So, you want to give your Bronco a little bump in power? We had the same thought...
After exploring a few tuning options for the all new 2021 Ford Bronco, we came across the Burger Motorsports JB4 Tuning Device. With promising numbers and well reknown history in various other applications, including other Ecoboost vehicles such as the F-150, Raptor, and platform-shared Ranger, we had to see for our selves.
Of course, we hit the JB4 in full Lethal fashion. We did some baselines, tested it on the street, and took it to the dyno to see the real numbers.
In this article:
All you need for install is...
- The JB4 ( And any accessories you option for)
- Zip Ties
- Sharp Knife
- Heavy Duty, Weather Resistant, Double-Sided Tape
- 2.5 MM Allen key (If you have the Wireless Connection Kit)
1. To start, of course disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. If you have the Wireless Connection Kit, take a 2.5MM Allen Key to remove the cover from the JB4 so you can access the plug for the Bluetooth Adapter.
3. Plug in the connector in and install with the supplied Phillips head screws. Place the cover back down with the allen head bolts and evenly tighten to ensure a good seal.
4. Figure out how you would like to run the OBD2 Data wire from the interior to exterior. (As seen in the video, there is a grommet we simple sliced a small slot in so we could just barely get the plug through and have it seal back up.) Then run the wire through and make sure there is plenty of slack to ensure you have enough wire to mount the JB4 where you would like to.
5. Next, take the TMAP harness off of the TMAP sensor and install the identical JB4 harness to the sensor. Next install the other side to the vehicles harness.
6. Do the same with the MAP Sensor.
7. Find a safe routing for the wiring. (See video for how we routed, but overall, there's a few different options depending on where you want to mount the JB4 Device.)
8. Once you've decided where you would like to mount the JB4, take some weather resistant double-sided tape and stick it to the surface. (We personally attached it to the fuse box but the choice is totally yours!)
9. Mount the Bluetooth Adapter using the same tape. (JB4 recommends not mounting on metal)
10. Plug the OBD2 Harness into the last harness available on the JB4.
11. Install the negative harness back onto the battery terminal.
12. Go for a rip! (Download the JB4 App and run through the dialogs in the app if you have the Wireless Connection Kit) .
Next thing after install and some street testing was, of course, hitting the dyno to see some REAL numbers. Least to say, we we're truly impressed!
A little bit after the install and testing, we took the truck over to our friends at Palm Beach Dyno to see what the truck was actually producing to the wheels and see what effect the JB4 had on that stock number. Now, let take a look at the dyno sheet for the averages of every MAP, including stock.
The stock runs were as we expected with drivetrain loss, especially with the 35's that come with the Sasquatch Package, looking at roughly 251 RWHP and 322 RWTQ.
Map 1 pretty much blew our minds, making an almost 20 RWHP jump from the stock HP, gain more than 22ft lbs RWTQ, and was able to repeat those results almost to the decimal another 2 more times. We we're stoked to see what the rest o the maps had in store.
Map 2 made another 10 RWHP over Map 1, although torque numbers averaged around the same.
Map 3 made ANOTHER 10 RWHP over Map 2, while torque jumped an average of OVER 47 Ft Lbs of RWTQ! Still impressed, we went for more and continued to hit all the Maps.
Map 4 made another 10 RWHP over Map 3 and once again, kept the same torque number as Map 3.
Map 5 had us on the edge of our seats, making 312 RWHP at 411 FT LBS of RWTQ! A whole 13 RWHP and almost 20 RWTQ over Map 4.
The total horsepower gain thanks to the JB4 has proven to be roughly 61 Rear Wheel Horsepower and 90 Ft LB. of Rear Wheel Torque!
* On Maps 1-3, the truck was on 93 octane pump gas. For Maps 4 and 5, we did add in some Octane Booster to bring the octane up to the recommended ratings for those tunes. This truck has no other modifications other than the JB4. *
2.3L Dyno Testing!
While we couldn't get our hands on a 2.3L Bronco to test for ourselves, Terry at Burger Motorsports got his hands on a 2.3L w/ an Automatic Trans. and went to town giving it the JB4's magic!
The truck itself is a completely stock 2.3L w/ Sasquatch Package, an Automatic Transmission, and on a larger tire. Although, the truck was completely stock otherwise until the JB4.
Run 1 : Before the JB4, completely stock on 91 octane, the truck made 247 WHP and 304 WTQ on 91 octane, which is fairly impressive from the 275 HP rating given from the Ford.
Run 2 : With just the JB4 installed, still on 91 octane, it immediately jumped, now producing 272 WHP and 336 WTQ on MAP 1, as it’s preset to.
Run 3 : Mixing up a little E85 to get up to the equivalent of 93 octane, they produced another 25HP and 30 FT. LB. TQ increase at 296 WHP and 366 WTQ.
Run 4 : Finally, adding more E85 to gain some more octane, maxing out the timing, they produced 309 WHP and 374 WTQ!
Just to give you a rough idea of how impressive these results are, we reached a peak gain of 312 RWHP and 411 RWTQ on a 2.7L First Edition Bronco with the same maps and device!
The JB4 has shown completely capable of cranking out 2.7L figures out of its 4 cylinder, little brother, and further surprised us with its performance potential.
To conclude, the JB4 is exactly what you would want and much more than you should expect from a device that is so easy to install and use. The results speak for themselves, whether you look the install, the Dragy times, or the actual dyno numbers, this device is no joke.
Key Points
- Install takes 10-30 Minutes. Un-Install in less than 10 Minutes!
- Untraceable by dealer (Cannot Interfere with Warranty or Over-the-Air Updates).
- Can be totally controlled through your Smartphone (Both Apple and Android Capability).
- Can Read and Clear Codes and DTCs.
- Multiple Maps which can gain up to 60 horsepower and 90 Ft LB Torque Gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : If I do not buy either the Data Cable or Wireless Connection Kit, will it still work on the vehicle?
A : Yes! The JB4 comes preloaded on Map 1. Although, you will not be able to change it off of Map 1 or use any of the other features without either or.
Q : Do I have to plug in the OB2 Cable?
A : While you do not, it is highly recommended to make sure the JB4 can see all of the vehicles parameters to ensure it is getting a proper tune and you are getting the most benefit out of the device.
Q : Where do I mount the JB4?
A : We found the spot for the JB4 was under the hood, on top of the Fuse Box Cover. The device itself has a gasket around the edge and can take just about anything that comes its way under the engine bay. Although, they do give you a fair length of wire to mount it a few different places.
Get yours here below!
We also have the JB4 available in Power Packages if you're looking to give your Bronco even more power!
Looking for more upgrades and parts? Check out our 2022 Bronco upgrades or 2022 Ford Bronco Sport performance parts now!
About the Author
Joe, also known as “the Average Joe” is anything but your “average” automotive enthusiast, with an early influence of speed, his life revolves around anything with a motor, from race cars, street cars, motorcycles, boats and more.