What is the true cost of engine chipping

[Fourby]

I have been thinking about getting a stage 1 engine ECU remap for my TD5.

is there a true cost to this in terms of engine longevity, extra stress on the drive train, fuel pump and rail etc..?

[Porny]

I have been thinking about getting a stage 1 engine ECU remap for my TD5.

is there a true cost to this in terms of engine longevity, extra stress on the drive train, fuel pump and rail etc..?

Depends on the condtion of the engine, how you look after it (including servicing) and how you drive it.

A standard Td5 is detuned (as per nearly all standard cars) so that the engine can cope with poor fuel, poor servicing, varying temperatures (hot - cold) etc etc.  Without effecting engine longevity and reliabilty (to a point).

So with good fuel, regular servicing etc etc more power can be gained without effecting long term engine life.

A stage 1 is an ideal first step for someone who wants better driveability - i.e. increased torque and power throughout the rev range - without going to the stage of having bigger intercoolers, hybrid turbo's etc etc.

A typical stage 1 tune will still be within the capabilties of a standard Td5 transmission (as long as it's in good condition).  

Regardless of whether a car is tuned or not, engine and transmission longevity ultimately comes down to how you look after the car, and how you drive it.  If you thrash the living daylights out of a standard car all of the time things will wear out faster... and a tuned car will 'possibly' wear things out faster still...  But then if you 'drive like you stole it' all of the time, then in some respects you may as well get a fast car in the first place rather than a LR.  Or except that things will wear out faster (wear is a different to break   )

Personnally, I don't find that a stage 1 tune has a 'noticeable' effect on longevity of the car....


Ian

[thermidorthelobster]

There's one "upgrade" which seems to result in warped exhaust manifolds quite frequently (if not invariably).  The further you push it, the more trouble you're likely to have.  You can't have your cake and eat it.

The biggest cost of my Autologic upgrade has been the extra cost in my insurance premiums;  and many insurers now won't quote me for a modified vehicle.  Because obviously chipping a diesel is really unusual and dangerous  :roll:

[Porny]

There's one "upgrade" which seems to result in warped exhaust manifolds quite frequently (if not invariably).  The further you push it, the more trouble you're likely to have.  You can't have your cake and eat it.

The biggest cost of my Autologic upgrade has been the extra cost in my insurance premiums;  and many insurers now won't quote me for a modified vehicle.  Because obviously chipping a diesel is really unusual and dangerous  :roll:

True...

A warped manifold is just 'too' much fuel... and thus high Exhaust Gas Temp.  Above about 760 degrees you go past the material limits for the manifold and it will warp (same as 200 and 300 Tdi's).

Insurance cost is an interesting one... the honest answer is that you should inform your insurance company of all modifications made to the vehicle, but there is no way that an insurance company will know that the vehicle has been modified/remapped unless you tell them... unless they are very clever and have the correct kit   which is very unlikely!


Ian