N55 JB+ Map Initial Impressions

[TreDirtyFive]

So, I've been on stage 1 for a long while now (I posted a review a while ago). it has served me well and I enjoy it for everyday use, without any issues, even though I have it on a tad more of an agressive setting over default. It gives an ample amount of power and the installation and removal is simple and straightforward. I've worked with terry throughout the usage on optimizing settings, and what not, for my car and it has been pretty much a great process overall. Nothing to complain about.

I recently updated to a newer firmware that included a JB+ simulation map (Map 6). Terry wanted me to try it and play a bit with the "iatdecay" setting (same as the knob on the JB+) to find a sweetspot for my car. I left it in default initially, as I'm on 91 and, for the most part, stock otherwise.

First thing first, no lagfix....BUT...majorly improved throttle response. Who would've thought that simplifying and leaving so much control back to stock would give this effect. I thought it was in my head so I went back to map 0 to drive it completely stock...soft and laggy again. Now back to Stage 1...lagfix and punchy (throttle better)...and then back to JB+ mode...throttle response ruleeees! I don't miss the lagfix after input at all. The response transition makes up for it. Especially after I raised the setting to 60 or so the torque improved even more! I beat on it for 3 straight days...no codes and no weirdness in power delivery at all. Loving it!

The best thing, though, by far is that the DCT shifts so much better as all the sensor trickery is minimized and throttle mashing does not have the major hesitation or DCT delay anymore...that to me is the kicker. It's basically stock drivability with great throttle response and very linear, smooth, and "predictable" power delivery. My N54 never responded this naturally to the SSTT or JB+...it was always a little coarse and lumpy. Sometimes less is more it seems.

Finally, I think this price-point and the ease of installation, which is literally 10-15 seconds (no joke), will make this a popular, cost-effective, and very worthy addition to the N55 mod stable. And, if you want to go to a stage 2 or a more customizable tune...the JB4 pro board version is in the works and promises some nifty tricks I believe. Anyhow, I'll continue beating on the car and report any findings, but as of now it is driving like a champ. cheers.

[NYC6]

dyno?

[TreDirtyFive]

not yet...hopefully soon.

[Tweeked SRT4]

I think I'll be putting a order in for a JB+ for my car. Nice review.

[TreDirtyFive]

I believe most stage 1 regulars will be very pleasantly surprised by the way the JB+ behaves.

[Vlaze]

Since the JB+ manipulates the MAF sensor readings on the N55, does your ECU have to effectively learn the new readings (take a bit to notice the difference) or does it take effect right away?

[1on135_deal]

good review ordered mines last week as well lets see how well i serves me ill post a review about it as well.

[TreDirtyFive]

it took a good 5 miles or so before it became obviously apparent how different it was from all of stage 1's manipulations. I'm sure there is an adaption period from stock as well but it shouldn't take long.

[1on135_deal]

where do you notice the most power and do your tires chirp at all.

[TreDirtyFive]

From a dig, nailin it produces spin and slip before the dash blinks crazily with the traction control light....havent tried it with dtc off. I bet it would spin hard for a bit. Another thing to note is the torque seemingly holds on longer up top over the stage 1...or it's a byproduct of overall power holding better. The middle is comparably meaty on this and stage 1.

[dicker]

I'm running it at 50 right now and it feels like a dog compared to the stage 1. is it better with the IAT set to 60?

edit: feels like a dog down low, much less torque. I'm driving a 6mt car so that may be a little different.

[Vlaze]

Do you have anything else done to your car or is it just stock with the JB+??

[TreDirtyFive]

Originally Posted by dicker

I'm running it at 50 right now and it feels like a dog compared to the stage 1. is it better with the IAT set to 60?

edit: feels like a dog down low, much less torque. I'm driving a 6mt car so that may be a little different.

I would give it a bit to adapt and liven up...otherwise try to set it at 62 and let us know what you think...

and to answer the last poster my car is completely stock.

[1on135_deal]

not quite sure wat u mean by 62 hopefully comes with a little booklet or something lol

[TreDirtyFive]

ha...no booklet. on the actual jb+ the knob is defaulted at 50 of a typical 0-100 range. you can play with turning the knob to change the scaling of the "iatdecay" variable. on stage 1 you simply load up the JB Interface on your laptop and change the number manually under the settings tab to the digits you prefer on map 6. I'm on 62 on 91octane and it feels great. you can play with higher settings if you wish and see how it works for you.

[kingnonis]

I second Tre's assessment. I updated my firmware on the Stg 1 yesterday to try out the JB+ mapping and set iat decay at 65. My DCT feels quicker and punchier. The power comes in a bit later than the stage 1 (minimal difference, and I'm not a fan of the lag fix in the Stg 1) but it comes in HARD. Im one of the ones that prefers more "punch" versus "smoothness" in the power delivery and the JB+ map feels stronger in the middle and less laggy in that same area. I don't know if I can attribute this to the fact that these settings leave most other parameters stock, but the dct just feels better and the delay/lag/hesitation I was experiencing in downshifts is almost gone now, plus throttle response also seems significantly better running the JB+ map. I even went back and forth between maps to make sure it wasn't all in my head. My all-around performance just feels flat out better and the car more responsive. Just my two cents, but I'll be keeping my stg.1 on JB+ map for a while.