Engine power increase via Chipset (or ECU remap)

[Peter Clark]

Funsters may recall my ad looking for a LHD off grid capable MH for long term travel in Europe - found a lovely 2008 Dethleffs that could be near perfect - except that it has the Fiat l2h1 engine delivering a miserly 118hp.

My travelling weight is likely to be an average 3,500kgs - up to a maximum 4,000kgs - I’m a novice, but 118hp and 4,000kgs don’t seem a good match - so maybe I could Chip it?

I have always been very dubious about the claims of tuning chip companies - frankly I’ve never believed their figures for increased power, torque and fuel efficiency & I’m concerned there could be negative effects on reliability.

So I would be very interested to know if people have first hand experience of Chipping a motorhome - and what is the general consensus on “to chip or not to chip”

 

[L' Hobo]

I know little about 'chips' but before you go down that route, I would suggest you test drive the vehicle.

My 2007 Ducato X250 only has a 120bhp engine and it keeps up with traffic and all national speed limits, easily.

True, there is extra gear changes going up mountains and, at those times, more bhp would be nice but it has never been a problem.

 

[funflair]

Our last van had a ECU remap and was certainly nicer and smoother to drive once it was done, power and torque were up and fuel was certainly no worse, our current van will be getting done as well very soon as I have heard very good reports about the results, re longevity and reliability? well that is something that only time will judge but again for ours the 3 litre IVECO engine you can have it done direct from the motorhome manufacturer and it does not affect the IVECO warranty so they can't be that worried, I would say just respect the fact that you have a bit more power and torque so yes a bit more stress on the mechanical bits so keep it serviced on time with good oils etc and treat it with a bit of respect and it will serve you well.

 

[gus-lopez]

Try 56bhp @ 3,5 T . anything seems a racing car afterwards

 

[Two on Tour]

I had our Peugeot Boxer 2.2 hdi 100hp Elddis remapped with a Quantum remap 5 years ago which gave good all-round improvements to the drivability and last year I fitted an EGR blanking plate which improved the low down grunt no end.

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[SteveandSueJ]

I had our Peugeot Boxer 2.2 hdi 100hp Elddis remapped with a Quantum remap 5 years ago which gave good all-round improvements to the drivability and last year I fitted an EGR blanking plate which improved the low down grunt no end.

Did your fuel consumption improve and if so by how much? I have same 100bhp engine in boxer, 2011 MH... been thinking about doing a chip or tuning box..... thx.

 

[Peter Clark]

I know little about 'chips' but before you go down that route, I would suggest you test drive the vehicle.

My 2007 Ducato X250 only has a 120bhp engine and it keeps up with traffic and all national speed limits, easily.

True, there is extra gear changes going up mountains and, at those times, more bhp would be nice but it has never been a problem.

I agree that the MH would for sure carry out its function with no actual problem - and realise MHing is not about traffic light races, death defying overtakes and Autobahn speeds.

With a plan to be almost full time for a few years, covering North Africa, Europe, Turkey and maybe the Stans - there are a lot of mountains and I worry that a relative lack of power would end up being a never ending niggle.

 

[Peter Clark]

I had our Peugeot Boxer 2.2 hdi 100hp Elddis remapped with a Quantum remap 5 years ago which gave good all-round improvements to the drivability and last year I fitted an EGR blanking plate which improved the low down grunt no end.

Remove the EGR blanking plate….. do you know how and why this increases torque?

And if there are any consequences for fuel consumption or reliability?

 

[Two on Tour]

Remove the EGR blanking plate….. do you know how and why this increases torque?

And if there are any consequences for fuel consumption or reliability?

I fitted an EGR blanking plate, I did not remove one.
The ERG (exhaust gas return) is basically what is says, a portion of the burnt exhaust gases are fed back into the engine to be re-burnt to reduce the number of toxic NOx gases so reducing emissions. These burnt exhaust gases that are fed back into the engine have little or no fuel content to provide combustion so, therefore, reducing the power the engine produces.
No ill effects to report and not expecting any, and no noticeable effect either way on fuel consumption.
The blanking plate I fitted has a small hole in the middle to let a small amount of gasses through to keep the sensor happy and not throw up and error on the ECU.

 

[dunnah01]

Upping the low down torque (and increasing the max to about 400Nm if you really want to be bothered) is easy to achieve on pre 2011 ish vans and is well worth it for improved driveability. It may even reduce your fuel usage if your driving style ends up changing to the more leisurely approach the increased low down torque allows.

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[Otter Spotter]

Talk to Quantum, they remapped my 130bhp Citroen relay taking up to a stated 180BHP, the difference was better pulling power, 3rd gear is like a turbo kicking in ! So sensible footwork means better fuel economy.

 

[Landy Andy]

The power isn’t really important if the vehicle is geared correctly, and the Fiat is designed to lug loads. A basic map, and good servicing of the engine, will certainly allow you to go where you want and more than keep up with the rest of the traffic.

I also blanked my egr, as they are a problem waiting to happen if used. Mine certainly was.

 

[Two on Tour]

I also blanked my egr, as they are a problem waiting to happen if used. Mine certainly was.

Was your problem with the EGR itself or the fact that you fitted a blanking plate, and what was the problem?
I had a couple of diesel Vauxhall Frontra's B's some years back and I was forever having to remove and clean the EGR valves and the buildup in the manifolds.

 

[Two on Tour]

Did your fuel consumption improve and if so by how much? I have same 100bhp engine in boxer, 2011 MH... been thinking about doing a chip or tuning box..... thx.

Our fuel consumption has improved but I can't honestly say that it's all down to the remap as our engine is low milage and still loosening up.

 

[gus-lopez]

With a plan to be almost full time for a few years, covering North Africa, Europe, Turkey and maybe the Stans - there are a lot of mountains and I worry that a relative lack of power would end up being a never ending niggl

I'd go for something basic & agricultural like an acquaintance of mine, French ,did. He sold his coach built & bought a basic Fiat high top camper van early 2000, just to ensure that it had no electronics to go wrong & could, & was, able to be repaired anywhere . He then had no problems with a repair when In Aleppo syria needing a wheel bearing or even in kazakstan with a fuel problem.easily solved in a few hours in both countries.

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[Landy Andy]

Was your problem with the EGR itself or the fact that you fitted a blanking plate, and what was the problem?
I had a couple of diesel Vauxhall Frontra's B's some years back and I was forever having to remove and clean the EGR valves and the buildup in the manifolds.

My problem was the EGR stuck open, and it still is. But now I have a solid metal plate on each end of the cooler so nothing is getting in or out. Had to get the ECU programmed to not use it or show any warning lights. Just clean air in now, and I really notice the difference.

 

[Captain Birdseye]

I agree that the MH would for sure carry out its function with no actual problem - and realise MHing is not about traffic light races, death defying overtakes and Autobahn speeds.

With a plan to be almost full time for a few years, covering North Africa, Europe, Turkey and maybe the Stans - there are a lot of mountains and I worry that a relative lack of power would end up being a never ending niggle.

Remapping is not recommended for visiting countries whose fuel may be of questionable quality. That is exactly why manufacturers do not tune their engines to the maximum as the vehicles will be sold into various markets.
I say this with the experience of having had 6 vehicles remapped over the years. All those were much better for it and some did improve fuel consumption as well, but none were taken out of Europe.

 

[Carpmart]

Want more power sir, no problem, just shorten the turbo wastegate actuator arm!

 

[Clive Mott]

For a fun vehicle, sports car, 4x4 even, something you dont have to rely on then yes. But a Motorhome on which you are entirely dependent then for me NO.. Keep it standard. Dont believe the speel. All the bits of the Moho will have more stress. Brakes, clutch, gearbox and engine.

 

[marsh36]

Chip box is fine but just tricks the rail pressure mapping it gives the best as we adjust the boost pressures and fuelling on rpm and torque loading
Any questions give us a call we are in Dorset having been mapping for over 10 years

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[wfdTamar]

I have a 2002 2.8 jtd. I installed a Racechips doo dah (I also have one on a car and a Superchips one on another). Definitely works. They claim extra power, torque and somehow also better economy. You may not get better economy if using all the extra power & torque. I’m guessing if you drive modestly they get better economy by increasing emissions.

I was mostly interested in better economy, but also a bit extra pep in some conditions. I’ve read you need to be careful not to stuff your clutch by being too vigorous. It’s a simple DIY install.

Performance chips – Chip tuning by RaceChip for Fiat Ducato (250) 115 Multijet 2.0 D (85KW) | RaceChip

Chip tuning from RaceChip for your Fiat Ducato (250) 115 Multijet 2.0 D (85KW). Experience the true potential and power of your FIAT.

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[Rimswell Wanderer]

we had our 2008 Ducato Swift remapped by Quantum and also a Vauxhall Corsa both benefitted with smother power and increase in performance improving MPG the Corsa was subject to a factory recall which was remap of the ECU that altered the remap that Quantum did but Quantum did another remap for free, not bad customer care in my book.