Tuning Boxes how they work explained

[TinaLes]

I found this link interesting, I always wondered how these "Generic"tuning boxes worked, all seems a bit clearer now.
I know the should I?, Could I?, questions on engine remaps come up fairly regularly on here, so this may help in making your individual decision, on whether to have a "plug in Tuning Box, or a proper Dyno Re-map specific to your motor homes engine parameters.
Even though this guys explanation is useful, even his product is a plug in, albeit working in a different way via The OBD port, so easily removed etc.
We have covered in the past risks of invalidation of warranties, which I agree with, dont do it inside your warranty period IMHO.
We have also covered the additional strain that may be put on clutches and alike...again your choice.
I am happy with the performance of our 150 BHP engine, however I haven't tried it up the Alps yet, and I am not too fussed about loosing a bit of speed, or the need to change down a gear or two, on long inclines.
However, I thought this may be helpful to those who expect to get vast amounts of additional BHP & Torque and may be disappointed, by the makers sometimes exaggerated claims.
There is also a lot more differences other than the manufacturers ECU map, between the Seville made 130/150 & 180 BHP engines, turbo's being one.
Should the need present itself I personally would only choose a Reputable Engine tuner that uses a Dyno Ramp.
Anyhow have a look, & share your thoughts, it taught me a bit more on the subject of "Plug & Play" Tuning Kits.
LES

 

[RichardandKaren]

Happy with "The Italian Box" on ours. Doesn't appear to be a box with just a simple resistor in it but has 6 different settings for BHP & MPG so you play around a bit and find what works for you. Anyhow, the slight extra power I tuned in definitely made a difference and no longer any changing down on longer motorway inclines and definitely seems to pull better. MPG about the same. Sailed through emissions tests on last 2 MOT's. So, for less than £100 I am happy with the product. Ours is an old m/h ( 2004) with Fiat 2.8jtd engine. Each to their own.

 

[Taran_Las]

This may help someone's understanding too:

 

[dunnah01]

There are some really good generic maps online that you can flash to your ECU with something like MPPS. The whole map & kit are <100 quid and are true remaps of the ECU rather than fooling devices. Most Bosch (& Magneti Marelli) ECUs are based on torque limiting so the map simply changes the allowable torque at a given rpm plus a bit of turbo boost and fuel trim & pressure. The ECU can work the rest out based on the multitude of sensors. I've looked at various maps using WinOLS back in the day and it's quite easy to see where the changes are being made and why. It used to be more about DPF deletes and EGR blanks but not so much nowadays due to MOT smoke tests. As any map it's about where you compromise but Turbo Diesels are the easiest to play with and tune to your specific requirements- torque, economy, power.

 

[Coolcats]

This may help someone's understanding too:

View attachment 364915

This poster reminded me of the BMW 2002 Tii Turbo, the story went that a guy who was driving one enthusiastically dropped a gear as he was approaching a bend, for a moment nothing happened but as the power kicked in the Car did not make it around the corner but accelerated across the road and over a Cliff due to the Turbo Lag. I guess its urban myth and legend but what a way to go

And this is what the little beauty looked like back in the early 70's but they really did have Turbo lag

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[TinaLes]

Happy with "The Italian Box" on ours. Doesn't appear to be a box with just a simple resistor in it but has 6 different settings for BHP & MPG so you play around a bit and find what works for you. Anyhow, the slight extra power I tuned in definitely made a difference and no longer any changing down on longer motorway inclines and definitely seems to pull better. MPG about the same. Sailed through emissions tests on last 2 MOT's. So, for less than £100 I am happy with the product. Ours is an old m/h ( 2004) with Fiat 2.8jtd engine. Each to their own.

Would it by chance be something like this you have?
LES
Apologies in advance for the vloggers in this post, but if your getting something for nout, who cares, just get your cable ties ready, and remove before any Fiat garage sees it.

 

[RichardandKaren]

Yes quite similar to that but lower cost. It was though specific to my engine ( Fiat 2.8 jtd).