Chip - Not Stag

[Shazzbat]

And do not forget that every maker tries to get the best of their models.

I've never believed in miracles (much less after trying the RaceChip on my Pathfinder). If the maker had considered that a new mapping would yield some benefit, for sure the car would have left the factory set up that way already.

Regz

[NickA]

HI Paul,

Interestingly the guy at the remapping company I just spoke to has actually talked me out of getting a remap until I have tried a couple of other things. Quite amazingly he said that on my particular engine it is quite likely that, as the thermostat is 10 years old and could be gettkgn lazy, changing it could improve fuel consumption by up to 15% - unbelievable but he has nothing to gain by telling me that. Very interesting.

Similar issue I had with my X3; engine was slow to warm up and descending from the alps last winter didn't get fully warm until it was on the flat (after about 1.5 hour). I replaced both main and EGR thermostats and I'm 4 MPG better on short journeys. Apparently the spring get weak so either doesn't close fully or starts opening too soon

[Motorsport Micky]

Paul,

No need to feel admonished, just makes sense for the peace of mind and if there is an increased cost it would probably be very minor when compared against what we will spend on our car every year anyway.

If you want to consider a very easy modification thank normally would cost less than a fiver and improves
engine responses and improves mpg try a EGR valve blanking plate. They are advertised on e bay and normally
are fitted ( by you ) in about 10 mins, the fitting instructions are such that they slide in between the valve and pipe and don't even need the valve removing. The hole centres are slotted to allow this.

Even though this isn't a performance modification I'd still tell your insurance company, the engine will like it so much it does accelerate quicker and you won't have to clean the EGR valve annually only for it to clog up again !

It has no effect on ECU emission readings ( that are measured in the UK anyway) and you shouldn't trip any fault lights on the engine management. I understand this applies to Ford,Peugeot,Citreon and Volvo engines anyway.

Micky

[jakesmig]

I had my Mazda 3 Sports oil burner's DPF valve removed & the ECU reprogrammed to overcome valve problems. Initially it was programmed for power, really quick, poor consumption, it was retuned, FOC, and is now probably marginally quicker but is 25% more economical.
My nice MOT man tells me not to worry when MOT time comes round, nice practical person that he is.

John.

[milothedog]

For anyone that's interested,

At the moment Diesel emission test are based on smoke density not the actual composition of the gases (the machine measures the smoke density using a beam of light passed through the exhaust gases) so it's a fair bet that if there is no visible smoke/soot at the exhaust it will pass. one thing worth mentioning though is the damaging effect a partially blocked DPF can have on the engine because of the increased back pressure, hence why you sometimes have what appear to be oversensitive MIL lights.

Ian.

[paul.twyman]

Shazzbat,
This is not true. The jag 2.0d car is tuned to a lower state than it could actually achieve. This is to preserve the model range. If the 2.2d was out performed by the 2.0d people would by the 2.0d. The 2.0d is capable of an additional 75 BHP and nearly 100 Torques above how it was originally supplied. All car manufacturers run basic tuned vehicles cos it is easier and it dies not stress the engine.

As far as a blanking plate on the EGR valve goes......already fitted but my plate needs a small hole in it as the valve has a sensor fitted. This is a well researched issue and there are other options. The best mod I did was to remap. No more smoke out the back and way better economy.

Be honest here. How many people on this forum have modified their cars and have not told their insurer. By modified I mean any mod to the engine, brakes, exhaust, wheels, suspension, lights, seats etc. By rights all have to be declared!!!!!!

Paul

[Shazzbat]

I do not agree, Paul (and I work in the business). Every carmaker wants always their engines run as their best, but you have to bear in mind not only output, but also reliability.

Of course every engine in the market could increase power and torque at least by 30%. It's not a problem for any engineer. But at the same time they have to guarantee reliablity for some hundred thousands kilometers (or miles). If the 2.0 which you speak of were capable of the same performance and reliability as the 2.2, then no need of the 2.2. No need of two engines range, no need of development and homologation costs... much cheaper for everyone, no doubt.

The carmakers guarantee their cars "as they leave the factory", so any modification of course leads to a void warranty. This is the everyday argument (discussion) at every bar in every pub in every country in the world, innit? Believe me, any modification on the engine tending to increase output for sure drags to a shorter engine life and fuel increase.

Regarding your question. I did, with the result said above. Crap.

Never worried about telling the modification to my insurer (in fact never thought about that). Worried abit about the ITV (your MoT), but anyway just in five minutes I could get the chip out and in again.

I think that if you decide to modify your car legally (engineering project, MoT approval, taxes and so on), your insurance company would say nothing apart from an increase in price.

If the car is modified without official consent... you could be in trouble. Most of us will never have a severe accident (fingers crossed), but if you unfortunately are involved in one... you could be end up with your ass in the air.


Regz