JHM Stage 1 Tune for the B7 A4 2.0T - It's real and it's spectacular!

[Shanster]

and it is LEGIT!

I was fortunate enough to have some free time this morning and drove up to East Coast European in Greenland, NH (great guys, btw) and had my ECU flashed with the 93 Octane Stage 1 JHM software. Previously, I was using Unitronic Stage 2 (93 octane, non-HPFP) software and was quite pleased with it. It was a great tune, reliable and never gave me any issues. However, I have recently been in a major rut with my car due to unforeseen events (exhaust issues which you may have heard). Because of this frustration, I had lost the joy of just driving and found myself just trying to get from Point A to Point B...not fun! With the anticipation of my upcoming new turbo-back Milltek resonated exhaust, the lure of the new JHM software for the B7 A4 2.0T was too great to resist and I couldn't be happier with it! I hadn't had that big a smile on my face while driving in a long time. As you can guess, I do not have a lot time on the new software yet so I will keep this initial review brief and will gradually add to this thread as the software continues to adapt.

My car and list of (mostly relevant) current modifications:

2007 A4 2.0T 6MT Avant Quattro, non s-line, 116k miles
RAI HFC and 3" DP with 2.5" single pipe, resonated exhaust (soon to be replaced with the Milltek)
034 Street Density Motor Mounts
034 upgraded snub mount
Rev D Diverter Valve
K&N Air Filter
KW Variant 1 coilovers
RS4 Rear Sway Bar

Recent major maintenance within 25k miles: Transmission fluid change, Timing Belt, PCV, Intake runner motor, low pressure fuel sensor, cam follower, HPFP and intake cam shaft, spark plugs, and coil packs.

The biggest takeways from this first drive around were how smooth and how responsive the throttle is with this tune. There is virtually no turbo lag, however, I am prone to drive in a lower gear at higher RPMs so that the turbo does not take too long to spool (and my MPGs reflect that!). I can also echo others that the car pulls so well above the power band. In other words, where the turbo once ran out of breath, it now manages to continue to put power to the wheels well beyond 6000 rpms. I can also corroborate the linearity (is that a word?) of the throttle. Before, I expected turbo lag and a delayed response when accelerating. The delay is virtually gone with this tune.

For those on the fence, this software is 100% worth it...even if you are currently running a well-respected OTS tune.

[Jake@JHM]

and it is LEGIT!

I was fortunate enough to have some free time this morning and drove up to East Coast European in Greenland, NH (great guys, btw) and had my ECU flashed with the 93 Octane Stage 1 JHM software. Previously, I was using Unitronic Stage 2 (93 octane, non-HPFP) software and was quite pleased with it. It was a great tune, reliable and never gave me any issues. However, I have recently been in a major rut with my car due to unforeseen events (exhaust issues which you may have heard). Because of this frustration, I had lost the joy of just driving and found myself just trying to get from Point A to Point B...not fun! With the anticipation of my upcoming new turbo-back Milltek resonated exhaust, the lure of the new JHM software for the B7 A4 2.0T was too great to resist and I couldn't be happier with it! I hadn't had that big a smile on my face while driving in a long time. As you can guess, I do not have a lot time on the new software yet so I will keep this initial review brief and will gradually add to this thread as the software continues to adapt.

My car and list of (mostly relevant) current modifications:

2007 A4 2.0T 6MT Avant Quattro, non s-line, 116k miles
RAI HFC and 3" DP with 2.5" single pipe, resonated exhaust (soon to be replaced with the Milltek)
034 Street Density Motor Mounts
034 upgraded snub mount
Rev D Diverter Valve
K&N Air Filter
KW Variant 1 coilovers
RS4 Rear Sway Bar

Recent major maintenance within 25k miles: Transmission fluid change, Timing Belt, PCV, Intake runner motor, low pressure fuel sensor, cam follower, HPFP and intake cam shaft, spark plugs, and coil packs.

The biggest takeways from this first drive around were how smooth and how responsive the throttle is with this tune. There is virtually no turbo lag, however, I am prone to drive in a lower gear at higher RPMs so that the turbo does not take too long to spool (and my MPGs reflect that!). I can also echo others that the car pulls so well above the power band. In other words, where the turbo once ran out of breath, it now manages to continue to put power to the wheels well beyond 6000 rpms. I can also corroborate the linearity (is that a word?) of the throttle. Before, I expected turbo lag and a delayed response when accelerating. The delay is virtually gone with this tune.

For those on the fence, this software is 100% worth it...even if you are currently running a well-respected OTS tune.

Hey man thanks for the review! We spent a lot of time and put a lot of effort into this software, so I am glad to you are enjoying it! Luckily for you, the tune takes a little bit to adapt.. meaning it will get even more pleasurable to drive!

[Audibot]

Very cool! I've been paying attention to a couple threads they're on, and am leaning towards, though I have to wait with the holiday season upon us (one of the downsides to having a large family) and moving in a few months. Linearity is a word (I use it enough for my job as an engineer, plus it doesn't get underlined here).

At what RPM do you really notice the pickup? I mean, I think stock K03 picks up at 1500 rpm. I find myself sticking in the lower half of the rev band most of the time (usually <4k, with occasion trips >5.5k), so the pickup at lower revs really interests me.

[billyhoyle]

Jake, apologies, as I'm sure you've answered this before, but searching failed me - do you guys offer a 91 octane tune as well as a 93?

[Jake@JHM]

Jake, apologies, as I'm sure you've answered this before, but searching failed me - do you guys offer a 91 octane tune as well as a 93?

Correct!

[Shanster]

Jake, apologies, as I'm sure you've answered this before, but searching failed me - do you guys offer a 91 octane tune as well as a 93?

Yes it comes with a 91 octane tune too. You can get all three (93, 91, Stock) but I believe JHM only permits two with the tune (93 or 91 and stock) without paying extra. What's cool is that you can setup the flash to default to one of the settings if your battery dies. For example, mine will always default back to 93 rather than to stock. Like Jake said though, it is adaptable so if you mainly have 93 octane fuel but occasionally only have 91 available, it's not a big deal.

[billyhoyle]

Sweet, thanks guys! It's mostly 91 up here, but some stations carry 94. I think my APR tune has been in 91 mode since day 1...

[Jake@JHM]

Sweet, thanks guys! It's mostly 91 up here, but some stations carry 94. I think my APR tune has been in 91 mode since day 1...

Go with our 91 file. It will take advantage of the 94 when it is used.

[Shanster]

This tune gave me a thousand boners. Can't wait to get back on the road.

[billyhoyle]

That's flipping perfect for a lazy -scratch that- efficient man like myself.

Say I use the Cheetah cable, will it overwrite the APR tune, or will I have to flash back to stock first?

[Jake@JHM]

That's flipping perfect for a lazy -scratch that- efficient man like myself.

Say I use the Cheetah cable, will it overwrite the APR tune, or will I have to flash back to stock first?

It will overwrite automatically.

[Shanster]

At what RPM do you really notice the pickup? I mean, I think stock K03 picks up at 1500 rpm. I find myself sticking in the lower half of the rev band most of the time (usually <4k, with occasion trips >5.5k), so the pickup at lower revs really interests me.

It's hard for me to comment right now because like I was saying I tend to stay around 2500-3000 when driving normally if there is a possibility that I'll need step on it, so, for me, I feel like the response is instantaneous.

If you are really wondering about first gear from a stop, I would say 1500 is pretty accurate, but it is negligible time between stop and 1500 rpm. It really gets up and goes so quickly. For example, there is a Shell station right off Rt 1 south in Saugus, MA (Rt 1 has speed limit of 50 mph here). You really need step on it to merge into traffic without having a horn blare at you, and I can't remember getting up to speed as quickly with my Unitronic tune as I did with the JHM tune. They did a very good job of blending when the turbo hasn't yet spooled to when you get to full boost. You never say "OH! There's the turbo!" You know?

[Jake@JHM]

It's hard for me to comment right now because like I was saying I tend to stay around 2500-3000 when driving normally if there is a possibility that I'll need step on it, so, for me, I feel like the response is instantaneous.

If you are really wondering about first gear from a stop, I would say 1500 is pretty accurate, but it is negligible time between stop and 1500 rpm. It really gets up and goes so quickly. For example, there is a Shell station right off Rt 1 south in Saugus, MA (Rt 1 has speed limit of 50 mph here). You really need step on it to merge into traffic without having a horn blare at you, and I can't remember getting up to speed as quickly with my Unitronic tune as I did with the JHM tune. They did a very good job of blending when the turbo hasn't yet spooled to when you get to full boost. You never say "OH! There's the turbo!" You know?

Power at all times ;)

[B7OrangeA4]

This tune gave me a thousand boners. Can't wait to get back on the road.

You know you bought the right tune when you turn the car on and it returns the favor

[jimrobbington]

Like Jake said, this tune improves with age. So if you've only driven it a couple times, you're still in for a treat. My tune didn't feel like it was done improving until like 2 weeks in.

The launch assist isn't like a balls out, drive train killing, Rev limiter. Yes, it will hold the revs @ ~6k, but that's not what it's good for. Jake can correct me if I'm wrong, but I have an extremely sensitive butt dyno. It feels as if the "launch assist" feature is always somewhat active in the background, at least when in first at under X mph (1? But > 0).

What I'm saying is, you don't have to push a sequence of buttons to "activate" it. It's just there. Like ESP (turn that off by the way). You don't have to wait till the rpms start bouncing. You can just launch it the way you want to, and it will still help make everything move smoother than you could possibly do it on your own.

On my car, it will build ~4 psi of boost by ~4750 Rpms, but will dump that built pressure if I let the the rpms hit ~5000 rpms. So my perfect launch is right in that 4750 mark, not at ~6000 where launch assist would hold it on its own. I'm sure this is different on everyone's car depending on elevation, mods, clutch, etc.

And for the non manual guys. Sucks for you, but I'm sure the auto guys got a trick or two of their own.

[Shanster]

Like Jake said, this tune improves with age. So if you've only driven it a couple times, you're still in for a treat. My tune didn't feel like it was done improving until like 2 weeks in.

The launch assist isn't like a balls out, drive train killing, Rev limiter. Yes, it will hold the revs @ ~6k, but that's not what it's good for. Jake can correct me if I'm wrong, but I have an extremely sensitive butt dyno. It feels as if the "launch assist" feature is always somewhat active in the background, at least when in first at under X mph (1? But > 0).

What I'm saying is, you don't have to push a sequence of buttons to "activate" it. It's just there. Like ESP (turn that off by the way). You don't have to wait till the rpms start bouncing. You can just launch it the way you want to, and it will still help make everything move smoother than you could possibly do it on your own.

On my car, it will build ~4 psi of boost by ~4750 Rpms, but will dump that built pressure if I let the the rpms hit ~5000 rpms. So my perfect launch is right in that 4750 mark, not at ~6000 where launch assist would hold it on its own. I'm sure this is different on everyone's car depending on elevation, mods, clutch, etc.

And for the non manual guys. Sucks for you, but I'm sure the auto guys got a trick or two of their own.

Jim, Thanks for the input! I haven't tried launch control yet, but interesting feedback about utilizing the 5psi. Are you negating any safety mechanism of the launch assist by doing that? Especially regarding a torque spike because of the stored boost that could hurt rods. I'm sure there are other measures built into the tune to keep your motor safe...I'm sort of a novice when it comes to this type of stuff.

[jimrobbington]

Jim, Thanks for the input! I haven't tried launch control yet, but interesting feedback about utilizing the 5psi. Are you negating any safety mechanism of the launch assist by doing that? Especially regarding a torque spike because of the stored boost that could hurt rods. I'm sure there are other measures built into the tune to keep your motor safe...I'm sort of a novice when it comes to this type of stuff.

As far as I'm aware, There has to be an act of God for a K03 to actually bend rods. Like vapor lock or something of that nature. The K03 just can't produce enough torque for that.

Calling @Jake@JHM

[Jake@JHM]

Technically the Launch Assist is activated under 1kmh. The sequence I give people is to insure safe and correct launching habits. You should still hold boost for the first few bumps of the RPM, which is when your supposed to launch. There is no use in sitting there holding at the LA limiter because it isn't Anti-Lag.

[jimrobbington]

Technically the Launch Assist is activated under 1kmh. The sequence I give people is to insure safe and correct launching habits. You should still hold boost for the first few bumps of the RPM, which is when your supposed to launch. There is not use in sitting there holding at the LA limiter because it isn't Anti-Lag.

Ha! I was close! Stupid kilometers, get me every time.

Mine dumps boost every time, when the needle sweeps past 5k. It never goes into vacuum, but holds 0 psi from there on out.

[Jake@JHM]

Ha! I was close! Stupid kilometers, get me every time.

Mine dumps boost every time, when the needle sweeps past 5k. It never goes into vacuum, but holds 0 psi from there on out.

Might be the elevation for you then. However, as long as your not in vacuum you are good to go!

[LINDW4LL]

Go with our 91 file. It will take advantage of the 94 when it is used.

If the 91 tune is able to adapt up to 94 octane, what is the point of the 93 file?

[Jake@JHM]

If the 91 tune is able to adapt up to 94 octane, what is the point of the 93 file?

Also, doesn't that essentially mean that you put more timing into the tune than can be handled by 91 octane? Meaning timing is being pulled even under normal conditions. I thought that wasn't a great tuning tactic, although with all of the knock sensors it's not like it's hurting anything.

We give headroom in all of our software. It's not a bad thing at all if done properly. The point of going with 93 is that it is more optimized for that octane and will have even more headroom than the 91.

[plpete]

All these JHM tune threads are really getting to me and making me more impatient to get my tune!! Major props to Jake for being so active and answering all our questions, some of which get asked over and over again. With that in mind, are there any plans on putting up that info and more on your site? Seems like the Stage 1 tune has been quite a success and out for a while and Stage 2 should be out relatively soon with Stage 3 in the works. The only tune I see on the JHM site is the APR one and I think you must contact the guys at JHM directly or go to a local dealer. Either way, congrats on the tune and can't wait to get my own!

[billyhoyle]

I have to give props to Shanster for the Seinfeld reference in the thread title. Nice one.

[Jake@JHM]

All these JHM tune threads are really getting to me and making me more impatient to get my tune!! Major props to Jake for being so active and answering all our questions, some of which get asked over and over again. With that in mind, are there any plans on putting up that info and more on your site? Seems like the Stage 1 tune has been quite a success and out for a while and Stage 2 should be out relatively soon with Stage 3 in the works. The only tune I see on the JHM site is the APR one and I think you must contact the guys at JHM directly or go to a local dealer. Either way, congrats on the tune and can't wait to get my own!

Thanks man You should definitely get the software!

We are going to get the product page up here pretty soon. Just finishing a few things up

[jimrobbington]

Where is this



of which you speak?

[plpete]

Thanks man You should definitely get the software!

We are going to get the product page up here pretty soon. Just finishing a few things up

Awesome! Such great product should be properly marketed and displayed! Tax return season is near

[Jake@JHM]

Where is this



of which you speak?

Awesome! Such great product should be properly marketed and displayed! Tax return season is near

Haha yes it is!

[jimrobbington]

Yaaaaarrrgh!

[Jake@JHM]

Yaaaaarrrgh!

Just go stage 3 bro.

[Schweini]

We give headroom in all of our software. It's not a bad thing at all if done properly. The point of going with 93 is that it is more optimized for that octane and will have even more headroom than the 91.

Can I run the Shell 91 v-power on a JHM 93 tune without much harm? We have 94 here, but it sucks balls on the car. Ive been told countless times that Shells 91 is just fine on a 93 oct file. Ive tried it a few times and the car ran great on it as opposed to the 94, but im concerned about long term effects?

Thanks Jake

[Jake@JHM]

Can I run the Shell 91 v-power on a JHM 93 tune without much harm? We have 94 here, but it sucks balls on the car. Ive been told countless times that Shells 91 is just fine on a 93 oct file. Ive tried it a few times and the car ran great on it as opposed to the 94, but im concerned about long term effects?

Thanks Jake

No, if you need to run 91oct definitely flash the 91 oct tune.

You can go UP in octane, but you cannot go DOWN.

[Shanster]

^ Really? Shoot. I get 93 in MA and NH just fine but sometimes in Maine I gotta deal with 91. But you're saying that's a no go?? Guys as at East Coast Euro said I'd be fine.

[Jake@JHM]

^ Really? Shoot. I get 93 in MA and NH just fine but sometimes in Maine I gotta deal with 91. But you're saying that's a no go?? Guys as at East Coast Euro said I'd be fine.

How often are you in Maine?

[Schweini]

No, if you need to run 91oct definitely flash the 91 oct tune.

You can go UP in octane, but you cannot go DOWN.

Thank you

This makes for a tough call. Real shitty 94 on a 93oct file, or good 91 on its proper file with but with less power. Wonder if id see much difference?

I know with the APR tune I have, I see virtually no difference between 91 and the 93 files

[Jake@JHM]

Thank you

This makes for a tough call. Real shitty 94 on a 93oct file, or good 91 on its proper file with but with less power. Wonder if id see much difference?

I know with the APR tune I have, I see virtually no difference between 91 and the 93 files

a JHM 91 tune running 93oct will be VERY close to a JHM 93 tune running 93oct. I am sure the 94 will be fine on the 93 though.

[Shanster]

How often are you in Maine?

Every weekend in the winter and a good amount in the summer. I have one gas station that I found on my way to Sugarloaf that has 93 but that is the only place I've found. In the summer, I'm near Portland and I haven't found a spot with 93 yet.

In the winter, I can deal. But prob not easily in the summer up there.

[Schweini]

a JHM 91 tune running 93oct will be VERY close to a JHM 93 tune running 93oct. I am sure the 94 will be fine on the 93 though.

Makes sense. I just hate this 94 here, runs shitty on the car and gives noticeably less milage too. Looks like ill settle for the 91. No biggie :)

Thanks Jake, and Shanster for the write up

[Shanster]

I have to give props to Shanster for the Seinfeld reference in the thread title. Nice one.

Haha, glad someone picked up on it!

[onedumslack]

Jake, will the tune advance timing for method then?