Get a Grip With JMS Chip & Performance TractionMAX Controller

Get a Grip With JMS Chip & Performance TractionMAX Controller

They say that power is nothing without control, and last we checked, the crew over at JMS Chip & Performance had that whole aspect of automotive performance completely “under control.” For 2022, the brand has taken the electronics game up a notch, by offering automotive enthusiasts one hell of a clever traction control module.

Branded simply as “TractionMAX,” JMS Chip & Performance’s electronic tuning solution was one of many new products being premiered at PRI 2021, and due to its unique capabilities, managed to secure a quick mention in LSX Mag’s sibling offshoot, Street Muscle Mag.

The TractionMAX vehicle traction control unit by JMS Chip & Performance offers effortless all-in-one throttle and pedal tuning solution for drivers. Photo Credit: JMS Chip & Performance

The TractionMAX vehicle traction control unit by JMS Chip & Performance offers effortless all-in-one throttle and pedal tuning solution for drivers.

For those of you who might be thinking that this is old news, rest assured in knowing that TractionMAX is indeed a brand-new addition to the JMS Chip & Performance portfolio. The Florida-based brand has an entire line of performance-enhancing electronically controlled modules rocking the “MAX” nomenclature, with FuelMAX, PedalMAX, BoostMAX, LaunchMAX, SparkMAX, and ThrottleMAX being but a few of the more notable names.

In order to dig deeper than what was initially offered at the company’s booth during the marketing maelstrom that is PRI, we reached out to JMS Chip & Performance’s Director of Marketing and Creative, Shona Haldane, for some specs on what makes this product so perfect.

To lock your TractionMAX tune into place, merely unplug the unit, or toggle it off manually with a switch or button. Photo Credit: JMS Chip & Performance

To lock your TractionMAX tune into place, merely unplug the unit, or toggle it off manually with a switch or button.

Haldane explains that while this all-new tuning solution has been engineered to function with a wide array of platforms (AWD vehicles and FWD imports included), the TractionMAX control unit truly shines on vehicles packing potent pounds of torque. Being that we are all about LS and LT platforms here at LSX Mag, finding traction solutions seems like a never-ending task, so having a fully adjustable on-the-fly remedy sounds pretty darn good to us!

While the past couple of generations of Chevrolet Corvette C7, Camaro ZL1, and Corvette ZR1 are obvious prime pickings for this type of traction controller, the LS and LT support does not stop there. Not only can C8 Corvette owners reap the benefits of this module, but a slew of other V8-powered GM machines as well.

JMS Chip & Performance has done everything within its power to cover as many LS and LT powered platforms as possible with this electronics system too, including GM’s entire line of 1500/2500/3500 trucks, as well as pretty much any General Motors SUV packing a V8 since 2007. So bring on the LT crate motor swaps, because TractionMAX has got you covered.

TractionMAX gives you an excellent opportunity to show off your BIG horsepower car while not overpowering your tires. Nothing else exists on the market for aftermarket traction control that is this easy to use and adjustable live- on-the fly.

So how does TractionMAX work? Well, like most products from JMS Chip & Performance, basic installation merely requires tethering the unit in between your vehicle’s pedal position sensor and the wiring harness. Once clipped in, all the driver has to do is utilize the “PEDAL” knob on the control box to adjust the throttle feel, and then dial in the “TIME” knob to fine-tune however much traction they feel they might need that day.

Alternative installation options abound too, including the use of either a toggle switch for quick ON/OFF control or a power control button for effortlessly engaging and disabling pre-tuned traction settings on the fly. JMS even took the extra step, by including wiring for either option in each TractionMAX kit, and offers an in-house power control button for those looking for that brand-specific finishing touch. For more details on the installation process, be sure to check out the TractionMAX installation guide.

Making electronics that are 100% waterproof is one of the primary reasons why JMS Chip & Performance continues to be revered as one of the best tuning companies in the aftermarket automotive business. Photo Credit: JMS Chip & Performance

Making electronics that are 100% waterproof is one of the primary reasons why JMS Chip & Performance continues to be revered as one of the best tuning companies in the aftermarket automotive business. Photo Credit: JMS Chip & Performance

Adding further value to this all-new kit’s impressive pitch is a handy “save feature.” This is a huge help for new drivers, who may not be as familiar with the craft of fine-tuning traction settings, as it eliminates the risk of accidentally “turning things up to eleven.” Just tweak the dual-dials to the setting that feels/performs best, and unplug the unit to lock the tune in place. It’s really that easy.

As for mechanical functionality, TractionMAX adjusts both pedal feel and throttle body opening times, with on-the-fly adjustability being available at all times. While the “PEDAL” dial tricks the throttle-body blade into opening with either more or less accelerator input than what the factory tune permits, the “TIME” knob tweaks opening speed. This explains why adjusting the “PEDAL” dial prior to the “TIME” dial is recommended for optimum tuning.

To keep things concise, here are a few key TractionMAX touchpoints, for those of you who prefer a checklist over a longwinded explanation.

  • All-in-one kit offers easy installation, straight out the box
  • Enhances low and mid-range horsepower, torque, and acceleration
  • Mitigates turbo lag
  • Reduces risk of stalling on manual cars
  • Can be used to optimize both acceleration and traction
  • Boosts throttle response
  • Dual-adjustment dials allow quick and easy fine-tuning
  • Compliant with both factory and aftermarket maps and tuning
  • Supports most LS and LT equipped vehicles
  • Stealthy size permits mounting in almost any location
  • Save function merely requires unplugging or toggling power off
  • 100% waterproof construction
  • 100% designed and assembled in the USA
  • Retails for $449.00 per unit

So regardless of whether you are swapping an LT or LS powerplant into a project car, or are concerned about winter traction in your LT-powered SUV,  the team at JMS Chip & Performance is there to offer advice and further insight into this unique tuning solution. We get the feeling that this all-new TractionMAX system is going to be a game-changer for those looking to make their vehicle feel more surefooted.

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About the author

Micah Wright

Raised on LEGOs by grandfathers who insisted on fixing everything themselves, Micah has been a petrolhead in training since age four. His favorite past times include craft beer, strong cigars, fast cars, and culinary creativity in all of its forms.
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