Hiyall! This is my review of the EVC iDrive Windbooster in my 2015 JKU 3.6 Auto. I chose it because at $299, it looked to be more adjustable than the similarly priced Cammus Wind Booster and the more expensive Sprint Booster (which does have a good reputation).
For those who are wondering what it does, it modifies the signal from throttle pedal to make it seem like you are pressing the accelerator more or less than you actually are. It can't make the engine or gearbox faster or react quicker but it can make a car feel faster and feel more responsive. You can achieve the same by changing your driving style but if you can have electronic assistance to make it easier, why not?
Firstly, I reckon the name is stupid because it makes me think of a can of beans.
It was easy to install (plug and play) with decently lengthy wiring but mine is hidden next to the steering wheel - its white background and blue LED display irritates me because it doesn't fit in with the rest of the interior and back-lighting.
The controller is easy to use with a button to select program and another to select the level. There are 4 programs: Normal (stock), Economy 0 to 9, Ultimate 0 to 9 and Automatic.
Economy 3 is really nice for beach driving and Economy 0 makes low-range off-road crawling easier. While it doesn't replace crawling by loading up the throttle using the brake, it makes that easier too. On-road, Economy feels the same as towing something and can be frustrating because you have to really mash the pedal to get big throttle changes (i.e. for overtaking).
Ultimate 2 is my normal driving program. Ultimate 0 and 1 are OK too but 3+ makes the car feel too jumpy and the auto gearbox constantly shift gears at the lightest touch or release of the throttle, even when cruising at highway speeds. Ultimate 9 is a blast though and really highlights how nice the Pentastar's power delivery is.
Automatic is OK and actually feels progressive but it is way too aggressive for my liking. I am not scared of full throttle but I got tired of the looks I got when the rear tyres chirped at take-off and very tired of cat-footing around turns, especially in the wet. It makes it difficult to predict how the gearbox will react to throttle changes, which doesn't fit in with my driving style.
Overall I would give it a 6 out 10, with one point lost for aesthetics (it's important to me).
Also available for the Compass and Patriot
For those who are wondering what it does, it modifies the signal from throttle pedal to make it seem like you are pressing the accelerator more or less than you actually are. It can't make the engine or gearbox faster or react quicker but it can make a car feel faster and feel more responsive. You can achieve the same by changing your driving style but if you can have electronic assistance to make it easier, why not?
Firstly, I reckon the name is stupid because it makes me think of a can of beans.
It was easy to install (plug and play) with decently lengthy wiring but mine is hidden next to the steering wheel - its white background and blue LED display irritates me because it doesn't fit in with the rest of the interior and back-lighting.
The controller is easy to use with a button to select program and another to select the level. There are 4 programs: Normal (stock), Economy 0 to 9, Ultimate 0 to 9 and Automatic.
Economy 3 is really nice for beach driving and Economy 0 makes low-range off-road crawling easier. While it doesn't replace crawling by loading up the throttle using the brake, it makes that easier too. On-road, Economy feels the same as towing something and can be frustrating because you have to really mash the pedal to get big throttle changes (i.e. for overtaking).
Ultimate 2 is my normal driving program. Ultimate 0 and 1 are OK too but 3+ makes the car feel too jumpy and the auto gearbox constantly shift gears at the lightest touch or release of the throttle, even when cruising at highway speeds. Ultimate 9 is a blast though and really highlights how nice the Pentastar's power delivery is.
Automatic is OK and actually feels progressive but it is way too aggressive for my liking. I am not scared of full throttle but I got tired of the looks I got when the rear tyres chirped at take-off and very tired of cat-footing around turns, especially in the wet. It makes it difficult to predict how the gearbox will react to throttle changes, which doesn't fit in with my driving style.
Overall I would give it a 6 out 10, with one point lost for aesthetics (it's important to me).
Also available for the Compass and Patriot
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