CSG Blog

Global Time Attack's special event at the 2021 Long Beach Grand prix has been a highlight for the time attack scene this year. The Long Beach street circuit has nine braking zones and is rather unforgiving due to track limits enforced by walls... lots of walls!

As a reference, IndyCar drivers here can spend upwards of 20% of the whole lap on the brakes. Having a braking system solution that is consistent and you can trust lap after lap is key to fast lap times here. With varying levels of surface roughness and bumpiness along the circuit, and corners where deep trail-braking are necessary like Turn 11 hairpin, you also want excellent modulation capability from your brakes to avoid lock-ups and being able to accurately place the car while decelerating and turning.

A quick report from CSG's braking specialists who were on-site to support their customers on CSG Spec brake pads:

Jackie Ding in the PhD Racing Lab A90 Toyota GR Supra used a combination of specialty CSG brake compounds to navigate the Long Beach Grand Prix and take the GTA Street Class win with a 1:27 lap time. More impressively, this was the 4th overall fastest lap behind the Unlimited Class monsters like the 9.0L Viper, the Lyfe Nissan GT-R, and the Feras carbon twin turbo Corvette!

Steven Chan took P1 in GTA Limited Class in his massive Nissan GT-R! This R35 is using our CSG C21/C11 compounds, truly a perfect showcase of the consistency and capacity for slowing down the  relatively chonky GT-R lap after lap with confidence. CSG pads for the Nissan GT-R are in stock and ready to ship!

Evasive Motorsports chose the CSG Spec C21/C11 pads for their last GTA competition day at Long Beach Grand Prix, inserting them into the StopTech STR-60 / STR-42 big brake kit package in their sexy looking Voltex Honda S2000. GPLB's was the perfect proving grounds to validate the friction material and brake balance before the final races of the 2021 time attack season.

Due to some power steering and gearbox issues, the insane CSF Cooling Mitsubishi Evolution driven by Randy Pobst could not show its true speed potential at Long Beach. Still, our proven CSG Spec C21 / C11 package allowed this Evo to brake from triple digits with confidence every single time.

Almost mild-looking by Time Attack standards, yet fast enough to take 2nd place in GTA Street Class behind Jackie Ding's Supra. Johnny's first time on the CSG C21 pads for the front StopTech ST60 brake kit proved to be the game changer for his bullish attack at Long Beach. This mean Subaru STI was one of the few cars able to go all out for the duration of every time attack session, ultimately allowing for a fantastic, hard earned P2 in one of the more competitive classes.

CSG can help you extract the most out of your race car's engine with our tuning services. CSG Spec tuning offers custom tuning application specific to the vehicle requirements through EcuTek tuning suite. Custom tunes are made from the ground up and cannot be shared to another platform, allowing for a truly customized experience for you. This customized tuning service is specific for your vehicle.

We use the EcuTek platform to remotely tune the vast majority of our customer cars. Here's how it works.

If you already own all or some of the EcuTek licenses and hardware, you don't need to puchase them again. Our Custom Tuning Service packages can be ordered with EcuTek licenses and hardware add-ons.

EcuTek tuning: using a smartphone or a laptop?

Starting in 2021, it is now possible to flash EcuTek ROMs directly from your iPhone or Android device. Many users find this more convenient than using a Windows Laptop. Advanced users and track-side engineers will prefer using a PC Laptop for flashing, data-logging and analysis.

Smartphone-based Tuning and Data-Logging requirements:

• EcuTek License
• EcuTek PhoneFlash License
• EcuTek Bluetooth Vehicle Interface

PC Laptop-based Tuning & Data-Logging requirements:

• Laptop running Windows 10, with 2 free USB ports.
• EcuTek License
• EcuTek USB DESKey
• EcuTek Bluetooth Vehicle Interface -or- EcuTek Vehicle Interface (USB cable)

You can specify which licenses and EcuTek hardware you require while configuring our Custom Tuning Services for Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ or Toyota Supra / BMW Z4. Example of choices for a 86/BRZ Custom Tune package:

Dyno Tuning

Do you have a special project that requires on-site dyno tuning? We offer dyno tuning services on a case by case basis in the San Diego area (Southern California). Please contact us for more information on dyno tuning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CSG's custom tuning service offer?

In our experience and extensive database of data acquired through thousands of hours of track testing and dyno R&D, "canned" tunes or "base" maps are never an "one-size fits all". Immediate gratification can be experienced quick base maps, but bespoke tunes specific to each modification list and individual vehicle is important to optimize and maintain consistency. Through extensive test parameters, we are able to develop maps that provide smoother power delivery, better modulation, improved drivability, stable power improvements, and better consistency under stress. No one wants a one-pull wonder, but everybody wants something that's repeatable and useful, especially on the racetrack.

How long does the remote tuning service take?

We usually keep stock of all EcuTek hardware, and ship next day. We also deliver the initial base map customized to your car setup within 3 business days of ordering (expedited delivery is available for extra charge).

Due to high volume of calibration inquiries, sales, and projects that CSG is involved in, please allow, on average, 72 hours (unless mentioned otherwise) for the preliminary calibration file to be provided. This will allow our calibration team to reach out and ensure that the parameters are developed accordingly for your specific vehicle. Each vehicle is unique and our calibration team will work with you to optimize your vehicle's needs

Then, it is up to the customer to provide data logs in a timely manner after receiving each revision. You should plan for the tuning refinement process to take several days. Finally, keep in mind our tuning team rests during the weekends.

I need a revision of my CSG tune after making changes to my car, how to proceed?

Please order a Revision of Custom Tune from our webstore.

I already have the laptop-based EcuTek licenses and hardware, but I want to flash my next custom tune with a smartphone, what do I need?

Provided you have the Bluetooth version of the EcuTek programming kit, you would only need to order an EcuTek PhoneFlash Activation license from us.

Are you able to tune supercharged or turbocharged Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ cars?

Absolutely, just select the appropriate Tuning Type when ordering (FI Level 1 or FI Level 2) a CSG Spec Custom Tune for 86 / BRZ from us .

Where can I find user guides for smartphone-based flashing with EcuTek PhoneFlash app?

• PhoneFlash - Account Creation
• PhoneFlash - Send Vehicle Info To Tuner
• PhoneFlash - Programming with ECU Connect
• PhoneFlash - How to make a log & clear DTCs
• PhoneFlash - Video How-To Guides

We often get asked about our recommended intervals to perform maintenance on the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ. Here is a guide that you can use as starting point.

Recommended OEM scheduled maintenance for Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86

Let's first see what Toyota and Subaru recommend on their service manual:

• Engine Oil & Filter: every 7500 miles / 12,000 Km.
  Repeated short distance driving or driving in extremely cold weather? Replace every 3,750 miles / 6,000 Km or 4 months, whichever occurs first. Only use engine oil with the viscosity grade recommended by Toyota or Subaru in the owner's manual of your car. This is usually SAE 0W-20 for most regions.
• Engine Air Filter: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km, inspect once a year if driving in dusty / dirty areas
• Cabin Air Filter: every 15,000 miles / 25,000 Km
• Fuel Filter: every 75,000 miles / 120,000 Km
• Spark Plugs: every 60,000 miles / 100,000 Km
• Coolant: first change at 135,000 miles / 210,000 Km or 132 months, whichever occurs first. Subsequent changes every 75,000 miles / 120,000 Km or 72 months.
• Automatic Transmission Fluid: Every 60,000 miles / 95,000 Km
• Manual Transmission Fluid: n/a
• Rear Differential Fluid: n/a
• Brake Fluid: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km
• Battery: OEM batteries will typically last between 3 and 5 years. Lifespan will depend on weather, frequency and nature of driving cycles. If the reported battery voltage is consistently under 12.5 volts, it may be a good time to replace it.

Source: Toyota USA Maintenance Guide for Toyota 86 (2019) - Download PDF here

We offer custom performance maintenance packages for 86 / BRZ  with your choice of fluids and filters.

CSG's recommended scheduled maintenance for daily-driven Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86

For cars that see some spirited driving occasionally (we hope that's true for most 86/BRZ out there!), we recommend slightly shorter intervals on oil changes, as well as replacement of coil-packs during spark plug service.

• Engine Oil & Filter: use a high quality synthetic up to SN standard and change every 5000-7500 miles / 8,000-12,000 Km depending on car usage. Only use engine oil with the viscosity grade recommended by Toyota or Subaru in the owner's manual of your car. This is usually SAE 0W-20 for most regions.
• Engine Air Filter: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km, inspect once a year if driving in dusty / dirty areas
• Fuel Filter: replace the complete Fuel Pump instead every 100,000 miles / 160,000 Km
• Bench Cleaning of Port Injectors and DI Injectors: every 60,000 miles / 100,000 Km or 5 years. If car is running E85 or an ethanol mix (flex fuel), then clean every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km or 3 years. We offer a mail-in service for cleaning of injectors and replacement of DI seals.
• Spark Plugs & Coil Packs (2012-2014, 2015+): every 60,000 miles / 100,000 Km
• New front O2 sensor: every 60,000 miles / 100,000 Km
• Oil Control Valves: we have observed that oil control valves (VVT solenoids) can sometimes malfunction on high mileage vehicles, degrading performance, causing engine hesitation and pinging under acceleration. We recommend oil control valves be replaced every 100,000 miles or 10 years, whatever comes first.
• Coolant: first change at 135,000 miles / 210,000 Km or 132 months, whichever occurs first. Subsequent changes every 75,000 miles / 120,000 Km or 72 months.
• Manual Transmission Fluid: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km
• Automatic Transmission Fluid: Every 40,000 miles / 65,000 Km
• Rear Differential Fluid: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km
• Brake Fluid: inspect every year, replace at least every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km
• Battery: Change after 5 years or if voltage consistently stays below 13 volts. Bad batteries can cause system voltage fluctuations and result in erratic engine & drivetrain performance due to sensor readings being off.

We offer custom performance maintenance packages for 86 / BRZ  with your choice of fluids and filters.

CSG's recommended scheduled maintenance for track-oriented Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86

For cars that see one race or track event a month during racing season, we recommend the following maintenance plan as a starting point:

• Engine Oil & Filter: every 25 hours or 3000 miles / 5000 Km. Consider sending out your used oil for analysis to monitor wear on your engine and help you determine optimal oil change intervals for your applicationWe recommend using motorsports-grade engine oil from manufacturers like Pakelo or Motul. Unless you know for certain that you need a specific oil weight for your racing or off-road application, you should use oil with the viscosity grade recommended by Toyota or Subaru in the owner's manual of your car. This is usually SAE 0W-20 for most regions.
• Engine Air Filter:  inspect after every race or event, replace once a year
• Fuel Filter: replace complete Fuel Pump instead every 75,000 miles / 120,000 Km
• Bench Cleaning of Port Injectors and DI Injectors: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km or 3 race seasons. We offer a mail-in service for cleaning of injectors and replacement of DI seals.
• Spark Plugs & Coil Packs (2012-2014, 2015+): every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km
• New front O2 sensor: every 30,000 miles / 50,000 Km
• Oil Control Valves: we have observed that oil control valves (VVT solenoids) can sometimes malfunction on high mileage vehicles, degrading performance, causing engine hesitation and pinging under acceleration. We recommend oil control valves be replaced every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whatever comes first.
• Coolant / Water: if you're running distilled water with additives, do a full system flush at least once per season. If running coolant, every 50,000 miles / 80,000 Km.
• Manual Transmission Fluid: in very hot climates (95F+/35C+) without an external transmission oil cooler, for turbocharged or supercharged 86/BRZ cars, or for highly advanced drivers on semi-slicks, change after every event or race. For intermediate drivers in other conditions, change fluid every 5 events.
• Rear Differential Fluid: every 10,000 miles / 16,000 Km, 10 events, or when the driver can feel degraded performance of the LSD, whichever comes first. With the factory Torsen differential, depending on the driver, tires and track, degraded performance may be experienced after only 2 events. Use of larger capacity differential covers and/or aftermarket clutch-type LSDs can all contribute to extended useful life of the fluid, and can be a good idea for endurance racing 86/BRZ builds.
• Brake Fluid: inspect after every track day, replace at least every 20 circuit hours or once a year. For best pedal consistency in racing & competition, bleed after every race, or use a brake fluid tester of the kind that actually boils a sample of the fluid to determine current boiling point and therefore degradation. We particularly like Endless RF-650 and Project Mu brake fluids.
• Battery: Change after 5 years or if voltage consistently stays below 13 volts. Bad batteries can cause system voltage fluctuations and result in erratic engine & drivetrain performance due to sensor readings being off.

We offer custom performance maintenance packages for 86 / BRZ  with your choice of fluids and filters.

If you race an early production Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ (2013-2014), it's possible your car will burn through coil-packs and direct injector seals at a higher rate. Faulty coil-packs and burned up DI seals will result in misfires during acceleration and can cause long term damage to the engine if not replaced quickly. We recommend you keep a spare brand-new coil-pack in your bag of tools at circuit events, to replace a faulty one in a pinch.

• Spare OEM Coilpacks for 2012-2014 Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ cars
• Spare OEM Coilpacks for 2015+ cars Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ cars

Supercharged Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ maintenance

Owners of supercharged cars should follow the maintenance plans outline in the user manuals of their kit. Here's a summary for the two most popular 86/BRZ supercharger kits:

Jackson Racing supercharger

• Change your Rotrex Traction Fluid every 2 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 Km). Use only Rotrex Traction Fluid in your Rotrex Oiling system. Failure to use Rotrex Fluid will void the Rotrex warranty and cause damage to the drive unit.
• Change your Rotrex Oil Filter at the same time as the Traction Fluid, that is every 2 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 Km).
• Inspect the supercharger drive belt, at every engine oil change.
• Track-driven cars with JSRC superchargers: check Rotrex Oil Level after every event or race (see last page of JSRC installation instructions PDF).
• Check your install (or ask your installer) to ensure your supercharger kit's MAF extension harness was not routed along the alternator's harness. Doing so can result in RFI (radio frequency interference) and disrupt the signal along the MAF harness, resulting in inconsistent performance and hindering any ongoing custom tuning process.

Harrop or Edelbrock supercharger:

• Supercharger service: replace supercharger oil and inspect o-ring on the oil plug every 100,000 miles / 160,000 Km. Track-driven cars will require much shorter intervals. Check Edelbrock's Supercharger Service Procedure documentation (PDF) for details.

How much performance can I gain back after servicing injectors and spark plugs on a supercharged Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ?

Here is a sample dyno chart showing a BRZ tuned by CSG with a Jackson Racing supercharger, running before and after a fuel injector system cleaning service and fresh spark plugs.

Notice the difference in power and torque after cleaned injectors and new spark plugs!

If you are looking to have your 86 / BRZ injectors serviced or need to order replacement parts and fluids, we're happy to help, just contact us.

Premium Performance Maintenance Package
Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S / Toyota 86

CSG Spec - Fuel Injector Cleaning Service
Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ

CSG staff was on-site at Circuit of the Americas for the first round of Super Lap Battle in 2021, supporting customers of CSG Spec Motorsports Brake Pads in several classes.

Congratulations to PhD Motorsports who were able to reset two different track records using CSG Spec Motorsports Brake Pads:

• Jackie Ding / A90 Supra: GTA Street Class Record 
• Mary Valdez / FK8 CTR: GTA FWD Enthusiast Class Record

CSG Racer Contingency Program in 2021

Are you participating in Club Racing, Time-Attack or Competitive Auto-Cross this season? Write us to contingency@counterspacegarage.com and get details about our Racer Contingency Program in 2021!

CSG is proud to carry Pakelo Lubricants for high performance road car & racing applications.

Pakelo's car lubricants are made in Italy and are characterised by a very high quality of the base stocks and use of latest generation chemicals. Professional racing teams like Risi Competizione trust Pakelo for their lubrication needs.

A full range of specific oils ensure a perfect match for the application. Pakelo engine fluids are  divided into four distinct series: Racing, Premium, Regular or Classic.

Have a look at our Pakelo Lubricants high-performance oils in stock or contact us to help you choose the right oil for your use case.

Our annual Black Friday sale is here! Be sure to check out all the deals for this year, valid through Monday 30!

Note: Only one coupon can be applied to each individual order. If you have special shipping or invoicing requirements, don't hesitate to contact us at sales@counterspacegarage.com

Thanks,
The CSG Team