[TripleBlack]

...some intake, downpipe (maybe) decat and exhaust work, I'm hoping to bump the performance up with a remap.
Ive read up about JB4 kit but I wanted help understanding how does this plug and play kit compare to a custom job spec-ed to my particular car from a reputable company like BW chiptune?
I understand the variety of options you get with the JB4 but I'm concerned about forking out cash for something that wont have a specialist making sure its working up to par.

[gangzoom]

I love the JB4 in my car. Just google JB4 reviews and your see hardly a bad word written. The JB4 tune has been specially designed for the N54 engine, tech support is great. I've emailed the chap who developed the JB4 tune a few times and in all cases he replies within 24hrs!! If you don't mind doing the install yourself I honestly cannot see any reason why you would go for a traditional remap over the JB4, especially when most remaps actually cost more than the JB4 tune....

I'm running mine on Map 5 at the moment which is a self learning map which apparently adapts to your car, add in cold and hot protection, and adjustable boost limit in 1 and 2nd gear (to help with traction) how much more 'specialised' can you get

[doughboy]

+1 the JB4 is about as specialist as you can get for the N54.

I too was a doubter initially, but not now, no way would I go for an 'old fashioned' fixed, inflexible, expensive remap.

People like BW chiptune (who?) are usually jack of all trades who just load up maps they've bought form someone else, very few if any of these 'mappers' actually understand / crack the systems they are working on, they just buy-and-load.

And no one will know the N54 like BMS / N54tech do. How can they when they are chipping everything from a mini to a transit van, they probably see an N54 every month or so and don't have time to study it.

The JB4 is pure N54 by design (spend some time reading on N54tech.com, an entire site devoted to the N54)

Fixed maps give you one go and you're stuck with it, the JB4 has so many benefits, from the switching and adjustment to suit your car, the autolearning features and logging and free regular firmware updates etc.

The performance is probably similar as its the same engine in the end, but the way the JB4 development keeps on going, you just download the lastest version every month or so (for free) and get new features / improved performance.

Can't beat it IMO.

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by doughboy

+1 the JB4 is about as specialist as you can get for the N54.

I too was a doubter initially, but not now, no way would I go for an 'old fashioned' fixed, inflexible, expensive remap.

People like BW chiptune (who?) are usually jack of all trades who just load up maps they've bought form someone else, very few if any of these 'mappers' actually understand / crack the systems they are working on, they just buy-and-load.

And no one will know the N54 like BMS / N54tech do. How can they when they are chipping everything from a mini to a transit van, they probably see an N54 every month or so and don't have time to study it.

The JB4 is pure N54 by design (spend some time reading on N54tech.com, an entire site devoted to the N54)

Fixed maps give you one go and you're stuck with it, the JB4 has so many benefits, from the switching and adjustment to suit your car, the autolearning features and logging and free regular firmware updates etc.

The performance is probably similar as its the same engine in the end, but the way the JB4 development keeps on going, you just download the lastest version every month or so (for free) and get new features / improved performance.

Can't beat it IMO.

+1, completely agree with you

[TripleBlack]

Bloody heck. Alright, alright. I'm joining!
I've seen the constant good reviews but like a good buyer I usually look at what can go wrong with more interest than how everyone loves it.
Further research is required but atleast I can put the remap option aside now.

[WilliamS]

I have the JB4 as well, cant get easier to use, install, get answers from Terry. Never had a hiccup trying to get a hold of him even on holidays.

There are other options as well in terms of plug and play such as the Vishnu tuner which gets very high ratings as well. I suggest comparing the 2 and deciding which fits your future best. Shiv is a great guy, so is Terry. I wouldnt buy either one based on internet reputation as anyone can hide behind a keyboard. I contacted them both, layed out my goals and they both told me what I needed to hear. In my opinion they both are great for what they are and do your research.

[zltm089]

Originally Posted by TripleBlack

Bloody heck. Alright, alright. I'm joining!
I've seen the constant good reviews but like a good buyer I usually look at what can go wrong with more interest than how everyone loves it.
Further research is required but atleast I can put the remap option aside now.

lol...JB4 is very very very big in the n54 world!...

Lots of options for you mate....do your research and take ur time! ;-)

[phil200tdi]

I think that a piggy back tunes ability to log certain parameters and read codes etc is far more valuable than the headline power increase.

My turbos appear to be crapping out. Looking at the logs and discussing with Terry allowed me to diagnose this more readily.

[TripleBlack]

Guys what is option 8 like? The economy mode?

[phil200tdi]

I've not really noticed improved economy... The exhaust sounds nicer though!

Using it at the moment as it shuts the turbos down.

[doughboy]

Ha, never tried map8.

Economy = slow = sucks

[gangzoom]

Not tried economy map but on M ways the OBD mpg read out seem to be 1-2 mpg higher than before...but it's very hard to drive with a light right foot given all the extra BHP ;-)

[Greg330]

I was dubious of the JB4 but seen so many good reviews and the options seem great!!

Anyone combined it with the BMS DC Intake?!

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Greg330

I was dubious of the JB4 but seen so many good reviews and the options seem great!!

Anyone combined it with the BMS DC Intake?!

Almost all, I would say that the JB4+DCI are a 'pair' to be done at the same time.

[Greg330]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Almost all, I would say that the JB4+DCI are a 'pair' to be done at the same time.

Excellent! Think I'll add the RPI scoops to the equation....

What about the exhaust, what are the options or is the standard system ok?

[phil200tdi]

Try out the golf tee mod first - with JB4 you can activate this via the steering wheel..

I desperately want a Bastuck Quad exhaust, sounds awesome!