Tap out Tuning order question

[CT4-Venom]

I’m looking at getting the white belt package with the JB4. I got a couple questions if anyone could help me out. By the way, only have access to 91 octane. Not looking to go to crazy with power gains, more mild to moderate.

1. How necessary is an upgraded exhaust to be able to run higher maps on the JB4?

2. Would VP fuels octane booster mean I could run higher maps on the JB4?

 

[Melon]

1. More turbo spooling means more exhaust air, and you'll need a freer flowing exhaust system to take full advantage of that added air flow. Too much restriction and you'll be moving less air when the car expects more and you'll run rich or lean.

2. Yes, higher octane means more boost can be allowed.

 

[piranha971]

1. A catback exhaust is only for making more noise. It doesn't have any measurable improvement on torque output. Catted/cattless downpipes have nominal impact on torque output, unless you modifying heavily. With a JB4, I would consider them of no meaningful benefit. Certainly not worth the pain in the ass and breaking the law to install.
2. Octane boosters are ok once in a while. You don't want to run them for daily driving as the MMT in them will ruin your catalytic converters, foul up the plugs and have other negative consequences. I know of one person who had done it in the ATS-Vs long term, but I would not do it. I would suggest a gallon or two of E85 per tank, which essentially acts as an octane booster.

Generally, talk to Tapout about what you should or should not do.
Do keep in mind that he is incentivized to sell parts.... Do also keep in mind that the recommended by him Brisk spark plugs will only last 10k at the most. They are a bit of a pain in the ass to replace, so unless you are ok with this replacement interval, I would stick with Acdelco OEM or NGK ruthenium, both gapped tighter (probably .027-.025" depending on max boost). But I would plan on plugs with a tighter gap and since you are taking them out, might as well put in new ones.

 

[Melon]

1. More turbo spooling means more exhaust air, and you'll need a freer flowing exhaust system to take full advantage of that added air flow. Too much restriction and you'll be moving less air when the car expects more and you'll run rich or lean.

2. Yes, higher octane means more boost can be allowed.

For my #1 I'm referring to the downpipes and catalytic converters. Anything beyond that is purely preferential.

 

[ngoni]

Make sure to add on an air box lid with oversized MAF tubes. Another way to get the ECU to command more boost. But ask Tapout- it may not be needed with the JB4 especially if you get the boost control module (BCM) for the JB4.

 

[CT4-Venom]

Make sure to add on an air box lid with oversized MAF tubes. Another way to get the ECU to command more boost. But ask Tapout- it may not be needed with the JB4 especially if you get the boost control module (BCM) for the JB4.

Does the oversized air box lid throw any DTC’s?

 

[XTRMLN]

It does….mostly on cooler days. I got the Tapout assassin module that clears it with a press of a button. Otherwise it’s a bit of a longer process using the jb4. Also tapout recommended Boostane to me to get to 93octane. I been using it for over a year with no problems. As a bonus with the CF intake it really pretties up the engine bay especially when combined with tapouts other cf goodies.

 

[CT4-Venom]

It does….mostly on cooler days. I got the Tapout assassin module that clears it with a press of a button. Otherwise it’s a bit of a longer process using the jb4. Also tapout recommended Boostane to me to get to 93octane. I been using it for over a year with no problems.

Was the performance gains worth the investment?

 

[XTRMLN]

For me….short answer is yes. I did the blue belt with the JB4 and the oversized air intake and a muffler delete (kept the valves). Now the car is just what I was looking for, louder with just the right amount of added hp. I ran just the white belt for quite a while it is a step up but the really noticeable difference was with the throttle body and the oversized air intake. The car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!

 

[Melon]

For me….short answer is yes. I did the blue belt with the JB4 and the oversized air intake and a muffler delete (kept the valves). Now the car is just what I was looking for, louder with just the right amount of added hp. I ran just the white belt for quite a while it is a step up but the really noticeable difference was with the throttle body and the oversized air intake. The car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!

Yeah, East Baton Rouge Parish is strict on catalytic converters, if I go without I'd have to just never get an inspection sticker.
That's my only hangup with opening the exhaust system, is dealing with the downpipes.

 

[CT4-Venom]

Yeah, East Baton Rouge Parish is strict on catalytic converters, if I go without I'd have to just never get an inspection sticker.
That's my only hangup with opening the exhaust system, is dealing with the downpipes.

Yeah, I have the same issue. I may go with the catted downpipes and a prayer.

 

[XTRMLN]

Guess I’m lucky. My state did away with inspections. Though I still have all the stock stuff so if they ever come back it can all be thrown on for an inspection and then switched back.

 

[Melon]

I complain about it, I've had my car for over a year and never got an inspection sticker. Just raw doggin' it.

 

[CT4-Venom]

I complain about it, I've had my car for over a year and never got an inspection sticker. Just raw doggin' it.

That’s option B!

 

[ngoni]

I complain about it, I've had my car for over a year and never got an inspection sticker. Just raw doggin' it.

You may not get pulled over for that specifically, but if they get you say for speeding, surely they'll add on the citations for everything else you didn't do.

 

[Melon]

You may not get pulled over for that specifically, but if they get you say for speeding, surely they'll add on the citations for everything else you didn't do.

I'll have only myself to blame.

 

[CT4-Venom]

I would suggest a gallon or two of E85 per tank, which essentially acts as an octane booster.

Does E85 do the same thing to the catalytic converter?

 

[piranha971]

Does E85 do the same thing to the catalytic converter?

No it doesn't impact catalytic converters. It had its own nuances in high concentrations, but a gallon or two will have no ill effects.

 

[CT4-Venom]

No it doesn't impact catalytic converters. It had its own nuances in high concentrations, but a gallon or two will have no ill effects.

Anyone around the LA area know where I can get some?

 

[RDATLTE]

Anyone around the LA area know where I can get some?

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