Jb4 feeling "artificial"?

[gemini.m3]

Call me crazy but I went JB4 because PPK1 wasn't enough. I'm running the JB4 ISO G5 mainly on map 1 or map 5, no supporting mods.

I disabled it today for shits and while the car was obviously slower it made me feel that the Jb4 feels really artificial

I didn't think I'd consider this but unless I go the route of downpipe + FMIC I may downgrade to just PPK1

Any1 else experience this? I guess the JB4 doesn't see full potential without the downpipe/fmic/e85

[Tricki]

I had ppk1, added jb4 and wow.. It gave me the car a kick in the pants.. I am n55 dct and loving it. Just added Downpipe last week, sound is intoxicating but extra pwr I haven't noticed as yet.. I'm running map 5 and have all along

[3002 tii]

What do you mean "artificial? You mean placebo effect? Are you able to monitor boost levels, perhaps you have a leak?

[FactorX81]

I have a similar feeling with Cobb sport. It was definitely more powerful but wasn't as smooth as the ppk map. On the aggressive map it is a little better but I uninstalled for the winter and forgot how smooth the delivery on the stock map was.

[gemini.m3]

Hard to explain -- I've done the datalogs, boost is fine no leaks perhaps the issue for me is that there isnt a large difference between ppk1 and map 1 and anything other than map 1 needs a downpipe really because it feels like im choking the turbo in map 2 at higher rpm's

i guess driving the car with the jb4 disabled yesterday made me feel that it was more natural as opposed to the piggyback ecu dont get me wrong jb4 is great but i feel without the supporting mods it just doesnt feel as 'smooth' as the ppk1

[TS135i]

I'm running Map1 JB4 with PPK and I feel JB4 has smoothed out the boost to just PPK. Its buttery smooth with Map1 and I couldn't imagine ever switching it off, however I noticed you drive DCT, I have 6MT, that might be the difference?

[Vigilante375]

It might be feel as smooth for the fact that the PPK only gives a slight increase in boost while the JB4 gives more boost right off the bat. Thats why it probably doesn't feel as smooth since it gives more boost compared to the PPK.

Besides, the PPK is something that came from BMW so its tuned to give a little more power but not over stress the engine, drive train and fuel system. While the JB4/Cobb/Procede/a pro tune is made to continue giving more power mod after mod, pushing the limits of the engine, drive train and fuel system.

[gemini.m3]

Hopefully it didn't come off as a knock towards BMS -- they make a fantastic product and their support over at n54tech is amazing. I just came to the realization that the power gain from stage 1 or map 1 from PPK1 is not enough so to really use the JB4 to it's potential you should run map 5 or 2 both of which *should* have supporting mods like CP and downpipe to really open the engine up

On my list of things to do is to go FBO with 40% E85 for a true kick in the pants

[BMWX1-35i]

how much of a deference is there HP and TQ wise when using E85 mix?

[Vigilante375]

I want to say something like, on average, 20-30rwhp with a 60/40 mix.

[gemini.m3]

I put 2 gallons of E85 the other day (don't have flex fuel wires) they said 20% was safe.. and threw it on Map 5, after 2-3 runs.. the car pulled like a truck

I cannot imagine w/ downpipe and FMIC :P and more E85 w/ flex fuel lol

[TUN3D]

The JB4 is known to NOT be as smooth and linear. It's a real kick in the ass on all the maps. I personally loved it, others don't -- just how it is.

Has anyone measured the boost (psi), on the PPK1?

I've dropped as much as 3-4 gals of E85 with the JB4/Map#5 -- completely stock -- and it was awesome.

[gemini.m3]

I measured with a ELM 327 wifi dongle and "Dash Command", highest it went was 11 PSI in 3rd/4th gear but I don't know how accurate that boost rating is

[Vigilante375]

Originally Posted by TUN3D

The JB4 is known to NOT be as smooth and linear. It's a real kick in the ass on all the maps. I personally loved it, others don't -- just how it is.

Has anyone measured the boost (psi), on the PPK1?

I've dropped as much as 3-4 gals of E85 with the JB4/Map#5 -- completely stock -- and it was awesome.

Considering it gives 20 more HP to the engine and a stock N55 makes ~10 psi, I'd say ~12 PSi is what it gives. So an extra ~2 psi.

[TUN3D]

thrilla135 & Vigilante375, that sounds almost about what Map#1 would give you. Map#1 is listed at 13psi and Map#5 (variable), can go as low as 12psi.

I agree the difference is minimal, but I'd still take the JB4 over the PPK flash. Really a matter of preference. I like the roughness/jolt you feel when you slam it. Not a big fan of the smooth NA type delivery.

[Vigilante375]

I'd take the anything over the PPK. JB4, Cobb, a professional tune.....

[TUN3D]

Vigilante375 > +1

Not knocking you thrilla135, but I don't know how you can resist the urge to NOT get downpipes and throw in some E85. Sooo tempting.

[gemini.m3]

Oh I know-- which is why it is happening. Originally I told myself PPK1 and BMW PE was enough, feeling the ever so slightly increase in speed was enough to hook me so I did the Jb4 G5 iso.. just feel that map 1 is not enough of an upgrade over ppk1 to merit it WITHOUT the downpipe and e85

I just purchased the BMW Performance spoiler but next on the next is BMS downpipe, charge pipe and the flex fuel kit .. I did get quite a kick in the ass running map 5 w/ only 20% E85

[loesch]

Originally Posted by thrilla135

Call me crazy but I went JB4 because PPK1 wasn't enough. I'm running the JB4 ISO G5 mainly on map 1 or map 5, no supporting mods.

I disabled it today for shits and while the car was obviously slower it made me feel that the Jb4 feels really artificial

I didn't think I'd consider this but unless I go the route of downpipe + FMIC I may downgrade to just PPK1

Any1 else experience this? I guess the JB4 doesn't see full potential without the downpipe/fmic/e85

I know exactly what you mean by "artificial". I noticed this big time when I was still running the integrated firmware on the JB4. When I went ISO I think I only had a few other supporting mods and ran only 93. I remember it was tons smoother but still when running lower boost it felt much smoother. The JB4 tends to push the boost to the max of the fuel you are running and that's why I believe it feels that way. As you run higher concentrations of E85 (with the flex fuel wires added) and you begin to max out the turbo you'll notice it gets butter smooth just like a factory map such as the PPK.

[lazyd0c]

What's the max E85 ratio are people running with flex fuel? 40% E85?

[loesch]

How ever much takes before the lpfp starts having pressure drops. Usually around 40 - 50% until you add a lpfp upgrade.

[mcmn]

Originally Posted by Tricki

I had ppk1, added jb4 and wow.. It gave me the car a kick in the pants.. I am n55 dct and loving it. Just added Downpipe last week, sound is intoxicating but extra pwr I haven't noticed as yet.. I'm running map 5 and have all along

So you need to relearn probably. Theres a good 40hp or so in the downpipes..


I'd try either turning the map back to 0, then back up to 5 - and doing a few spirited pulls

or doing 1-7 then doing the same thing

The downpipes are only going to sound sweeter.. once they get some carbon on them!!

Paul