Used JB2 reliability?

[1speedbike]

My question is preferably for people who have had a JB2 for an extended period of time, or have more knowledge of such things, but anyone with input will be appreciated. I've been on the edge for a while about ordering one of burger's juicebox tuners. Keep changing my mind between the incredibly cheap JB1 or a still incredibly cheap for what it does JB2..

Now i see they're selling pre-owned JB2's for only 20 bucks more than the new JB1's and I'm wondering about the reliability of the used ones. No doubt these used units come form people who probably pushed the hell out of their cars, then upgraded to JB3's for even more power.. Does anyone think that would have a great effect on the condition of the unit at all? Do the JB2's even get worn down / less effective after time?

I searched the forums but I don't think this issue has ever been brought up before... A $120 JB2 just seems tooooo good to be true..

[adc]

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

Does anyone think that would have a great effect on the condition of the unit at all? Do the JB2's even get worn down / less effective after time?

Any electronic circuit has a limited life cycle - but the typical limit in today's hardware is very high. I would be very surprised if a used JB2 (or Procede etc.) would fail measurably sooner than a brand new one.

In other words, go ahead and get one.

[sbefar01]

I installed a used JB2 for the $120. Seems to good to be true but mine works great. Large improvement in power, no issues whatsoever. The unit can't be that old, certainly not like my shelf stereo units that start to have issues after 10 years +. If I keep the car for 5 years+ i might buy a new one to play it safe. Go for it and get the $20 solenoid upgrade for smooth power delivery, your engine will thank you.

[adc]

Forgot to mention - I have a JB2 solenoid kit available for free to the first person who wants it. They'd only pay $5 or so for shipping...

[rcracer_tx]

They are tested before they are sent out... With the life of the electronic components in the jb2, i wouldn't be too concerned.

[aarong_m3]

I'm selling a used JB2 with Hot Pill for $40 local(Bay Area, CA) or $50 shipped(within US). I bought it from a guy on the e90post with and intake(combo deal) and don't need it. I already have a Used JB2 i bought from Burger Motorsports for $120. Great power for less money that you can't find anywhere.

[guardianangel3290]

^^ buy that, i just installed my used JB2 and i love it.
$40 is an AMAZING price for the unit (especially with the hot pill)

[Nixon]

I can't speak from experience about the JB2, but in general, a used electronic unit that has survived the first 6 months of operation are statistically MORE reliable than a brand new electronic device. Most electronic devices that fail due to manufacturing defects will fail within the first 6 months. Once you get past that first 6 months, the chances of manufacturing defects after that goes way down.

[1speedbike]

Thanks for the input guys! I've decided to jump in, I can feel myself becoming ridiculously happy soon.

aarong_m3, i've just purchased a JB2 plus solenoid bypass kit from mike@n54tuning.com shortly before you posted that, so i'm sorry!

I'm not even sure what the hot pill is/does, lol.

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

Thanks for the input guys! I've decided to jump in, I can feel myself becoming ridiculously happy soon.

aarong_m3, i've just purchased a JB2 plus solenoid bypass kit from mike@n54tuning.com shortly before you posted that, so i'm sorry!

I'm not even sure what the hot pill is/does, lol.

when used in conjunction with 93 octane fuel the hot pill increases the hp/tq by like another 10-15 each.
i dont think its safe to use without 93 octane though

[aarong_m3]

No worries. I'm sure it will sell in time. You will love the JB2. My wife gets a rush every time she drives the 1. Enjoy.

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

Thanks for the input guys! I've decided to jump in, I can feel myself becoming ridiculously happy soon.

aarong_m3, i've just purchased a JB2 plus solenoid bypass kit from mike@n54tuning.com shortly before you posted that, so i'm sorry!

I'm not even sure what the hot pill is/does, lol.

[1speedbike]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

when used in conjunction with 93 octane fuel the hot pill increases the hp/tq by like another 10-15 each.
i dont think its safe to use without 93 octane though

I did some research on it after you said that, guardianangel, since the unit I bought has a hot pill included. I read on another forum that the hot pill doesn't work with more recent software, or with certain "climates".. Is that true? Anyone can feel free to chime in.

I feel like there's no 91 to be found anywhere in North Jersey anyway, it skips from 89 to 93 most places, and I'd never use 89, so I think I'm safe haha

[aarong_m3]

You get 93? In Cali we only get 91 at the pump.

[1speedbike]

Originally Posted by aarong_m3

You get 93? In Cali we only get 91 at the pump.

lol yeah, 93 is the standard "super"/"premium" around here i guess. the only times I've ever seen 91 have been where 93 was also provided. can't imagine why.. or why 91 would be the best in most places in cali..

[woodman650]

Sorry, maybe a dumb question... what is the solenoid upgrade and how would I go about doing it? I'm ordering a JB3 kit soon and I'm trying to make sure that everything is going to be a smooth transition

Originally Posted by sbefar01

I installed a used JB2 for the $120. Seems to good to be true but mine works great. Large improvement in power, no issues whatsoever. The unit can't be that old, certainly not like my shelf stereo units that start to have issues after 10 years +. If I keep the car for 5 years+ i might buy a new one to play it safe. Go for it and get the $20 solenoid upgrade for smooth power delivery, your engine will thank you.