plug in chips for HDIs

ebod · Post by **ebod** » 21 Mar 2006, 19:15

Hi all,

There seems to be various options available these days to get a HDI chipped. Ranging from :-
- uploading a new map into the ECU by laptop...overwriting the original
- plug in devices under tha dash
- plug in devices on the loom in the engine bay.

Is this device a genuine re-mapper that does all the necessary tricks ( but can be removed in a jiffy ) or is one of those snake oil ones that just kids the ecu into thinking the temps are cooler ?
http://www.dieselchiptuning.com/catalog ... ucts_id=79

Anyone got prior experience on this brand?
Thx

Robbie13 · Post by **Robbie13** » 21 Mar 2006, 19:26

I have used a Power Box from Eastcoasr Racing (01603 722598)on my 2.0 HDI and the result is exceptional, especially when towing my caravan, not Cheap approx £350 but getting a very good MPG now should make it up.

civvie · Post by **civvie** » 21 Mar 2006, 21:01

Is it worth while rechipping an automatic? would you get any benefit from it.

C5 2.2HDI

Steve

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 21 Mar 2006, 21:27

On the automatic the engine ECU is linked into the gearbox ECU.

Chipping an auto might be tricky, Not impossible but a bit more involved.

civvie · Post by **civvie** » 22 Mar 2006, 17:12

Oh well it's saved me some cash

Post by **martyhopkirk** » 22 Mar 2006, 18:44

I use a DraGon tuning box on my HDi - increase from 90 to about 105 BHP - improved the towing ability no end, but does make it run a tad hotter.
Cost about £200 2 years ago.

ebod · Post by **ebod** » 22 Mar 2006, 20:01

...hotter ALL the time or just when on heavy load?

Whats a fellow Lancastrian's interpretation of a 'tad' ? say another 1mm to the right on the gauge ?

Rostami · Post by **Rostami** » 22 Mar 2006, 23:09

In my opinion, an ECU remap is the best solution.

Robbie13 · Post by **Robbie13** » 23 Mar 2006, 10:14

Have just fitted the same power box to my mates C5 automatic and he says it runs much better especially when towing, getting hot under load has never happened to me or him, far easier than remapping and can be moved from car to car if you change to another citroen.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 23 Mar 2006, 10:54

These devices may have a documented effect.
But I always gets suspicious when they use rubbish in their text, like "... compact size using SMD (Storage Module Technology)" which is rubbish

- and -
"modern Reduced Instruction Set (risc) processing architecture for real time data processing"
Rubbish - has been around since the '60-es and any processor uses this

Honda · Post by **Honda** » 23 Mar 2006, 16:37

My personal experience on this... (had re-chiped a Xantia 2.0HDi 110Hp engine)

The good:
- More economical on normal driving. With 60L can do more 100kms.
- Amazing new torque feeling at low revs. Feels like another engine.
- Less need to reduce gear. Can drive at 1200RPM.
- Rather improved aceleration (over 5 secs faster on 0-140km/h).
- No malfunction so far (50.000kms).

The bad:
- Much higher comsumption with sports driving.
- Black and smeley smoke.
- Vibrations when acelerating with cold engine.
- Higher engine temperature with sports driving orwhen towing.
- Turbo lifetime reduced.
- Slightly reduced engine longevity.

It provides a more joyable driving experience, but I wouldn't recommend re-chip for the high-mileage driver.

madmanbob · Post by **madmanbob** » 25 Mar 2006, 10:40

Interesting, how much has the turbo life been reduced by? How long has yours lasted since the re-chip and how long did they last before?
Same questions for the reduced engine longevity.

Rostami · Post by **Rostami** » 25 Mar 2006, 15:31

The engine and turbocompressor lifespan as a function of chiptuning are VERY hard to judge.

It all depends on how the person drives. Of course if you remap the ECU it isnt just because its chic! You want the power and probably the engine and turbo and high pressure injection pump will be under greater strain.

Furthermore, not all remaps are the same. Some remaps dont even touch the turbo pressure. The HDi does gain power and torque without touching the turbo.

As far as I see it, the tear and wear of the engine will continue to be mostly due to friction when the engine is cold. If enough care is taken and the engines fluids chenged on time and the car isnt abused of when cold, I see no significant reduction of lifespan.

Now, if the high pressure pump is already old and mishandled, and then you do an agressive remap and start driving sporty, well, then there WILL be problems, for sure.

Also bear in mind that DW10ATED HDi engines do have a couple of well known weaknesses, specifically the high pressure injection pump desintegrating and harming the CR, injectors, low pressure pump, etc.

The bottomline is: If the car is well taken care of and driven carefully, the remap will not provoke significant harm. If the car has had sloppy maintenance, has a lot of km on the clock, is then re-mapped and driven by an 18 year old...then prepare a lump sum!

If anybody is interested in exactly what a remap does, do not hesitate in asking!

bencowell · Post by **bencowell** » 25 Mar 2006, 17:39

According to the authorised Bosch specialist he said there is no problem using a plug in tuning box like the East Coast Racing one above.

It just modifies amount of fuel injected and doesnt increase boost pressures.

They change the car. I am sure the ECR one doesn't upset an automatic.

If you have the 2.0 HDI 110 and are in near me in West Yorks you are welcome to have a try of mine.

Post by **martyhopkirk** » 25 Mar 2006, 18:34

ebod wrote:...hotter ALL the time or just when on heavy load?

Whats a fellow Lancastrian's interpretation of a 'tad' ? say another 1mm to the right on the gauge ?

Mostly under heavy load the needle wanders over the 90 degree mark and the fans cut in, though interestingly this also happens under normal conditions during the first 20 minutes of drivig, then doesnt happen again.

Usuall temp seems to be around 82 ish.