mannyo

JBS Auto Designs


Specialise in:


20vT VVT DBW Engine Conversions
Custom Code engine remaps
Custom Progressive Nitrous Oxide Systems


Can supply pretty much any performance upgrade you require...


Miltek Exhaust Systems
Quaife ATB Diffs
Eibach, H&R and Koni Suspension
Green Cotton Filters
Forge Motorsport Products
ABD CAI's
Samco Hoses
etc etc etc...


Have a state-of-the-art 600bhp 2wd Rolling Road

mannyo

Original Review : Josh_PoloGTi

Pros: Professional, Knowledgable, Local
Cons: Spend loads of money there!


Can't fault them... Been going there for years.

mannyo

Original Review: DaveH

Pros: See post
Cons: See post


I got my 4x4 Revo’ed the other day so thought I’d just make a wee post about my experiences to help out those people in the situation I was in before I plumped for Revo i.e. undecided as to which route to take. There is always debate and controversy regarding which tuner achieves the best result and as I’m not in any position to comment, I have only experience of Revo, I won’t. Here goes then:


I popped into JBS in Chesterfield just out of interest as they’re the nearest VAG tuner to where I live. I spent a good deal of time chatting to the JBS guys and some customers/regulars at the garage. The JBS guys were helpful and certainly know their stuff, unknown to them was that I work as a combustion engineer but they happily, and correctly, chatted regarding engine stoichiometry and the link to torque/h.p. I decided to take them up on their offer of a free trial. After the test drive we chatted through the options and JBS guided me to the 3bar program as a better bet for my driving preferences e.g. for a smooth/progressive throttle action.


After programming of the full code the performance of the car is awesome, suddenly the brakes and handling appear to be much worse than normal! Overtaking pull is vastly improved and the engine is much more willing to rev. Fuel consumption doesn’t appear to be vastly different either.


Why did I choose Revo? –


The guys at JBS knew their stuff and are local.
My Skoda dealer offers Revo remaps via JBS therefore should be happy with Revo’ed cars.
Revo were the first to the market with switchable OBD programming with extra features e.g. anti-theft and boost and timing adjustability. Therefore, in my opinion, they must be on top of their game.
The map is switchable with maps for stock, performance 95ron and performance Optimax (3 for the price of 1!).
It has a very cunning anti-theft device.
Revo are multi outlet in multi countries therefore many different people driving in many different ambient conditions must have successfully used their code.
Revo have a global support forum so you can always get technical backup easily.
I believe a generic map leaves more safety margin than maximised custom maps.


Any downsides? –


Its quite expensive compared to other options.
You lose a bit of smoothness in the way the engine copes with lifting off the throttle when on boost (but to my knowledge this may equally effect other types of remap or be a function of the new forge dump valve).

Update - I don't know whether it is ECU adaption as I put more miles on, settling in of the diverter valve or maybe even the use of Shell fuel (Esso usually) but the lift off smoothness seems to be improving.

Update 2 - Smoothness now sorted, its still possible to induce a tiny 'blip' if you dump full overboost sharply but generally we're now back to stock levels of smoothness. I mentioned the behaviour to James @ JBS (when it was prevalent) and he offered to put different weights of spring in the diverter valve to see whether I preferred them. I didn't take him up on it as it was settling and has settled out of its own accord but non the less he's a top man for customer service.


In conclusion, I am more than happy with the Revo experience, the JBS guys are a good bunch of fellas to chat to and provide a very professional service.

mannyo

Original Reviewer: Rich1068

Pros: Very knowledgable, not at all pushy, very patient with techinical idiots.
Cons: James doesn\\\'t get out of bed on Saturday mornings.


Sorry. Long post warning!


I just thought I’d bring you lot up to speed with developments in rich1068land. That’s if you’re interested of course.


You may know that my beloved Octavia RS has been leased from new (1st February 2003) and as a consequence of this my options for modifications have been slightly limited. By slightly I mean that I could only have what the dealer I leased from approved. This included an absolutely appalling Superchip.


Well I am chuffed to say that as of two weeks ago the car is now mine and the Superchip is out so now I am free to do exactly as I please with the car, credit card limit allowing of course.


My first course of action was to visit JBS Auto Design in Chesterfield (I’m only round the corner in Sheffield) to see if they really did have red glowing eyes and speak in tongues and strangely they didn’t. A thoroughly nice bunch of people, extremely knowledgeable and not at all pushy. They’ve had a bad rep on here mainly due to James’ rather questionable first posts where he hid the fact that he was ‘in the trade’, not a good move as certain Briskodians have long memories. He had his reasons but that argument is for another day.


On my first trip over (Saturday 24th July) I asked James (and his faithful assistant Kev) what ‘minor’ mods could be carried out that wouldn’t break the bank. So in went a K&N filter, Forge/Samco turbo inlet pipe and stiffer engine mount bushes (recommended, gives the car a much more solid feel). I resisted putting my Forge 007 back in as I like the subtle little ‘psht’ that the Bailey DV30 makes. While I was there I also bumped into a couple of other Briskodians. One who left considerably poorer after just popping over for a chat (LOL) and EddyH. I can safely say that the pictures on here of his motor do not do it justice. Anyway, the slippery slope beckoned once again. I also purchased a nice little sub woofer from Bluespot which, when I get round to fitting it, will be mounted where my autochanger was. The autochanger is now sitting in my colleagues Audi.


All this unfortunately coincided with me receiving my new 0% on balance transfers and purchases Halifax One card (nine months!). So off I toddled again (Saturday 31st July). This time it was for 3 bar 98 RON Revo with before and after dynos. Why Revo? Well, I like the idea that you can turn it off should you need to. I didn’t buy an SPS unit but James offered to do the switch if needed. I don’t intend to ever visit a main dealer for servicing but you never know and anyway the main dealers round me are quite mod friendly. Also, JBS are in Chesterfield, there and back in my lunch hour. I’d also done quite a bit of reading up about Revo and the feedback was largely positive, SCN and UKMKIVs were both very useful. The main reason however was what I’ve already mentioned. JBS are a very professional bunch and basically were not trying to sell me anything I didn’t want or need.


So how does my car go now? Well, if I tell you that on my little play around the Peak District yesterday afternoon I was heard to exclaim ‘**** me! This is fifth!’ then that should give you some idea. You obviously have to adapt your driving style a little after a remap but I’ve found the power delivery to be absolutely spot on, very driveable not all or nothing. I’m so pleased that after a year of poor running with the Superchip the car is now what I always wanted it to be and a little bit more.


I’ll keep you posted.


If anyone else visits, James and Kev both take two sugars.


Update.


OK everyone, update on Revo/JBS.


As you know I had 3 bar 98 RON Revo installed last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it from the start. A weeks driving allowed me to get quite familiar with the power delivery and I found that it was equally at home around town and on the open road. I did find that using the power through the gears (say ¾ throttle) I could occasionally feel very slight ‘steps’ in power but it was barely noticeable, most of the time the power was very progressive but Kev reassured me this was quite normal. Dropping to fourth or third for overtaking is an absolute joy and as I’ve already said I can’t recommend Revo enough.


BUT…


I may have mentioned that I overheard James talking to DaveH about 3 bar vs. 4 bar the previous week. In a nutshell Dave wasn’t sure which one he wanted and James was explaining the pros and cons. He also said that for example I had never walked in there saying ‘What’s the most I can get?’ so he’d just steered me towards 3 bar ie the milder and slightly cheaper option. At the time I thought this was very honest and also helped me make up my mind about JBS. Over the course of the week however this had somehow turned into James questioning my masculinity. More seriously I just thought why not? I’ve put up with a half arsed Superchip for the last year, I’m going for the lot.


So that’s why I was back at JBS yesterday, having 4 bar (and the required fuel pressure regulator) installed. (No charge other than for the FPR, in case you were wondering) Obviously James is always late on a Saturday morning so I busied myself making the tea while Kev put on the complete Forge/Samco pipe kit that they just happened to have lying around. So now I’m all Revo’d, Samco’d, JBS’d up and couldn’t be happier. The car now goes like the clappers and I swear the 4 bar is smoother. I thought it might be a bit more on/off but it’s not, still a delight around town and scares me to death around Derbyshire. It’s only been on since yesterday so I’m still getting used to it but I reckon 4 bar is definitely the way to go.


As usual, I’ll keep you posted.


Update 2.


This is my JBS dyno with 4 Bar Revo and my list of minor mods.


http://www.briskoda.net/gallery/show...php?photo=1182

mannyo

Original Reviewer: Pythix

Pros: Professional, Knowledgable tuner - See post
Cons: Me, having to send money - See post


Like I promised in the JBS RR thread, this is the verdict of the vRS_2003 jury!!
As some of you will know, I already have a K&N panel and Forge DV, and was more than happy when it produced the goods at a FunkyJ meet back in May '04 against the tuned crowd that gathered. There was however just this small niggle in the back of my mind that there were Octy's out there that are bigger and better, and in some way was a 'junior' member of Briskoda with my standard car.


Well, during the JBS RR day (29-Aug-04), I had overwhelming pressure applied to me, not by JBS or any of the others that attended, but by myself with the 'Do I, Don't I' thoughts while all the cars were being run. As the torment continued I got chatting with everyone there, but mainly James and the JBS boys. One thing that came across from the start was the sheer professionalism, how extremely knowledgeable they are and how they at not at all pushy. This was certainly a comfort while going through the whole decision process.


I bit the bullet and asked James for his magic laptop to be waved across the car, 3bar for now !! Fuse pulled........laptop connected......five minutes later, the infamous "Go Play" was heard. Out of JBS towards the trunk road to the motorway, all classic town driving style roads, very well behaved in traffic and noticeably required less boot. On to the derestricted dual-carriageway, slowly opening her up waiting for the 'OH S%"T' moment when all hell breaks loose and I would chicken out..............it didn't appear!!!! It’s very progressive, controllable and reassuringly safe with the introduction of power. Don't get me wrong, you just dump the gas and you get a lovely push in the back as it takes off, but is all very controllable, not a digital 'All or Nothing' approach. I returned back to James' with a full beam smile across my face and proceeded to celebrate with a burger from the BBQ, and then the cold hard realisation that the slippery slope has taken hold of me and my bank balance will be very much worse for wear for some time to come.
I think rich1068 said it best,
Quote:
F&*k me! This is fifth!
, and I totally agree with this. I have on a couple of occasions dumped the gas and gone to change from third to forth, only to realise that I was in fifth!!!
What finally made me go for REVO???? The fact that there is such a local dealer that is so open and not at all pushing for the sell, the fact that it is switchable and the anti theft mode, and there is no messing with the ECU soldering chips etc. Also, there seems to be rave reviews from the other VAG forum sites, who really rate it compared to others they have tried. And I must admit that once the trial was load late in the day at Brunters..I was hooked. I didn't buy an SPS unit, as James is always willing to change the settings if needs be, I plan to in the future but it was that little extra I just couldn't justify.........YET!!!
As for fuel economy, I have seen a small increase around town, about the same in traffic on the motorway, and a small increase on an empty motorway cruising along. Overall I look to be getting about 2-3mpg more over the full tank, as I mainly fly up and down the motorways with very little inner city/town driving.
A big thanks to all at JBS for their time in making me a very smiley person for the last few days!!!!

Josh_PoloGTi

JBS's details need amending.

They are now retail Custom Code rather than REVO and no longer have paint facilities on site.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Goochie Some say that if you break him in half he has a hard white centre with red writing though it. Some say this writing says "JBS Auto Designs" All we know is, that he's called The Josh!

mannyo

Original Reviewer: chesoctavia

Pros: Total trust in their workmanship (what else do you need?)
Cons: Mine was Jabba'd as at the time the Revo product wasnt highly rated.


Should really update my details, gone from Octavia to Fabia VRS which I unfortunately crashed, now got an old Golf GTi until I save up the reddies for an Octavia VRS (the Skoda bug bites!). If I had discovered JBS earlier the Fab VRS may not have been crashed but hey (I think a suspension upgrade could have helped my cause as I think the standard car is too soft, especially compared to an Octavia VRS but hey). The 15 year old car I have now has done 16,000 miles since april and which needs special praise to Kev at JBS as the car is still running sweetly. I will be sure to take the next VRS there as soon as I have it. I would recommend them to anyone , trustworthy garages are hard to come by.


Any VRS's for sale next feb/march let me know.


Sorry for rambling!

mannyo

Original Reviewer: fab16v

Pros: Great service, friendly staff, excelent knowledge
Cons: umm, arhh, nope.


After a long journey from London to Chesterfield via heavy traffic on the M1, I finally arrived to find the friendly staff of JBS. Was made to feel welcome and comfy by Sarah who made me a nice cuppa coffee upon arriving.


After a couple of hours, my yellow beasty growled as it was pulled back out of the workshop, new Miltek system looking absolutely stunning!


Had a great drive home too without having the radio on at all. Big thanks go out to everyone at JBS for such a great job. I'm extremely impressed. Made the journey all worthwhile.

mannyo

Original Reviewer: RCe

Pros: Very Knowledgeable, friendly staff, local.
Cons:


Hi


I've recently purchased a diamond black furby vRS sourced for me by james at jbs auto's. The car is awesome...


Everything I expected, and a bit more!


James and Kev at JBS have been looking after my cars for years, so I had no hesitation in buying the car from them, and getting it booked straight in for a few tweaks.


I went for a Revo remap, some bodywork (side rubbing strips removed) and some eibach springs. They also fitted my new alloys.
Mmmm, now we're talking! Ear to ear smile everytime you get into the car! She just pulls and pulls and then some... in every gear... simply amazing... and all from a diesel...and all from a skoda!


I would recommend the work James, Kev and the lads do to anyone! A very professional, and highly efficient team!


Will be booking the car in for a full Miltek inc. sports cat, next up... cant wait!

mr. hedgehog

Pros: Commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism
Cons: Distance from me, and not the cheapest


Here is some feedback on my Custom Code experience:

After much debate between tuning companies I had originally booked in for Custom Code phase 1 for my new Fabia VRS in April, but after covering more miles than expected (and becoming impatient) decided that the car was ‘broken in enough’. On the spur of the moment I phoned up JBS and booked in for the following day.

Upon arrival I spoke to Sarah to confirm my booking details, handed over the keys and took a seat in reception. Kitted out with a Playstation, magazines, displays and a sofa it was fairly easy to pass the time until my car’s turn came; although the waiting area could have done with a better heater and a coffee machine!

From sitting in reception, chatting to Sarah and to other customers (and casually observing the days comings and goings) it was easy to see that business is booming. This is usually a good sign. A lot of the other people there were returning customers with some fairly hardcore cars; hybrid turbos and true custom maps. All had nothing but good things to say about JBS. I also think I found the bloke who is responsible for Greenlight Insurance refusing to insure any more VRS’, having written off two of them and now onto his third…

An hour after arriving I was still waiting for James to sort my remap. He was looking tired and a bit stressed (he assured me that he didn’t normally neglect his appearance to the point of resembling a yeti – his words); and was trying to field phone calls and dealer queries. However, I was pleased that he made the effort to explain to me that he would be onto my car as soon as possible; he even managed a bit of humor.

James started off with the usual ECU read and discovered that, as my car was new, JBS did not yet carry a generic code for it. James casually declared that he would write one for me whilst I waited. However, he was unsure whether he could make the map switchable on the spot, and told me that, in the worst case scenario, I may have to return at a later date for a free update to a fully switchable map. James picked up that I was keen to get a switchable map and told me that he would do his best whilst not wishing to compromise quality.

James reappeared with his laptop a while later and uploaded the new switchable map to the car. The first test run out, me sat with the laptop, flagged up a problem with the switchability, so James took another look at the map. Whilst he was doing this I had a Green cotton filter fitted (very substantially discounted and fitted for free) and got my Cupra PD160 intake stuck on for free in the process.

The next run out with James was more successful (this time with me driving and James with the laptop), and the map switched as planned. James also explained to me that the car would take a few runs to get to its best as the ECU takes a while to explore the bounds of the new values contained in the remap. I was impressed with James knowledge and moreso his ability to explain to me in layman’s terms what he was doing. It is easy to see why people have confidence in James’ ability to work on their cars and to achieve the best results as he clearly takes pride in his work and is as customer focused as anybody I have met.

The Remap:
After a long day and a final run I departed from JBS with a grin on my face (it was nearing 6pm on a Friday and the staff there were all still working!). The map was exactly what I was looking for - exceptionally smooth and very refined. I admit that I did think that tales of TDis pulling to the redline were gimmicks, or at least exaggerated. I’ll hold my hand up and admit that I was completely wrong. The car pulls strongly right up to 4.5K, and with no obvious drop off in power. Still marveling at that one.

I had discussed this fairly unique trait of CC with James earlier, and had a bit of a whine about my Cupra’s tendency to tail off in power at about 4K despite good torque low down (REVO 4bar). James was clear that in terms of remaps, it really is a case of ‘horses for courses’. He made no apologies about the fact that a CC mapped car is not a 0-60 merchant, but was confident that CCs smoother mapping meant that the power was more usable, especially in everyday driving. This was exactly what I was looking for from the remap. Interestingly James also told me that the KO3/4 turbos in the 20VTs are not the culprits in the lack of top end performance in Cupras, and that contrary to popular belief, they do not run out of puff at 4.5K. Not to miss a sales opportunity he offered to do me a ‘good deal’ on a CC remap for the Leon!

I have had the CC remap for 5 days now, and its still putting a smile on may face – I’m still finding excused to use the car. The improvement in performance is huge, without sacrificing derivability in the city (which was a problem with my Leon’s rather harsh map). I am especially impressed with the top end improvement (the midrange of the VRS was always its strong point – but this punch is now across the entire rev range), acceleration in 3rd - 6th is massively improved. However, those who are fans of monster low down wedges of torque and spinning wheels may be disappointed with the even, controlled power of this map.

I have a Forge FMIC waiting to go onto the car, and have the 312mm brake conversion in mind too. After some discussion JBS were upfront about the fact that I could get the parts for the brake conversion cheaper on the forums, but offered to fit the kit for me for a reasonable price. For me this sums up the JBS ethos. They offer a customer focused, quality service which looks to be paying off in terms of demand for their skills (careful not to spread yourself too thin chaps). I will definitely be asking JBS to assist me in realising the future plans I have for the VRS and can strongly recommend not only their code, but also their professionalism, willingness to listen and enthusiasm in making peoples cars go faster, better.

Thanks guys (and gal), I’ll be seeing you for the brakes when my wallets recovered .

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Fabia VRS - Heated full leather, cruise, 160 intake, green filter, Forge FMIC, CC Stage 1, 312mm drilled Zimmermans, Momo Strutbrace, Jabba ARB, Eibach springs, Octy 17"s & Cupra R splitter, Helix Clutch & SMFW. Allard EGR bypass. Bring on the VT2...

JBS Auto Design

Wow
That was a really nice write up thank you.
I am glad I got the gal mention
Thank you I will make sure that James gets to see a copy of this.
Thank you for the kind words and as you said James can give you a smooth remap for your car.
Yes as I said when you have the brakes together give us a call and we will fit them for you.
The problem is at the moment we do try to help everyone but this can take time and we are looking to be able to give more time to people.
We will hopefully be able then to be more individual to your requirements then and be able to assit you a bit more.
Thank you
Sarah

vRSLen

Sarah, just read the Hall of Fame in Performance VW. What the hell was the tech spec of the Octavia?

Must upgrade in the spring!

Len.

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Current car: Black MKII Octavia vRS Combi
Previous: Black MKI Octavia vRS Combi
Black Fabia Elegance 100 BHP

Josh_PoloGTi

Len

It's constantly evolving.

IIRC, at the time it went down the strip for the PVW run, it had approx 420-440bhp.

ABD LAN Pipe with Large Green Cotton Filter
GT28RS-JBS Custom Turbo
JBS Manifold
JBS/Forge FMIC
3" Custom Downpipe, Milltek Sports Cat and 3" System
Samco Pipes
Big Injectors
Forge DV
Custom Code Phase Three
6 Speed Box
Quaife ATB Diff
Kevlar Clutch
R32 Brakes
H&R Coilovers
Eibach ARB's
Audi S3 Strut Braces (F/U & F/L)

Erm...

That's about all I can remember.

However, it's now gone through a big transformation and will be rocking some even more serious power once it's finished!

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Goochie Some say that if you break him in half he has a hard white centre with red writing though it. Some say this writing says "JBS Auto Designs" All we know is, that he's called The Josh!

JBS Auto Design

Wow Josh
Yup that would be about it.
Yes the winter time has seen some more specs to the Octavia.
This will be down some more strips doing some more times later in the year.
So watch this space!
Sarah

Meggsy

Just had Uprated Pads and Discs, Cat back Milltek exhaust and a new water pump fitted.

Excellent by the looks of it, Car seems to drive better than it ever has and the service was very good.

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Planned Mods - Highflow Cat, Custom Re-map

kprm77

Anyone recommend JBS for servicing? Do they do courtesy cars?

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Kevin Mc

2005 Skoda Superb PD130 Edition 100
2004 Skoda Superb PD130 Comfort - gone

mattbeef

id rather let kiwk fit work on mine.

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I few bits here and there but im happy to Performance Torque

Go on click me you know you want to

matt@theforce

I had a car serviced from them in the past, I have no complaints about the service, I've also had KW Suspension and a Sachs clutch fitted there again, I have no complaints about their work nor do I have any complaints about their friendlyness although they did have problems ordering ARB Bushes which meant a 2nd trip to get them fitted.
They didn't do a courtesy car when I had all that work done however they were happy to drop me off at the train station in chesterfield so I could catch the train to work.

Hope this helps.

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kprm77

Thanks for that Matt - I booked the car in my usual Skoda dealer in the end. They'd had some negative comments too, though I've never had a problem, so went with the devil I know...

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Kevin Mc

2005 Skoda Superb PD130 Edition 100
2004 Skoda Superb PD130 Comfort - gone