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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 20:15:56

Title: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 20:15:56
Looking at getting a diesel tuning box for my 09 Volvo v50 2.0D R design, supposedly they have 8 digital maps for varied performance/economy modes. as it connects into the common rail injection system with no voiding of the manufacturer warranty it seems a decent option,

does anyone have experience of using one of these? or is it better to go the whole hog and get the ecu remapped properly. expected gain is upto 170 bhp 370nm torque vs the standard 136bhp 320nm torque.

cheers  :)

Steve
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 20:30:24
I don't like them, there a bodge.

They take the common rail pressure signal and feed the ECU a modified value so the ECU thinks the fuel pressure is lower than it is, the ECU consequently extends the injection pulse, delivering more fuel and hopefully more power (or smoke!).

The maps are crude, they make an assumption of engine revs based on the rail pressure (its fed by an engine driven high pressure pump so is slightly related although this varies with age and wear!).

A proper map can do so much more, it can up the turbo boost, give much greater control of fuel quantities, possibly disable EGR, vary power based on throttle openings, speed etc etc etc

Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: SJKOO01 on 05 October 2010, 20:33:29
I've heard of people buying external 'plug and play' units that you can fit between the cars original ECU, and with good results, both power upgrade and fuel return.

Problem is finding the right one for your car, and from a company that has a good reputation, and also good customer back up when needed !.

I did have a couple of links written down to company sites that you may be interested in ?.
I'll try to find them, and get back to you with them.  :y
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 20:36:18
That confirmed my thoughts, im maybe better waiting for the warranty to expire for a remap tho, not too many places doing it for this car. problem is im not sure how long I want to keep the car, so by the 3yr old stage i may be itching to trade in.

I tried ringing up a few remapping places, but mostly way down south.

 

Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 20:37:35
Isnt that the unit thats suffering bore wash which contaminates the oil with diesel during failed DPF regens
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 20:39:14
Quote
Isnt that the unit thats suffering bore wash which contaminates the oil with diesel during failed DPF regens

eeeeek i dont like the sounds of any of that.  >:(
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 20:43:24
Quote
Quote
Isnt that the unit thats suffering bore wash which contaminates the oil with diesel during failed DPF regens

eeeeek i dont like the sounds of any of that.  >:(

Yeh, known issue,

Some info a Ford site

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15275
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 21:18:59
done a google, thats the only site i can see that mentions it, certainly nothing alarming regarding volvo's, and the engine has been around since 2004 so im guessing it would have cropped up by now. not a fan of particulate filters anyways, me wonders if I csn chop it out with the gas axe muhahahha

Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 21:30:26
Quote
done a google, thats the only site i can see that mentions it, certainly nothing alarming regarding volvo's, and the engine has been around since 2004 so im guessing it would have cropped up by now. not a fan of particulate filters anyways, me wonders if I csn chop it out with the gas axe muhahahha


Ow its reality, we had one at work go pop (V50 Diesel) and a company remit to check oil levels on a monthly basis.

The bulletin had a copy of a volvo statement mentioning a possible software fix (cant see that working myself!).

So, check that oil level!  :y
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 21:36:45
just been out, its just under the max mark by about 2mm, exactly where it was when I got her serviced 6 months ago, phew, altho im going to be keeping a close eye on this, any funny business and its getting traded in for something petrol and older than me  ;D

btw my car was called in for the so called update, so i at least know thats been done.
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 21:38:38
Heres more info

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=96807

They also say the update wont sort it (which you would not expect it to).

But, it sounds like yours has been over filled as it should be between the min and max marks.

They are also talking much shorter oil change intervals  :y
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 21:41:51
Can you pm me a box of tissues, i think im gonna cry  :'( :'(
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: r1 on 05 October 2010, 21:47:52
if you google a company called tune it they have branches all over the country and seam to have a good reputation.
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 21:49:40
Quote
Can you pm me a box of tissues, i think im gonna cry  :'( :'(

Just keep a close eye on the oil level.
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 05 October 2010, 22:00:01
seeing as its just under the max, ill drain some out tomorrow, maybe take out half a litre, then monitor it.

sheesh i should hve stuck with my i-vtec accord.

Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 October 2010, 22:01:40
Quote
seeing as its just under the max, ill drain some out tomorrow, maybe take out half a litre, then monitor it.

sheesh i should hve stuck with my i-vtec accord.


A much better built motor thats for sure
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: waspy on 05 October 2010, 22:45:51
Quote
I don't like them, there a bodge.

They take the common rail pressure signal and feed the ECU a modified value so the ECU thinks the fuel pressure is lower than it is, the ECU consequently extends the injection pulse, delivering more fuel and hopefully more power (or smoke!).

The maps are crude, they make an assumption of engine revs based on the rail pressure (its fed by an engine driven high pressure pump so is slightly related although this varies with age and wear!).

A proper map can do so much more, it can up the turbo boost, give much greater control of fuel quantities, possibly disable EGR, vary power based on throttle openings, speed etc etc etc


Just as Mark says. I went down the plug & play route at first. There was a gain in power, but also smoke :(
I wasn't happy & neither was the tuner.
I was recommended a tuning specialist who did a proper remap to gain extra boost etc. He also found i had the wrong MAF sensor fitted.
It was like driving a completely different car :y
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: Del Boy on 06 October 2010, 10:48:13
Boxes I think are terrible, they're literally a very dodgy way if getting more power but usually end up causing more trouble than anything else. There is a 58 plate Astra Van in Ashford which runs a box, it's smokes terribly, seriously if you drive behind the van you struggle to see what's in front of you it really is that bad. Get a proper remap done and it'll be loads better, also get a de-cat done, this will give you some extra go power and because it's a diesel no emission trouble come MOT time.

A proper remap and de-cat and it'll be much better. Avoid the boxes.
Title: Re: diesel tuning boxes any use?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 06 October 2010, 13:22:49
Been in touch with the dealer I bought the car from, they have 16 people on the waiting list for my car, so Im going to sell, I dont like this particle filter scenario at all.

looks like Ill have to put the omega back on the road til I find a replacement.