[rmdvrs]

First I want to start out by saying that this is a review of the JB4 and in no way has any reference or comparison to any other tune. So if you are a fanboy of any other tune keep your opinions to yourself. I'm not trying to compare tuners against each other or start a tuner war.

That being said I have been running the JB4 for about 4-5 months now and this latest update is definitely worth a review. Not that the previous firmware versions weren't good. I have used every version of the JB since the JB3 first came out so I definitely know how it has come along. The JB3 was great but the JB4 is really turning out to be something excellent.

The biggest difference between the JB3 and the JB4 (other than the CAN integration and steering wheel controls) wasn't the power it made because the JB3 made as much. It's the consistency. The JB4 does all the great things that the JB3 does except it does it consistently regardless of outside variables. That is until I uploaded the latest firmware.

When Terry sent me the firmware I was hoping autotuning was ready. While the latest firmware isn't a full or final autotuning version, it does autotune a few variables. I will admit that I was a little disappointed because I was looking forward to the autotuning to be active but all that went away the second I drove the car.

The JB4 has now surpassed the JB3 by a mile. I did a few runs and logged them and all I can say is that my car pulled like a beast. The car pulled so hard it felt like the front end was coming up. I lost traction going from second to third and my car is completely stock other than the JB and a BMS drop in filter. The car feels rock solid, takes off like a bat out of hell, has plenty of power throughout each gear and does it all each and every time, consistently and smoothly. In the last few years that I have known Terry he has always said my logs looked good until last night when he said and I quote "looks fast". You guys are really gona like the latest firmware once it's ready for public testing and if this is any sign of things to come then I can't imagine what the final autotuning version will do to my car.

[335fourdoor]

sounds delicious.

[Willizm]

Nice write up. I have the cobb ap and will be trying that out to see how it is. I'm not getting rid of my JB3 and reading reviews like this make me want to pay the $85 to upgrade to a JB4 and try them both out. Kudo's to BMS for being a gamer and staying competitive in this market. All of this competition is to benefit the end user so hopefully the fanboys will keep their opinions to themselves.

[ModBargainsTech]

good read! JB4 is getting great reviews everywhere.

Willizm: Let me know if you want to do the JB4 ugprade pretty soon.

-Frank

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by rmdvrs

First I want to start out by saying that this is a review of the JB4 and in no way has any reference or comparison to any other tune. So if you are a fanboy of any other tune keep your opinions to yourself. I'm not trying to compare tuners against each other or start a tuner war.

That being said I have been running the JB4 for about 4-5 months now and this latest update is definitely worth a review. Not that the previous firmware versions weren't good. I have used every version of the JB since the JB3 first came out so I definitely know how it has come along. The JB3 was great but the JB4 is really turning out to be something excellent.

The biggest difference between the JB3 and the JB4 (other than the CAN integration and steering wheel controls) wasn't the power it made because the JB3 made as much. It's the consistency. The JB4 does all the great things that the JB3 does except it does it consistently regardless of outside variables. That is until I uploaded the latest firmware.

When Terry sent me the firmware I was hoping autotuning was ready. While the latest firmware isn't a full or final autotuning version, it does autotune a few variables. I will admit that I was a little disappointed because I was looking forward to the autotuning to be active but all that went away the second I drove the car.

The JB4 has now surpassed the JB3 by a mile. I did a few runs and logged them and all I can say is that my car pulled like a beast. The car pulled so hard it felt like the front end was coming up. I lost traction going from second to third and my car is completely stock other than the JB and a BMS drop in filter. The car feels rock solid, takes off like a bat out of hell, has plenty of power throughout each gear and does it all each and every time, consistently and smoothly. In the last few years that I have known Terry he has always said my logs looked good until last night when he said and I quote "looks fast". You guys are really gona like the latest firmware once it's ready for public testing and if this is any sign of things to come then I can't imagine what the final autotuning version will do to my car.

Thanks for the review, and it looks like you've been testing out the JB4 for a while like me Keep us updated on your impressions.

Mike

[Proper Motion LLC]

U got a special firmware from Terry?

[rmdvrs]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

Thanks for the review, and it looks like you've been testing out the JB4 for a while like me Keep us updated on your impressions.

Mike

Yeah it was really hard not saying anything for this whole time till I got the ok. I have been loving it since day one but wow last night the car really impressed me. I'm sure you have this firmware too so let me know what you think.

[rmdvrs]

Originally Posted by Rysandro

U got a special firmware from Terry?

No, not special. I'm an alpha tester so I get regular firmware updates to test and based on my logs and a few other people stuff either makes it into the beta and final release versions or gets adjusted accordingly.

[e92sport]

So what's the big difference between a jb4 and procede v5???

Procede will autotune but how does the jb4 give you a correct a/f reading if your using the same tune for every car. Some cars are 10 degree weather and others are in 95 degree weather...

[Proper Motion LLC]

Originally Posted by rmdvrs

No, not special. I'm an alpha tester so I get regular firmware updates to test and based on my logs and a few other people stuff either makes it into the beta and final release versions or gets adjusted accordingly.

Ive had JB4 for 2 months, i just didnt get that firmware sent to me

[rmdvrs]

Originally Posted by e92sport

So what's the big difference between a jb4 and procede v5???

Procede will autotune but how does the jb4 give you a correct a/f reading if your using the same tune for every car. Some cars are 10 degree weather and others are in 95 degree weather...

Dude did you read my post. I said I am not comparing tunes.

I will leave that answer to Mike or if you really want to know go to n54tech and get it straight from the source.

[rmdvrs]

Originally Posted by Rysandro

Ive had JB4 for 2 months, i just didnt get that firmware sent to me

That's cause I'm special , just kidding. Try emailing Terry and see if he is ok with sending it to you. I have always been one of the first few people who tests stuff for him so if you are one of his testers don't worry I am sure it will trickle down to you soon. If not then hang tight, Terry has always been a firm believer of not releasing anything till he is 100% satisfied with it and is sure it is safe.

[ModBargainsTech]

^ +1

[Proper Motion LLC]

Originally Posted by rmdvrs

That's cause I'm special , just kidding. Try emailing Terry and see if he is ok with sending it to you. I have always been one of the first few people who tests stuff for him so if you are one of his testers don't worry I am sure it will trickle down to you soon. If not then hang tight, Terry has always been a firm believer of not releasing anything till he is 100% satisfied with it and is sure it is safe.

Already talked to him. He said he's having the little leaguers work out the kinks for the big power leaguers

[prelude2perfect]

Originally Posted by Rysandro

Already talked to him. He said he's having the little leaguers work out the kinks for the big power leaguers

[Jred22]

Is autotuning exactly what it sounds like? Is it like a map you select and it 'autotunes' to the best settings for your car? Can it detect new mods to your car? Can someone chime in with more detail?

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by Jred22

Is autotuning exactly what it sounds like? Is it like a map you select and it 'autotunes' to the best settings for your car? Can it detect new mods to your car? Can someone chime in with more detail?

Sorta Won't let the cat out of the bag yet....

Mike

[htt760]

Originally Posted by e92sport

So what's the big difference between a jb4 and procede v5???

Procede will autotune but how does the jb4 give you a correct a/f reading if your using the same tune for every car. Some cars are 10 degree weather and others are in 95 degree weather...

I would also like to know about this, how does the Jb4 differ from the Procedes autotune and does the JB4 offer these autotuning features for cars in really COLD whether....

[Jred22]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

Sorta Won't let the cat out of the bag yet....

Mike

Fine. But then you have to tell me when my JB4 will ship.

[Shellacked135i]

Ok so if Jb4 doesnt control ignition, and its going to feature an autotune; one can deduce that since the car will want to run stock like timing, that due to excessive knock the car will A) pull timing and or B) pull down boost (via autotune), so wouldnt the car theoretically just autotune down to 8 PSI?

I dont get the purpose of autotune if there is nothing to tweak except lower boost since there is no control of ignition.

Someone please enlighten me.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by Shellacked135i

Ok so if Jb4 doesnt control ignition, and its going to feature an autotune; one can deduce that since the car will want to run stock like timing, that due to excessive knock the car will A) pull timing and or B) pull down boost (via autotune), so wouldnt the car theoretically just autotune down to 8 PSI?

I dont get the purpose of autotune if there is nothing to tweak except lower boost since there is no control of ignition.

Someone please enlighten me.

The objective with autotuning is to find the right balance of boost, AFR, and advance to optimize power and safety. Advance is reduced proportionally to boost through the DME's trims. The DME autotunes advance from the factory and does it quite well. Better than any piggyback ever will. The concept of autotuning in general is simply a closed loop system responding based on feedback. Those of you who believe there can be autotuning without knock feedback are simply disillusioned. Add some race gas to your OEM tuning and watch advance increase. Does that mean the car was knocking like crazy all along on pump gas with the factory tuning? No. It means the DME advanced timing a small amount, noticed no additional knock feedback, and continued the march upwards.

Mike

[Hisam135i]

Originally Posted by Jred22

Fine. But then you have to tell me when my JB4 will ship.

ahahha +1