JB-4 driveability

[22MTNBKR]

Hi, newbie here!
What are your thoughts on this piggyback controller? I'm a casual driver, but looking for a little more mid range and to take the flat spot out of tip in throttle. I'm aware of 5 star tunes and others, but you have the ecm foot print. So I'm concerned if something breaks, who will pay for the repairs?
I have a 22 XLT 2.7 with 14k miles. Just did the 4th oil change.
Thanks for your inputs
Tom

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[Buyer2021]

looking for a little more mid range and to take the flat spot out of tip in throttle

If you don't already run 91+ octane (required by all JB-4 maps), run your tank to very near empty and use 91+ for 4 tanks of driving. Just might do all you need, for a lot less money.

 

[jakearb]

I've had the JB4 on my 2.7L for almost 60K miles now. I only have it because the 5-star / Livernois tunes aren't available for 2023 models without buying a new ECM. A full tune gets much better transmission shift points and behavior. I'd go that route if I had your truck, but that's my opinion.

The JB4 does make a noticeable difference above 3,000 RPM for sure. Like comment above, you do have to run 91+ octane full time, but I'd do that on any of the ecoboost engines anyways. The 2.7 has plenty of power from the factory, but I do think the JB4 is worth the extra boost.

 

[JerseyGlock]

21 PB on JB4 for 2 years now (no complaints) and running on stage 2 and 3. Would like to see more better gauges.

 

[22MTNBKR]

I've had the JB4 on my 2.7L for almost 60K miles now. I only have it because the 5-star / Livernois tunes aren't available for 2023 models without buying a new ECM. A full tune gets much better transmission shift points and behavior. I'd go that route if I had your truck, but that's my opinion.

The JB4 does make a noticeable difference above 3,000 RPM for sure. Like comment above, you do have to run 91+ octane full time, but I'd do that on any of the ecoboost engines anyways. The 2.7 has plenty of power from the factory, but I do think the JB4 is worth the extra boost.

Thanks Jake for the feedback
Does the JB4 do anything for the turbo lag at tip in throttle? OR can I run a throttle controller with this JB4 thanks again

 

[jakearb]

Thanks Jake for the feedback
Does the JB4 do anything for the turbo lag at tip in throttle? OR can I run a throttle controller with this JB4 thanks again

I have the pedal commander and it I really think it helps with with general response. I felt like I had to press in the pedal a lot to get the acceleration I wanted.

This is my 4th turbocharged vehicle, I think turbo lag is something you can't really get rid of unfortunately. I feel it especially at the high altitude I live at.

To answer your question, the JB4 might actually might make it feel like it has more turbo lag. All it's doing is giving the turbos more PSI, so once they are at peak boost (3000 rpm or so), you're making more power.

 

[JerseyGlock]

I have the pedal commander and it I really think it helps with with general response. I felt like I had to press in the pedal a lot to get the acceleration I wanted.

This is my 4th turbocharged vehicle, I think turbo lag is something you can't really get rid of unfortunately. I feel it especially at the high altitude I live at.

To answer your question, the JB4 might actually might make it feel like it has more turbo lag. All it's doing is giving the turbos more PSI, so once they are at peak boost (3000 rpm or so), you're making more power.

ECO mode will feel turbo lag. I'd use sport mode if you are in a hurry and hold on to the steering wheel.

 

[Eskram]

Ran a JB4 On my Infiniti Q50 Red Sport and Ford Ranger for years - no issues. Very solid product.

Just make sure you're running good fuel and appropriate mapping for it. Some even use a JB4 In addition to a tune, though I'm not that bold.

 

[22MTNBKR]

If you don't already run 91+ octane (required by all JB-4 maps), run your tank to very near empty and use 91+ for 4 tanks of driving. Just might do all you need, for a lot less money.

Thanks for your feedback buyer21
You have a legit point of running 91 all the time . I have only done this with a mix of 87 no ethanol. I'll try full 91 and see if the tip in flat spot goes away

 

[22MTNBKR]

I have the pedal commander and it I really think it helps with with general response. I felt like I had to press in the pedal a lot to get the acceleration I wanted.

This is my 4th turbocharged vehicle, I think turbo lag is something you can't really get rid of unfortunately. I feel it especially at the high altitude I live at.

To answer your question, the JB4 might actually might make it feel like it has more turbo lag. All it's doing is giving the turbos more PSI, so once they are at peak boost (3000 rpm or so), you're making more power.

Thanks jakearb
So now you shed some light on a throttle controller. I live at about 1000ft above sea level so more air and power down here! IF the JB4 gives me more of a flat spot why not a Livernois controller or pedal commander. It might be all that I need with full tank of no ethanol 91 octane. I like the simplicity of the Livernois.

 

[jakearb]

ECO mode will feel turbo lag. I'd use sport mode if you are in a hurry and hold on to the steering wheel.

I do like sport mode sometimes, but when I need to just accelerate at a "medium" level to get on the highway, sport mode will just hold the transmission at 3-4K RPM after I hit the speed I want and never downshift. Not the best for everyday driving. I never use ECO mode.

 

[HammaMan]

Thanks for your feedback buyer21
You have a legit point of running 91 all the time . I have only done this with a mix of 87 no ethanol. I'll try full 91 and see if the tip in flat spot goes away

Unhook your battery for 10 minutes to reset the OAR and get it ahead of the curve on learning the fuel after you've filled up.

 

[nitrobass24]

I haven’t run a JB4 on an F150 but did on my BMW and Maserati and really prefer actual tunes. Just too limited in what the JB4 can do and it doesn’t improve your shifting.

 

[22MTNBKR]

Unhook your battery for 10 minutes to reset the OAR and get it ahead of the curve on learning the fuel after you've filled up.

That's a great idea. I often wondered how a sensor could see it. I never knew one could do that without Forscan
Thanks HammaMan

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