Remapping Diesels

[oldhamfan]

Is it a good idea to remap a diesel engine?

I have a 2007 VW Jetta 1.9 TDI PD DSG (105PS).

The vehicle is soon out of warranty and when it is, I was contemplating having it remapped but the only info I can find is from companies trying to sell me a remap, and I'd prefer independent advice.

Ideally I'd like a bit more power, but don't want to damage the gearbox. What BHP would it be safe and realistic to take it up to?

Some claim to improve MPG and BHP, which seems too good to be true. My MPG being an auto is already lower than the manual but I regularly achieve high 40s MPG. What would I be looking at with a remap?

A friend had one done on his Skoda Octavia VRS taking it to 180bhp, it seemed to run perfectly but he occasionally used to get an engine management light on the dash. He said it's an occupational hazard as you have reprogrammed the engine but a warning light would drive me nuts.

Should I do it? Where should I get it done, and what is a realistic price? Or should I leave well alone?

All advice greatly appreciated.

[AlBags]

Probably worth the 450 quid at Superchips. You will see 30bhp ish, but will be more flexible to drive, with better torque. Everything would be fine on your car.
I looked at doing a Golf 2.0 TDiS which gets a big gain.

http://www.superchips...=searchcat&Itemid=134

[oldhamfan]

Thanks for the answers so far.

The engine does provide good torque, but at 105ps for a 4 door saloon, I would like a little bit more. an extra 30bhp would be ideal, not looking for a flying machine or I'd have bought one!

What will be the effect on the MPG and the insurance?

[AlBags]

Driveability will be increased noticeably.
Mpg will be about the same, improvements are peak torque and off-idle, mainly, so pull offs and foot down improved. You don't need to pour in diesel nowadays to get gains like this.
Insurance .. if you tell them .. could be a small increase .. or nothing. Worth asking them. Generally, they would never check an ecu for chip changes or reprograms, as it is costly to do, prove, and needs special kit.

[BillyBB]

This guy comes highly recommended http://www.vantuner.co.uk/ will set it for economy or power though you can drive more economically when you have more power. Martyn will adjust it until you are happy.

as do this lot http://www.reddotracing.co.uk/

[alavahalf]

My son had his done about a month ago...he drives a BMW touring 320d.
Myself, I thought it pulled like a train as it was... and averaging 45 mpg since he got it.
( 6 months ago ).
As Albags has already stated driveability has been increased, whereby it keeps on pulling where it seemed to back off before, and it is now averaging 50mpg.

His mate at work has the same car, he too had it re-mapped about a year ago...it amazingly does 60mpg when it's travelling at a steady 120 mph...

My next door neighbour has a Golf Gti D.... he does 100 miles per day...it too has been re-mapped, and does 65mpg on that daily trip. Once again incredibly quick leaving the petrol Gti way behind on performance and economy.

About a month ago I was reading about re-mapping and the VW 105ps engine was mentioned..they did say if you were thinking of doing it the next engine up ( think it was the 115ps ) would give a more noticeable performance.
Sorry cant remember where I found that info...

[Answerprancer]

Why not spend the money on having it converted to run on veg oil instead?

[AlBags]

yep .... right : (

[AlBags]

Thanks Alav ...
I nearly bought a chipped TDiS Golf 2.0 .. it was pretty quick, which is what I wanted.
Bought a GTR tho in the end : ) : )

[oldhamfan]

Thanks all for your opinions, suggestions and recommendations, I'm very grateful.

[jaydee101]

I've recently had my Mondeo TDCI remapped, and the difference is quite noticable. She started at 130bhp from the factory, and with a few choice mods and now the remap it was dyno'd at 191bhp. Economy has improved even with the more 'frisky' driving. In my opinion, it's well worth getting it done as you don't just get a remap, but if you go to a decent performance tuner, you will be told of any issues your car may have, or may develop. You will only knacker the clutch if you thrash it from a standing start - hard acceleration while already travelling will do no harm at all (as long as the engine has had chance to warm up)

[oldhamfan]

Thanks for that, it's an automatic DSG and I always let it warm up as per the handbook (1st 2 notches on temp gauge) before going over 2000rpm so I should be OK shouldn't I.

[AlBags]

Shame it's Auto .. manuals are fun.
It will be fine.