My JB3 Test Drive

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 07:15 PM

Yea, finally threw it in again for a longer test drive. I had put it in weeks ago for a quick drive but nothing significant. Unfortunately couldn't perform any testing as I had a sick family to attend to. This was the 1.22 map Terry had sent me a while back. I should be able to test next weekend with a dyno session following shortly thereafter. I was running Map 6 in the JB3 and Stage 2 in the PROcede. For peak boost levels, I was seeing a little more with the JB3 as Map 6 may be closer to Stage 3 in the PROcede.

As for the install, it is PnP with the only difference being the lack of an additional power tap. It is compact and fits in nicely and a very elegant install. However, there were no screws to secure the DB25 to the JB3. I would worry that vibration could shake it loose and maybe my specimen was just lacking them.

Everything fired up and ran just fine. I waiting for it to warm up and then proceeded to run it through some pedal ranges to get a feel. The first thing I noticed was the delay when pressing the throttle. Lag was more pronounced. But the second thing I noticed was the kick it had. It certainly had an impact when boost came up. I am not sure if it was the delay and the subsequent torque rise or some other effect but it seems to have a hard hitting feel. Compare this to the PROcede which seems to react immediately but builds slower and seems to continue building. This would also be evident when watching the boost gauge. The JB3 hit 12 PSI shortly after hitting the throttle. The PROcede went to 10 PSI and then climbed from there. Once power hit though the JB3 felt very nice.

But I rarely drive at WOT and this is where I wanted to see the differences, normal driving. I don’t baby it but I rarely go high in the rev band, normally short shifting, and rarely giving it more than 75% throttle. And to be honest, I felt a little disconnected. There was a delay in the response when throttle was applied to where I felt I should apply more and then I got a great surge of power, which the JB3 is not short on; it definitely can make torque. But I found it more difficult to hit medium boost targets. I seemed to be at either 2 – 4 PSI or 11+ PSI. I was able to hit medium range but there was a small window of throttle travel where I could hit it. IMO, it felt more like driving an MBC turbo vehicle for those that know what I am referring to.

In the next tests I will be doing datalogging which should eliminate the subjective analysis of the feel. An accelerometer and boost taps versus RPM cannot be argued. I am just curious if it will support what I am feeling.

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 07:24 PM

BTW, I got a Reduced Power message with the JB3. When I got home I hooked up the BT and found that it was related to the lack of O2 sims; the Rev II has the sim built in and I forgot. I need to install my old resistor based O2 sims into the JB3 harness. So no fault of the JB3 here, user error.

Mr. 5 · 02-15-2009, 07:25 PM

Cool man.
Thanks a bunch for doing this.

Are you only going to be checking Map 6 only or other maps as well?
Maybe if Map 6 is more like stage 3 then maybe you should test out the others as well.
Just a thought.

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Cool man.
Thanks a bunch for doing this.

Are you only going to be checking Map 6 or other maps as well?
Maybe if Map 6 is more like stage 3 then maybe you should test out the others as well.
Just a thought.

I will be. But in this test, since I wasn't changing maps on the PROcede, I left the JB3 alone as well.

goowatchi · 02-15-2009, 07:29 PM

Sorry for being a noob here, scalbert, but were you able to "reset" or "clear" the fault code you received from running the JB3? Were you also able to check what other parameters were off with the BT?

Thanks!

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goowatchi

Sorry for being a noob here, scalbert, but were you able to "reset" or "clear" the fault code you received from running the JB3? Were you also able to check what other parameters were off with the BT?

Thanks!

I pulled the code and cleared it. Nothing else was needed. And to be technically correct, it was just the lack of the O2 sims and not related to the JB3.

Kelvin1000 · 02-15-2009, 07:36 PM

Good writeup!

Actually, one of my favorite things about the JB3 is the the low end extra boost. It is not as "lag free" as the Procede but the extra boost makes it very drivable! This is also very true in 6th gear at 65MPH...

brianhn1 · 02-15-2009, 07:59 PM

Have you considered trying lower number maps? Map 6 tends to have that kick that you are feeling.

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

Actually, one of my favorite things about the JB3 is the the low end extra boost. It is not as "lag free" as the Procede but the extra boost makes it very drivable! This is also very true in 6th gear at 65MPH...

It wasn't disagreeable to me, I liked it.

But I would have preferred a little more control with the throttle. It seemed to be more of a digital control than analog, some will understand it.

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianhn1

Have you considered trying lower number maps? Map 6 tends to have that kick that you are feeling.

I will, but as mentioned above, I liked the kick.

This is why I am hoping for the return of the RPM specific UT values in the PROcede. So I can tailor my torque curve.

ramorendez · 02-15-2009, 08:17 PM

This may be a noob question, but is it the case that you will throw a code with Map 6 without the proper mods or o2 sims, as you did? But this wouldn't be an issue with Map 3/4?

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramorendez

This may be a noob question, but is it the case that you will throw a code with Map 6 without the proper mods or o2 sims, as you did? But this wouldn't be an issue with Map 3/4?

The lack of the O2 sim would have been an issue had the JB3 not been installed at all. It was completely independant.

goowatchi · 02-15-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scalbert

The lack of the O2 sim would have been an issue had the JB3 not been installed at all. It was completely independant.

I think that's the 3rd time he mentioned this in this thread!

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goowatchi

I think that's the 3rd time he mentioned this in this thread!

It should be clear eventually. And I'll answer as many times as needed.

brianhn1 · 02-15-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scalbert

I will, but as mentioned above, I liked the kick.

This is why I am hoping for the return of the RPM specific UT values in the PROcede. So I can tailor my torque curve.

I see. I personally don't like the lag progressing to kick feel. I use map 5 (or 3) more because of that.

PS. You are missing the screws to your DB25 connector. Mine has them.

goowatchi · 02-15-2009, 08:24 PM

I just think it's great that you're so patient with some of us noobs... looking forward to some more of your reviews/write-ups in the future!

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianhn1

PS. You are missing the screws to your DB25 connector. Mine has them.

Good to know. Thanks.

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goowatchi

I just think it's great that you're so patient with some of us noobs...

IMO, that is what forums are for, sharing and helping.

ramorendez · 02-15-2009, 08:37 PM

lol, I read the thread. What I was getting at is if an o2 sim is required at all. My understanding is that the PROcede has a soft o2 sim and the JB3 does not. I guess I'm trying to get a better grasp of what's required if I ever decide to go either route.

ramorendez · 02-15-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goowatchi

I just think it's great that you're so patient with some of us noobs... looking forward to some more of your reviews/write-ups in the future!

+1!

scalbert · 02-15-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramorendez

lol, I read the thread. What I was getting at is if an o2 sim is required at all. My understanding is that the PROcede has a soft o2 sim and the JB3 does not. I guess I'm trying to get a better grasp of what's required if I ever decide to go either route.

Gotcha. It is only the PROcede Rev II that has the soft O2 sim.

bubbletea 4 me · 02-15-2009, 09:33 PM

great review, exactly how i feel with the differences between the two tunes. im a jb3 owner, very happy with it but am asking for more immediate/low end torq and response. we'll c, i think it will be on the 1/3 chip ..hopefully.

btw, did you change the map to map6 after install? the defult map on the 1.22 outta box is map 3, just thought i had point it out. map 3 low end is very much like stock, map 6 has more immediate torq.

02-15-2009, 07:15 PM	#1
scalbert Major General 161 Rep 5,776 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	My JB3 Test Drive Yea, finally threw it in again for a longer test drive. I had put it in weeks ago for a quick drive but nothing significant. Unfortunately couldn't perform any testing as I had a sick family to attend to. This was the 1.22 map Terry had sent me a while back. I should be able to test next weekend with a dyno session following shortly thereafter. I was running Map 6 in the JB3 and Stage 2 in the PROcede. For peak boost levels, I was seeing a little more with the JB3 as Map 6 may be closer to Stage 3 in the PROcede. As for the install, it is PnP with the only difference being the lack of an additional power tap. It is compact and fits in nicely and a very elegant install. However, there were no screws to secure the DB25 to the JB3. I would worry that vibration could shake it loose and maybe my specimen was just lacking them. Everything fired up and ran just fine. I waiting for it to warm up and then proceeded to run it through some pedal ranges to get a feel. The first thing I noticed was the delay when pressing the throttle. Lag was more pronounced. But the second thing I noticed was the kick it had. It certainly had an impact when boost came up. I am not sure if it was the delay and the subsequent torque rise or some other effect but it seems to have a hard hitting feel. Compare this to the PROcede which seems to react immediately but builds slower and seems to continue building. This would also be evident when watching the boost gauge. The JB3 hit 12 PSI shortly after hitting the throttle. The PROcede went to 10 PSI and then climbed from there. Once power hit though the JB3 felt very nice. But I rarely drive at WOT and this is where I wanted to see the differences, normal driving. I don’t baby it but I rarely go high in the rev band, normally short shifting, and rarely giving it more than 75% throttle. And to be honest, I felt a little disconnected. There was a delay in the response when throttle was applied to where I felt I should apply more and then I got a great surge of power, which the JB3 is not short on; it definitely can make torque. But I found it more difficult to hit medium boost targets. I seemed to be at either 2 – 4 PSI or 11+ PSI. I was able to hit medium range but there was a small window of throttle travel where I could hit it. IMO, it felt more like driving an MBC turbo vehicle for those that know what I am referring to. In the next tests I will be doing datalogging which should eliminate the subjective analysis of the feel. An accelerometer and boost taps versus RPM cannot be argued. I am just curious if it will support what I am feeling.
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02-15-2009, 07:24 PM	#2
scalbert Major General 161 Rep 5,776 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	BTW, I got a Reduced Power message with the JB3. When I got home I hooked up the BT and found that it was related to the lack of O2 sims; the Rev II has the sim built in and I forgot. I need to install my old resistor based O2 sims into the JB3 harness. So no fault of the JB3 here, user error.
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02-15-2009, 07:25 PM	#3
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 844 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Cool man. Thanks a bunch for doing this. Are you only going to be checking Map 6 only or other maps as well? Maybe if Map 6 is more like stage 3 then maybe you should test out the others as well. Just a thought. __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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02-15-2009, 07:29 PM	#5
goowatchi Chairman of the Board. 16 Rep 452 Posts Drives: F15 X5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (7)	Sorry for being a noob here, scalbert, but were you able to "reset" or "clear" the fault code you received from running the JB3? Were you also able to check what other parameters were off with the BT? Thanks!
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02-15-2009, 07:36 PM	#7
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Good writeup! Actually, one of my favorite things about the JB3 is the the low end extra boost. It is not as "lag free" as the Procede but the extra boost makes it very drivable! This is also very true in 6th gear at 65MPH...
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02-15-2009, 07:59 PM	#8
brianhn1 Slow Mo 15 Rep 534 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Have you considered trying lower number maps? Map 6 tends to have that kick that you are feeling.
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02-15-2009, 08:17 PM	#11
ramorendez Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 279 Posts Drives: Subie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	This may be a noob question, but is it the case that you will throw a code with Map 6 without the proper mods or o2 sims, as you did? But this wouldn't be an issue with Map 3/4? __________________ Current: 2007 Subaru WRX STi 2007 Triumph Speed Triple
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02-15-2009, 08:24 PM	#16
goowatchi Chairman of the Board. 16 Rep 452 Posts Drives: F15 X5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (7)	I just think it's great that you're so patient with some of us noobs... looking forward to some more of your reviews/write-ups in the future!
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02-15-2009, 08:37 PM	#19
ramorendez Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 279 Posts Drives: Subie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	lol, I read the thread. What I was getting at is if an o2 sim is required at all. My understanding is that the PROcede has a soft o2 sim and the JB3 does not. I guess I'm trying to get a better grasp of what's required if I ever decide to go either route. __________________ Current: 2007 Subaru WRX STi 2007 Triumph Speed Triple
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02-15-2009, 09:33 PM	#22
bubbletea 4 me Lieutenant Colonel 68 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: Finally here Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (5)	great review, exactly how i feel with the differences between the two tunes. im a jb3 owner, very happy with it but am asking for more immediate/low end torq and response. we'll c, i think it will be on the 1/3 chip ..hopefully. btw, did you change the map to map6 after install? the defult map on the 1.22 outta box is map 3, just thought i had point it out. map 3 low end is very much like stock, map 6 has more immediate torq.
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