Morning Andy,
Paramount Performance specialise in diesel remaps using reflash to modify the programme previously installed in the Power Train Control module. The reflash is set within safety perameters to ensure the engine does not become over stressed in future service. Gains in economy and performance are possible but if you use the extra performance you will use more fuel. You don`t get something for nothing!
Paramount reflashed my petrol V8 and it became a different beast. The reflash was set for performance and I was made aware that I would not notice any economy gains even under normal driving conditions. What I did gain is extra torque and power across the entire rev range and the car drives in a much more fluid and and easy manner. The remap is worth having just for that benifit alone. Read about the upgrade in the July 2009 edition of our magazine. If you don`t have a copy, e-mail me at
eagmarine@hotmail.co.uk and I`ll send you a pdf copy by return. Anyone else who would like to see details is also welcome to mail me.
Reflashing the ecu is one option. The other is to fit a "piggy back" external module and control to the car. A certain amount of joining to the car wiring is required but I understand this is not overly difficult. Torquing of Cats market such a unit and I have heard good reports about the kit. It also features, I believe, an adjustable control which allows the driver to vary the control unit for economy or performance. The unit comes pre programmed for the particular vehicle in question.
One of our members had such a unit installed on his diesel and spoke highly of it. When he sold the car he removed the kit and then sold it to another member. I`m hopeful that we will be able to publish details of the installation and results in a forthcoming magazine. I`m currently awaiting to hear back from the member with hopefully his copy and photographs.
As regards insurance issues, the reaction from companies is mixed and varied. Some hate chipped cars with a passion and won`t entertain them. Other more specialist companies such as Peter D James are rather more receptive to the idea and when you talk to them, they are fully understanding and very helpful.
Remapped cars are a joy. Remapping makes a good car great.
Finally, Diesel cam belts. These should be changed at 105k miles to avoid failure. David Marks suggested at the recent S-type seminar that idler bearings should also be changed at the same time to prevent failure at a later date. The job is fairly complex and time consuming as well as being difficult due to space limitations at the front of the engine. It is generally around a £900 job which rather knocks the economy aspects of running a diesel! This aspect is only just becomming known to owners of higher mileage diesel owners. Best advice would appear to be changing the cam belt if remapping is to occur when the mileage has climbed to around 100k miles.
Hope this helps , Andy.
Mike
