Engine Chipping

[kp nuts]

For a Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 TDi. A German friend
notes that in Germany chipping is a short cut to engine disaster. I cannot comprehend that if the car is used
reasonably and not like a competition motor. Most UK
sources say that chipping gives around 20 percent more BHP & torque, with an improved Diesel consumption.
Practiced advice is welcomed on such.

[Josyjo]

I would personally advise against it. Bear in mind that your vehicle has been tested against its competitors in the market, and performance/economy will have been optimised quite painstakingly by the manufacturer - in theory, you can 'improve' it, but at the cost of any backup you may otherwise receive in the event of any problems. There is seriously no need, you would not even notice the difference, and could cause untold problems in the future... IMHO,,,,,,

[Toureman]

Chipping will give you more BHP and Torque and better MPG but not at the same time.

Drive slowly your MPG will be slightly better, use the extra performance and your MPG will be worse.

On a 1.7 diesel you would not get much advantage either way.

[Catso]

Previous Qs on this issue have pointed out that engine management systems have to be programmed to deal with worst case scenarios. EG sub-standard fuel, extremes of termperature, high altitude. With large margins of error/tolerance.

Much 'chipping' involves removing these allowances, and assumes you're just going to be driving at sea-level, -10 to 30 degrees, using fuel of a known quality.

There is a risk when chipping, but in normal use, in the expected/programmed conditions, it is minimal.

However, as pointed out, it invalidates any warranty. It also affects your insurance.

[Jay70]

I think it depends on whether the engine was originally designed to handle the extra BHP. Some manfacturers engines i.e VW diesels are the same apart from the ECU settings so an upgrade to one of the higher levels wont cause a problem. When you do get a problem is where the engine was designed for that power output an then it's over tuned.