MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Ok so this isn't really subaru related but it is tuning related so thought I'd just post here, (plus more people look here )...


So, my sister owns a VW Broa diesel 130bhp model. Yesterday I did a full service and a set of discs and pads (fooking nightmare job, rear piston seized up ) etc etc. I took it for a spin afterwards and was quite surprised how well it went.
After dropping the car off to her I had a google search to find out how easy it is to increase the power. I reckon with another 50hp and the same amount of torque it would be a bloody flying machine for a family diesel.
So after a bit of searching I kept seeing these plug in tuning boxes coming up....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_tr...at=0&_from=R40

Now I don't for one minute believe they offer what advertised but what are they. What do they do ??

dukeoffenland

I got a dtuk on my skoda tdi , was worried it would void the warranty but nope skoda didn't say anything !

Sparkysti on here has one on his 320d Msport which is a quick derv anyway but the box makes it about 210 bhp and loads torque

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

I've had several from DTUK. And, yes they work really well. On a Vauxhall 1.9DTI 150BHP engine I would say in the region of an extra 40-50BHP. On a 320D 170BHP(?) a little less so, but certainly 30BHP(ish) more. I don't know about the cheap rubbish on eBay, but check out the proper websites and you'll see they're well worth while.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Any links......

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Tweaks did a map for my low spec. Golf and it's now silly quick for a work-tug diesel. Full torque hits at 1750 rpm and it's off.
It's shown up a Vauxhall Insignia TDi (high spec.) that's supposed to be a 190 bhp car.... should have seen his face ! LoL.

This extra fun has made a dent in the fuel consumption, I'm down to the high 40's now....

LOL

dunx

P.S. I might just swap to the 150 TDi turbo and injectors for a laugh....

scoobynutta555

Isn't there clutch issues on the 130 vag when tuning?

Hawkeye D

AmD do brilliant remaps for VAG stuff.

My Passat 130ps 1.9 pd (AWX engine code) and was taken up to 170ps
I used AmD Essex myself.

The only weak point on the 1.9's is the clutch, but I treat mine pretty well and it's been fine.

Rush187

I had the pd150 remapped to 185/280. Shortly after clutch started slipping then the dual mass flywheel packed up. I'm sure the 130 and 150 share the same clutch and flywheel.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Im aware that remaps and expensive tuning parts yield amazing results but im interested in knowing exactly what these cheap boxes actually do. I mean they must do something otherwise how are these companies still trading.

Im guessing they just fool the ecu somehow so it chucks a load more fuel in but not sure.

Hawkeye D

I think they just fool the ECU into thinking the engine is cold, but as the engine isn't cold, it can cope with the extra fuel.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Does mapping the VAG stuff cause issues with the DPF?

bigballs

iTrader: (8)

I used to have a leon 1.9 and i am 99% sure that the box did nothing but produce smoke and produced an intermittent engine light fault that went away when the box was binned.

A proper remap is the way to go. I personally think that a mufflerectomy (2.5" turbo back pipe with no cats or silencers) sounds awesome.

zakscooby1

iTrader: (8)

I have a bora tdi 130 that has been mapped,its shockingly quick for a diesel but I have gone through a gearbox and clutch, well worth mapping imo but be warned you will go through clutch and flywheel!

Shaun

Watch the DPF if it has one...... it's what put me off modding mine tbh, that and the DMF potential issues.

Shaun

WTF!!!!!

40bhp was worth a clutch, flywheel and gearbox.

You're exactly what the UK tuning industry needs.

Respect!

jonnyricer2

iTrader: (9)

I was thinking of remap for my audi a4130tdi quattro but its 160k and i dont want to be
replacing clutch sand dual mass flywheels!

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

My 2003 Polo TDI doesn't have one

There's a good local VAG specialists (Vagnostics) in Scunthorpe and he's the chap I use for stuff I can't do on my little 1.4.

He also does custom remaps at a competitive price and has an excellent reputation. Apparently with no further mods (unless tired parts need replaced), my 3cyl. 75bhp engine with a map would hit a mind blowing () 100-105bhp/190-200lbft

When picking my car up recently he took me out in his "courtesy car", his plaything if you will. That was an 09 plate Polo so same engine etc. as mine, albeit with the facelift front end. Ok, not mind boggling but you could really feel the difference, and as it's customed to your driving style (like an Impreza map I guess), the fuel economy isn't really affected.

I did ask about the gearbox/clutch. Apparently the 'box on the 3cyl. Polo's is the same from the 1.9TDI sport ones, the same with the engine internals too, just with a cylinder lobbed off so it's not under terrible stress. A new clutch is a possibility as per increased wear from the extra torque.

I'm very tempted as a little treat to have it done in the near future, ££ allowing. I sound old now

jura11

iTrader: (7)

Hi Matty

Personally I would rather spend of money on the remap,those boxes don't work on all cars

We are tried two of them(DTUK and Roverron),with both of them we are made around 10bhp/25lb-ft more than previously.On standard ST TDCI we are made 152bhp and with DTUK or Roverron we are made slightly more,but we have fitted extra parts like bigger FMIC and full decatted exhaust(Cobra)

In my view is the waste of money,those boxes only increasing fuel pressure and doesn't actually program the ECU

MPG has went rapidly down, previously we have around 60MPG,with those boxes our MPG has been bellow 50MPG and we are drove as previously

Due this I would speak with some mappers,although on most the cars you will don't have custom map,just flash where mapper can select installed bits(intake,FMIC or exhaust)

Jura

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

Matty,

I've a 'Green' DTUK box sat here at the moment. I've been using it on my 1.9 Astra but as I'm going to be selling the car sometime soon, I've removed it as I don't want to damage the gearbox and have a big bill! If you want to check with Andrew at DTUK about a loom to fit yours, I'd say that you could try it on a sale or return. I'd want around £100, but you may need to get a new loom as mine if for a Vauxhall.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

A re-map doesn't have to be expensive, depends where you shop.

Tweaks told me that he basically removes the factory torque limiter designed to give the clutch and gearbox an easier life.... As stated mine has a mountain of torque from around 1500 rpm, and I'm running 235 Vredesteins to get the power down effectively.
I'm thinking of sticking my 6 pot AP's on the front for a laugh too !

My early model has no DPF and a cat isn't an MOT requirement so losing that helps as well ! I'm still able to get 51 mpg on a run down the M62 to work, but the little barge has scared a few very nice cars in the twisties....

dunx

P.S.

Graz

Might get mine done one day. According to e-maps.co.uk

3.5d EDC16 (2007 >)
Before: 286 bhp, 580 NM
After: 350 bhp, 700 NM

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Thanks for all the info fellas and thanks GPSSTi4 for the offer. As I said though its my sisters car and I was just after some info for future reference.

Graz, my pal had a 335D Msport remaped a couple of years back. Car made 310bhp and over 600ftlb Think in standard trim it was 280bhp and 450ftlb.

Graz

Whilst it's tempting for now I find the car scary enough as it is

Was having a bit of a play last night, with it in "Sport" mode coming off roundabouts I was I guess applying around 2/3rds throttle, the traction control light was flashing away and you could feel it squirming at the back. Would have definitely been sideways without the traction/stability control.

And then there's trying to get the thing to stop, the brakes are okay, but it does seem to squirm a bit under heavy braking. I'm under no illusion that it's a big heavy car though and I'm sure a 3 series would feel more planted.

zakscooby1

iTrader: (8)

Yes when I can get box clutch and flywheel for £250 and fit mysef I think I will take the risk as its hardly going to break the bank,also theres no fun for me in keeping a car standard!
Not had any issues apart from box and clutch and it has had 20k miles onit since
Zak

billyray911

iTrader: (4)

I bought a dtuk crd-t for my 335d as I liked the idea of being able to take it off when having warranty work done.
No issues,but coming from a scoob,I always preferred the live remap route.
I sold the box and I've had Emaps remap mine and have had that map fettled with to give me more off the line power.
Very happy with Emaps,no fault codes and no warranty issues.
Running iro 350bhp and 700nm-effortless!

Graz

Good to hear, they seem to be respected on BMW forums and much cheaper than the likes of DMS too

Speedyjanner

The same as I can do, my tuning maps are done by elite remaps though. I can generally tune any car from 2003-2009 without stripping the ECU as they have turned to anti tuning chips....I'm down south near Salisbury. How much have they quoted you?

Alan Jeffery

We remove the DPF's from a large number of cars. The owners are sick of paying for forced regens, and the dealers want well over a grand to fit new ones.
By the time we've cleared them out and remapped, we're adding power, torque, better economy and no DPF to worry about.
No brainer!

bigballs

iTrader: (8)

This is interesting to know as I sold a 607 2.2 hdi (great barge) a few years ago as the dpf was expensive - it seems that some clever people have worked out a way around the problems.

Im guessing that removing a dfp and a cat gives more power with a remap. What kind of power is the 2.2 hdi making these days?

Graz

Would certainly be looking at that option if mine ever started playing up. Do you re-map BMW diesels? Whilst you're not exactly nearby for me it might be worth the trip if I do decide on a re-map based on your reputation