[gronberg]

Sorry if this question has been answered elsewhere. I STFA without seeing any discussion on this. I've seen a number of JB4s available in the classifieds forums, and I'm wondering if there is any cause for concern in purchasing a used kit as opposed to a new one (assuming the used kit is in good condition without bent pins). I'm coming from the B5 Audi side of things where we didn't do piggyback units, we just swapped entire ECU boxes. I just want to make sure there's nothing I'm missing!

Based on what I've read, it sounds like people rely a lot more on support either from Terry or the forums when installing something like the JB4. In my other cars, it was literally a 5 minute ECU swap and you were done- no thrown codes or dealers seeing data stored on high boost levels. Hence why I'm hesitant.

Thanks for helping a noob out!

[skinrock]

No inherent problems with doing that. One of the very first things I bought was a used JB4 on this forum. Just follow the standard rules when buying used stuff, use your best judgement: be very specific with any questions you have, ask for recent pictures (with a date if necessary), use Paypal and ask for some kind of feedback.

Also, if it doesn't come with one, you'll want the USB cable to keep it updated and log runs. Installing it is very easy, if you need help - I'm in the Bay Area. I installed and removed mine a few times before switching, and I've been in the ECU area numerous times.

[Randomaccess335]

Jb4's are not vin locked, I don't think Cobb is either
There is no additional cost to unlock it......Maybe that's why you see more forsale. Buy it and install, but I would go to n54tech, read up on it and like op said get a USB cable.
I love mine
Gl,
R

[enrita]

Make sure you get the pnp version and not pinout.

[Gugs]

Originally Posted by enrita

Make sure you get the pnp version and not pinout.

Jb4 doesn't come in a pin out - that's a jb3.


-Make sure pins aren't bent.
-No wires cut or butchered during meth or dpfix install
-make sure board isn't ruined from a botched ohm mod from soldering

You won't know if the jb4 is good until its fully installed in your car so it's best to use PayPal and visually inspect it before purchase.

USB is a required part. Don't know why it's considered an accessory.

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by Gugs

Jb4 doesn't come in a pin out - that's a jb3.


-Make sure pins aren't bent.
-No wires cut or butchered during meth or dpfix install
-make sure board isn't ruined from a botched ohm mod from soldering

You won't know if the jb4 is good until its fully installed in your car so it's best to use PayPal and visually inspect it before purchase.

USB is a required part. Don't know why it's considered an accessory.

Actually they used to sell a pinout version. And USB isn't required to get it working, but still highly recommended so that you can keep it up to date and use the JB4 logging/adjustment software.

[M3 Eater]

jb4 is the piggy. The harness could be a pinnout or a PNP. I run jb4 with my pinnout harness, no problem. Just messy in the ECU box and harder to remove for service. If you are out of warranty and plan to keep jb4 as your tune indeffinatley, pinnout is fine.

[Gugs]

Originally Posted by skinrock

Actually they used to sell a pinout version. And USB isn't required to get it working, but still highly recommended so that you can keep it up to date and use the JB4 logging/adjustment software.

That's interesting the jb4 with a Pin out harness. Didn't know. That would suck.

USB, It should be required.
You can't adjust 60% of the settings without it. Like you said
you can't log and you cant update. So it's like having half a product.
USB is required.

[M3 Eater]

my pinnout allows for usb, logging, steering wheel control... all of it. Not the best option for someone looking for a tune but may be a cost effective option as the pnp harness new is $180

[gronberg]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

@skinrock, thank you for the offer! I'm fairly handy with this stuff, but will ping you if I run into any issues.

[TOPEC]

Originally Posted by Randomaccess335

Jb4's are not vin locked, I don't think Cobb is either
There is no additional cost to unlock it......Maybe that's why you see more forsale. Buy it and install, but I would go to n54tech, read up on it and like op said get a USB cable.
I love mine
Gl,
R

actually, cobbs r, for a lack of better term, "vin locked" to the car, once the handheld programmer is used to flash a car, that handheld programer can only be used to flash that car only unless u remove the entire tune off the car, then it can be used on another car.

[spool twice]

The main benefits of buying a new JB4 unit from Terry is that it'll ensure that you'll get a G4 15ohm board (which is a quicker board with lower cycle duties up to 19-19.5psi and will be more consistant with boost targets) vs. a G4 18ohm board. Plus, when you buy new, Terry always has sweet deals for new purchasers for future upgrades (such as his current $50 program for a big turbo JB4 G5 board vs. paying $150 for "used" purchasers) so the initial price advantage buying new washes away if you plan to upgrade in the future. Regardless of how you purchase his product's, new or used, his support and technical assistance makes you never left in the cold.

Also, welcome aboard, I'm from a B5 s4 and B6 s4 background too