct shifting and take-off
- Faster fuel enrichment response and high-pressure fuel pump pressure improvement
- Added further protection from high RPM overboost conditions due to wastegate failure
- Option to add "crackles and pops" to exhaust sound
Version 6.00 to 6.10:
- Throttle response improved to smoothen take-off and clutch engagement in 1st gear
- Tighter load and fuel controls to prevent fuel pressure drops, especially in very cold climates
- Timing compensation changes to reduce acceleration tip-in knock
Version 5.10 to 6.00:
- Higher torque/power and faster boost response in the 3500-4500RPM range for pump and E85 fuel tunes
- Finer adjustments based on the modifications installed on the vehicle (such as exhausts, intakes, and intercoolers)
- Improvements to ignition timing controls
- Charge Air Temperature sensor reading fix for MY2015 Focus ST.
Version 5.00 to 5.10:
- Improved FFS and high RPM throttle response post-shift
Version 4.10 to 5.00:
- Maps rebuilt to match the latest COBB FW released June 24, 2015.
- Further improvements to stabilize cold starting idle
- Further improved shifting and reduced rev hang
- Improved LC and FFS for easier activation
- Soft rev limiter implemented before fuel cut limiter
Version 4.00 to 4.10:
- Maps rebuilt to match the latest COBB FW released on April 8, 2015
Version 3.00 to 4.00:
- Smoother cold start and less idle hunting when the engine is still cold
Version 2.00 to 3.00:
- Much smoother shifting
- Performance optimizations in both low and top end through VCT adjustments
- Changes made to throttle mapping to improve smoothness and response
Version 1.00 to 2.00:
- Allows option for rolling map switching
- Enables both the fuel cut and throttle cut launch control limiters
- Changes made to throttle mapping to improve smoothness at low throttle inputs
- Increased torque output for all modification levels
- Increased response and quicker turbo spool for all modification levels
- Increased top-end power for all modification levels
The Options
Fuel Configuration (SWITCHABLE):
Unique fuel types and mixtures such as race gas, octane booster, etc. will require a ProTune.
We take advantage of the COBB AP's map switching utility allowing you to select from up to 5 different maps slots using COBB Map Switching.
Each TUNE FILE contains UP TO 5 MAP SLOTS (not all may be used). MAP SLOTS are SWITCHABLE on the fly using your Accessport or Cruise Control buttons.
None Performance Slot Options:
Low Torque: We setup a low power (15 psi) map in a spare map slot for winter/poor conditions/limp home.
Eco Mode: We reduce boost to spring pressure for fuel economy (5-6 psi).
Valet Slot: With great power comes great responsibility. In this mode the primary rev limiter is set to 3,000 rpm and limits boost to 10 psi.
Anti-Theft Slot: In this mode the car will start for a second and then very quickly shut off.
STuned Crackles (SWITCHABLE):
Can be assigned to each slot independently, recommend on full boost slot only.
This feature adds crackling/burbling sounds to your exhaust when lifting off the throttle and coasting down in gear. The frequency and intensity of the sounds highly depend on your current engine speed during lift off and most importantly: YOUR EXHAUST SETUP. Progressive crackles have a mild intensity at lower RPM, Loud version is more consistent.
Add same fuel type multiple times with differnt exhaust crackles settings to adjust Exhaust Crackles on the fly.
Using this feature allows Enable/Disable exhaust crackles or switch between crackle intensities on the fly, if the map slot does not have a fuel type selected then crackles won't be enabled on that map slot and money paid for the crackles on that slot will NOT be refunded.
** We have not tested all exhausts for sound quality. During testing we have found that exhaust gas temperatures have stayed relatively the same and catalytic converter temperatures had no significant increase compared to having no crackles. However the exhaust as a whole does experience higher intensity sound/pressure waves.**
Extra Options (NON-SWITCHABLE):
CANNOT be switched via map slots on the fly. APPLIES TO ALL MAP SLOTS.
Custom Shift Lights: Currently the shift lights are programmed for optimal fuel economy. This option allows you to either set your shift light to turn on at a certain RPM or you can disable it completely! Specifics will be asked in the tuning form after you place an order.
2nd Gear Torque Limit: Want more traction in 2nd gear? We can limit the torque for you here so that you don't burn through your tires!
Idle RPM Change: We can also change your idle RPM. This is particularly useful if you're running stiffer motor mounts to eliminate unwanted vibration during idle. Specifics will be asked in the tuning form after you place an order.
STuned Traction Control:
Can be enabled/disabled using the Accessport menu. The intensity (or mode) of the traction control can be customized to your liking using your Accessport. KEEP IN MIND THE SYSTEM WILL REVERT BACK TO 'OPTIMAL' MODE 1 EVERY TIME YOU START YOUR CAR.
The guys and gals at COBB have implemented an ignition retard traction control system. The OEM traction control works based on applying the brakes and closing the throttle. The COBB system works by reducing output via ignition timing reduction when wheel slip is detected. It is a slick system and it works all the time while enabled on a tune. More about it here.
To further enhance the Stratified driving experience, we have refined this system by making our very own STuned Traction Control calibration.
- Allows for the perfect amount of slip allowing the driver to modulate their pedal input without too much intrusion from the ECU
- Proven to maintain adequate traction while keeping the driving experience exciting
- Perfect for rainy seasons and clean launches
Check out our video demonstrating STuned Traction Control:
Throttle Mapping:
CANNOT be switched via map slots on the fly. APPLIES TO ALL MAP SLOTS.
Does not affect power. Only affects how your car will react as a result of your accelerator pedal input.
Linear: The classic Stratified feel; Smooth and Predictable.
Aggressive: 'Punchier' feel at the pedal; Smooth and Predictable with a little more kick.
Datalog Refinement:
Purpose:
- Enhance the performance of your Flash Tune IF AND ONLY IF there is leeway or headroom, OR make adjustments based on data logs to ensure your car operates safely with your local fuel and particular environment using a SINGLE tune iteration.
- To report if there are any issues and make suggestions on how to correct them (swapping parts, repairing leaks, changing fuel)
- If your car is running optimally on your local fuel or a particular environment, you will receive a full report on its performance.
** DISCLAIMER **: ALL CHANGES WILL BE BASED ON THE DATALOGS RECEIVED AND OUR EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE (THIS MEANS THAT WE WILL EITHER INCREASE PERFORMANCE OR MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR ENGINE SAFETY). AS SUCH, WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT GUARANTEE THAT PERFORMANCE WILL ALWAYS BE ADDED.
For more information click here
Datalog Refinement Update:
This allows us to import any changes based on a previous Datalog Refinement to your new updated tune. Please ensure to enter the correct order number associated with the Datalog Refinement that you want your updated tune to be based on.
Misc. Features:
To maximize the utility of your Stratified Flash Tune we include several setup preferences to suit your needs. These include:
Flat Foot Shifting: Allows you to shift without lifting off of the accelerator pedal. Specifics will be asked in the tuning form after you place an order.
Launch Control Settings: We can set up different launch control RPMs in Performance Map Slots. Both Fuel Cut and Throttle Cut Launch Control are included and set at the same RPM. Street tire cars have this set up between 2500 and 3500 RPM. Specifics will be asked in the tuning form after you place an order.
Sound Symposer Disable: The Focus ST sound symposer does not work well with aftermarket cat-back exhausts and becomes very noisy so we have the option to shut this off without requiring block-off plates. Specifics will be asked in the tuning form after you place an order.
Fault Code Adjustments: We can adjust any non-emissions related check engine light codes that may arise from modifications.
Active Grill Shutters: To increase airflow through the intercooler resulting in increased cooling we set it such that the active grill shutters are open for more of the time. Specifics will be asked in the tuning form after you place an order.
Check out COBB's video demonstrating some of the features listed above:
