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Initial Impressions of JB3 1.3 Beta 8A4
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03-17-2009, 12:24 AM | #1 |
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Initial Impressions of JB3 1.3 Beta 8A4
I am very impressed thus far. Incredible improvement from 7G, which was already a fantastic improvement from 1.22c.
The difference is smoothness and response time in 1.3 is tremendous, and it's improved even further in version 8. 7G was comparable to the ESS Flash in terms of smoothness in most regards, save the initial transition from vacuum to boost. Here, it still felt a bit "vtech just kicked in yo!". With version 8, I can't even tell without looking at the boost gauge whether or not I have entered boost while at part throttle. The way boost builds at part throttle is absolutely perfectly completely smooth. It's very cool to be in a turbo car and not even realise that you just started boosting. Power delivery seems to e improved in vacuum, which is part of it. Part throttle smoothness is on the same level as my ESS Flash was at this point, which is quite something. The smoothness in terms of boost response is tough to overplay, I can't really say enough about it. Terry definitely nailed it with this latest set of changes. That "whole new engine" feel I had with the ESS tune relative to the 1.22c and stock is there, but it's different. It revs more quickly and smoothly than the ESS Flash did, it seems to effortlessly fly through to RPMs, and LOVES to be reved. Map 3, at a meager 13-13.5psi, is jaw droppingly quick. There is much more top end power then any other tune I've driven. It doesn't feel wasteful to let the car rev out, only as you get real close to redline does the acceleration start to really let up. The engine feels very loose, and seems to keep reving so quickly in the 5500-6500 range you don't even realise that you're getting to the point where you should be running out of steam. There isn't another engine I've driven that's close enough to make a real good analogy, but I'll say it's reminiscent of both my S2K and my '03 Cobra. The feel of the engine in terms of how it revs reminds me very much of my S2K. Feels like there is almost no mechanical resistance in the engine or the driveline, as though there isn't much drag being applied to the engine to keep it from spinning up. Just like my S2K after some driveline mods and engine mods. I say the '03 Cobra because the powerband is more along those lines. Big, big low end torque that comes in very quickly, and tosses you back in the seat, but still that big top end that makes you say to yourself "Wait, there's MORE!?" for the first few 3rd gear pulls. It's fun to watch passengers with this kinda powerband. You stomp it around 3k RPMs, and you get a ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Modulating the power is very, very easy. Smooth part throttle acceleration in the twisties where you roll into the throttle and then back out feels better than ever. Adjustments at part throttle happen more smoothly and naturally than they did before, with no bumpyness or oscilation. The fact that there isn't a real "lag fix" yet is pretty cool... Response is already fantastic, and I can't imagine how quickly things will happen once Terry starts closing the wastegates more off-throttle. Two thumbs up. Coming from my ESS Flash I don't really feel like I'm losing out on anything in any subjective way, be it smoothness, engine feel, or response. Very impressive. I'll be trying the more aggressive maps tomorrow (only used Map 3 today), but I am VERY pleased with what I've seen so far. Hopefully Terry will have this ready for the general public soon! The difference between this and 1.22 is tough to put into words. I think JB3 users will be very pleased.
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03-17-2009, 01:43 AM | #3 | |
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Quote:
Love the visual description of the power delivery...lol. I believe I picked up the same beta chip from Mike tonight so will be giving it a taste in the next day or so. Temps have been warming up to almost 50F in my neck of the woods, and the Procede is feeling very fast and crisp with the warmer weather. Looking forward to seeing how 8A4 compares. JB3 always did have a strong top end finish! Nice to hear it's no longer a lumpy delivery. You notice some things when the throttle plate isn't intervening as much. Like you mention, the free reving feel, sound of the engine takes on a nicer tone, and the power delivery feels more like a V8 and the car feels lighter in a sense. What octane were you running? |
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03-17-2009, 09:37 AM | #5 |
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Thanks for the detailed review! im looking forward to this update
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03-17-2009, 09:54 AM | #6 |
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I really do love map 3, I was tearing up downtown today, it pulled great at low rpms, no lag, just go go go.
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03-17-2009, 10:43 AM | #8 |
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Good feedback. Sounds like everyone is digging the smooth power delivery. I wonder if he'll leave in the 'punch in the mouth' type of maps for 1.3 for those of us that like/enjoy that driving experience? This way you get the best of both worlds.
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03-17-2009, 10:47 AM | #9 |
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I run 93 most of the time I'm not at the track.
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