Recently installed JB4 on my base and it’s definitely a game changer for the car. I was really turned off by its poor official installation guide but decided to give it a go. It’s not bad once you figure out those locking clips on each port. It has very smooth power curve matching the factory and I don’t feel any kind of jerky movement. This is how the base should be shipped from Porsche IMO. I guess regulations really limit how this car is delivered.

Whether it’s a piggyback or flash ECU, it’s the best upgrade on the base!

 

I have been running a JB4 on my 2021 Cayenne S with 2.9L twin turbo for almost 5 years. I like the fact that it can datalog, that there is good technical support and ongoing updates, and that for those who want to play it has user adjustability.

 

​​​​​​​hi Scott, i sent you a private message, if you will have some time to respond i would be grateful.

 

Alright so I'm trying to decide between a JB4 and a Pedal Commander for my base Macan. I know they're apples to oranges, but here's my question. Does the JB4 provide the same benefits the Pedal Commander does to throttle response specifically? That's my biggest complaint with the car. The lazy upshifting at partial throttle and how much throttle you have to apply to get any amount of response in "normal" mode. Yes, Sport mode sharpens that up but it also changes transmission behavior and I don't always want that. I do always want crisp throttle response, though. What say you?

Cons of JB4 - it's much more expensive, more involved install (but still not difficult), questions about ECU history in the event of warranty repairs (while it's a piggyback unit, some report dealers can see increased boost pressure, etc. in logs)
Pros of JB4 - increased engine performance. (I don't necessarily NEED this, but it's a nice byproduct IF this product also improves the aforementioned throttle response).

Cons of PC - it doesn't increase engine performance, kind of gimmicky?
Pros of PC - more affordable, easy install, zero concerns about ECU history in the event of warranty repairs, seemingly addresses my main concern directly.

 

What year is the car? I just sold my 2021 Macan and have a JB4 I'll be listing on MacanForum. Once I had the JB4 setup properly, I promptly removed my PC. I got all of the throttle response I needed from the additional boost in the lower end of the rpm range.

 

It's a 2024.

 

Yes, JB4 does increase throttle response and that response is backed up by a real power/torque increase, especially when combined with pressing the Sport button.


I have a JB1 on my Base and had the dealer scan the ECU to see if they could detect it, they could not.


If cost is an issue you can also consider a RaceChip box. Their RS is nearly identical to my JB1 and lower cost, their GTS is much like a JB4.

https://www.racechip.us/shop/porsche...-292lb-ft.html

 

Sorry to hear this, why did you sell?

 

Racechip does not compare to a JB4 in my opinion. Much less capable. No user adjustability. No datalogging. But it does provide some gains and is easier to install and that is what a lot of people want.

Pedal commander is a joke to me. No power gain. Does nothing you cannot do by simply putting your foot down further. But they are easy to install and people buy them and say they like them.

A flash tune to consider is APR, but it does not datalog so you would need a JB4 for that if you are interested in data. You can flash it yourself with their ultralink and they sell a milder version with an engine warranty but you may have to have it installed at an approved place. https://www.goapr.com/products/softw...30T-EA839-95B2

One person tried a Racechip on a 24 Cayenne 3.0L and thinks it affected the shifting by producing more power that triggered earlier up shifts. He does not really like the change. Macan has a different transmission so I am not sure whether that is a concern.

 

I don't want to tinker. I want to install it and be done with it.

 

RaceChip has user adjustability. RS has 6 different maps, GTS has 7. Even their super cheap S version has 5 maps. Not as versatile as a JB4 but it something.

 

Just map changes. I do not consider that user adjustability. You are just choosing among Racechip maps. You cannot come up with your own map or change anything within their maps. But the OP is not interested in adjustability so the simpler the better for him and Racechip is simpler. A flash tune does not require even Racechip’s 2 wire hook up, but you do have to flash and that is more than some want to do.

 

Racechip does look interesting to me. I see some videos online of users getting the Racechip box and pairing it with the pedal commander type product they sell. I wouldn't be interested in having to run both of those.

 

Since you just want more throttle response without putting your foot down further, buy the pedal commander. It does not appear that more performance is the goal so you don’t need a piggyback or flash tune.

 

i had something like that before and generally dislike an idea of a piggyback harnesses now.
it is all great while it all works. it stops being ok when it suddenly burns out "because reasons" and potentially takes stock ECU with it, as something shortened or who knows what else happened. or if connectors disconnect. or water gets in where it was not supposed to be. etc.