Hdi remap or tuning box chip

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 19 Sep 2009, 15:45

Hi

I've been sent here from the Citroen forum because they think there is probably more experience here with you guys regarding chipping / remapping the Hdi90BHP engine. This is fitted to my year 2000 Xantia.

My query is about whether to get the electronics remapped or whether to buy a tuning box and fit that myself.

I want a modest increase in power but more importantly an improvement in fuel consumption. Having said that, I do already get 55mpg so I'm not expecting to get a lot better.

So can anyone help with recommendations / experience / costs / likely outcomes, please?

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 19 Sep 2009, 19:49

A remap every time, if you find a good garage who specialise in remaps they will be able to fine tune the new map to your own car, which will get the best from it. That might not be the most power possible, but a nice combination of power and economy, or what ever the owner wants.

Most places download a generic map which can work better on some cars and worse on others, hence a custom remap, or even slightly programmed to your car is better.

A chip is ok, but it can depend on what type and what quality. Most just fool your car into supplying more fuel, so your not going to get great MPG gains from doing that.

Generally a good chip is a similar price to a remap, usually a good remap is about £250-£300.

Dont forget to ask with your insurer first, as they will want to know, some dont cover them and some will increase your premium by a fair amount.

evilally · Post by **evilally** » 20 Sep 2009, 15:06

My own thoughts would be that from an economy point of view it's not worth while. Tuning companies will often claim improved mpg, but I would be very surprised if you saw any realistic gains, certainly not enough to make the map pay for itself. Making changes to the way you drive could be a much better (and free) way to get more mpg! Most people can get an extra 10-20% fairly easily, with a few simple changes to their driving style.

A live map will be done by someone with a rolling road and some skills in writing engine maps. An "off the shelf" map is not specific to your vehicle as it will have been developed on another car. Usually the tuning place will buy these in from a 3rd party, and they can be uploaded by any monkey with a laptop. Personally, if you haven't done any other engine modifications, I wouldn't think a live map is going to be worth while.

Speak to these guys, they have a great reputation:

http://www.rstuning.co.uk/