Upgrading an older van question/discussion. Part Three - Power/torque increase

[Paul and Val]

As in the other two parts of this general discussion I am looking at ways of upgrading an older motorhome up to a more modern level
Many of the motorhomes that I am looking at 1998 - 2006 have feeble engines. Obviously re-mapping works very well, I know from experience but again, due to the age and the simpler systems on the older modems, remapping is either not available or of less use.
Does anybody have experience of older model engines which can either have later more powerful engines mounted? Option B would be to actually improve an earlier engine mechanically, I believe that some Peugeot 1.9 diesel engine can have fuel pumps improved to give far more power for instance.
I love especially like Ford engines. I don't know if the later 155bhp engine from the Mondeo can be fitted in earlier models?
Any thoughts or suggestions gratefully received.
Safe driving.
Paul

 

[Lenny HB]

You have started 3 threads about various upgrades for what you are trying to achieve it would be cheaper and safer to buy a newer van.

 

[PP Bear]

You have started 3 threads about various upgrades for what you are trying to achieve it would be cheaper and safer to buy a newer van.

I was just about to say the same, unless they already have the van. The airbag one is a show stopper after losing his girlfriend, so the rest isn't worth reviewing.

Once he has the newer van, then things like a power uplift are easily achieved through electronics and not mechanical.

 

[Feltwell]

The 2.8 JTD Ducato's are fine - mine has been remapped for a balanced power/economy map. My van is a large coachbuilt, 4 tons, with a large overcab - so not exactly aerodynamic - and the engine is up to the job, it's no sportscar but it will sit along at 70 quite happily and will do 80 on the flat if pushed.

I'll upset someone now but anything with a 1.9 will feel underpowered to many, the 2.3 is also not good in a larger van. The 2.8 is fine.

The other thing you want to consider with older vans is soundproofing - it's not up to modern standards at all. I fitted a "noisekiller" kit, easy enough job, and that does take it down to acceptable levels, if not exactly Rolls-Royce standard!

 

[Paul and Val]

You have started 3 threads about various upgrades for what you are trying to achieve it would be cheaper and safer to buy a newer van.

I think you are missing the point with respect.

I don't think that anybody would not realise that a newer van would be better. Please loan me 20 Grand and I will buy one. I don't however think that safety is of any great concern with what I am looking at doing.

Yes, I have started three threads on three completely different subjects hence they are numbered as such!

While the object of improving an older van is the same in all threads the threads are completely different and it already looks as if the possibility of retrofitting an air bag is a non-starter. However there are some vans out there with airbags.

If the other two subjects are possible, and they are far more likely to be achievable, then I have a motorhome which if sourced with an air bag, also will have air-con and at least some more power.

In addition, not all the jobs need to be done at the same time. The end result would be a far better vehicle which is more enjoyable to drive/use.

Have a good evening.
Paul

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[Paul and Val]

The 2.8 JTD Ducato's are fine - mine has been remapped for a balanced power/economy map. My van is a large coachbuilt, 4 tons, with a large overcab - so not exactly aerodynamic - and the engine is up to the job, it's no sportscar but it will sit along at 70 quite happily and will do 80 on the flat if pushed.

I'll upset someone now but anything with a 1.9 will feel underpowered to many, the 2.3 is also not good in a larger van. The 2.8 is fine.

The other thing you want to consider with older vans is soundproofing - it's not up to modern standards at all. I fitted a "noisekiller" kit, easy enough job, and that does take it down to acceptable levels, if not exactly Rolls-Royce standard!

Excellent information, thank you very much indeed. Most useful.
Safe driving.
Paul

 

[Paul and Val]

Once he has the newer van, then things like a power uplift are easily achieved through electronics and not mechanical.

No, with respect, the options for upgrading an older engine is far more limited with re-maps.
On later vehicles they make an amazing difference and we automatically have all our diesel vehicles done as a matter of course. On an engine earlier than 2000 it becomes far more difficult to make any meaningful increase without mechanical intervention.
The comments above point to the FIAT 2.8 as being a good option. Certainly I have driven a 1.9 a couple of times and thought them very poor indeed.
Thank you.

 

[dunnah01]

Pre 2007 ish vans without DPFs can see massive torque gains with the right remap but you'll also get lower mpg and extra smoke.

 

[Paul and Val]

Pre 2007 ish vans without DPFs can see massive torque gains with the right remap but you'll also get lower mpg and extra smoke.

Yes and no with mpg. You will get a slight improvement in MPG BUT if you use that extra power, yes, a decrease.
I have never had a problem with smoke after a re-map, although if it was tuned for peak BHP rather than generally or for more torque and it was badly done then you could do.

Our Mondeo was 155bhp as standard (manual, no DPF), went to almost 200 with a massive increase in torque and had nil smoke and passed the French Ct (MOT) which has a fail for ANY visible smoke. It also showed quite an impressive improvement in MPG as long as driven on cruise at reasonable speeds. I LOVE remaps. A huge improvement for a very little outlay. Difficult to achieve much on older vehicles however if not coupled with mechanical changes.

A friend has just had a 2013 Iveco Daily van with 106bhp re-mapped to about 150 which is an enormous difference. MPG is very slightly better.

 

[dunnah01]

Yes and no with mpg. You will get a slight improvement in MPG BUT if you use that extra power, yes, a decrease.
I have never had a problem with smoke after a re-map, although if it was tuned for peak BHP rather than generally or for more torque and it was badly done then you could do.

Our Mondeo was 155bhp as standard (manual, no DPF), went to almost 200 with a massive increase in torque and had nil smoke and passed the French Ct (MOT) which has a fail for ANY visible smoke. It also showed quite an impressive improvement in MPG as long as driven on cruise at reasonable speeds. I LOVE remaps. A huge improvement for a very little outlay. Difficult to achieve much on older vehicles however if not coupled with mechanical changes.

A friend has just had a 2013 Iveco Daily van with 106bhp re-mapped to about 150 which is an enormous difference. MPG is very slightly better.

I've had a few remaps on various makes but never seen an improvement in mpg although every one shows an improvement on the dash readout.

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[pagey]

Give us a clue what would be your starting point in financial terms and in what country you are

 

[Oldmanwood]

Our 2006 Ducato 244 2.8jtd was remapped and now produces 160bhp. It's enough for our 3.5t.

 

[Paul and Val]

Give us a clue what would be your starting point in financial terms and in what country you are

I am in France but can either buy in France or probably Britain where vehicles are far cheaper. Not all below have airbags but are general examples.

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[Itsmcb]

I am in France but can either buy in France or probably Britain where vehicles are far cheaper. Not all below have airbags but are general examples.

Used Campervans and Motorhomes for Sale in Newry, County Down | Gumtree

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The top van, 1995 won't have any of the features you want. Definitely no airbag, also no ECU so you can't remap and very unlikely to have cab Aircon which would be useless anyway unless you could isolate the cab from the rest of the van. Any money for upgrade would be best first spent on the brakes.

 

[emjaiuk]

Our first MH was an American V8 diesel. Foolishly I thought 6.2 liters would be more than adequate. I eventually found a firm near Preston who specialized in fitting aftermarket turbo chargers, and I never looked back. I would say that the old GM diesel was strong enough to take the extra power.

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[philann]

I would be more worried about water ingress and potential hidden rot in older vans.

 

[pagey]

I am in France but can either buy in France or probably Britain where vehicles are far cheaper. Not all below have airbags but are general examples.

Used Campervans and Motorhomes for Sale in Newry, County Down | Gumtree

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The second one on your list looks like a scam to me its too cheap the seller has no feed back

 

[eurajohn]

I am in France but can either buy in France or probably Britain where vehicles are far cheaper. Not all below have airbags but are general examples.

Used Campervans and Motorhomes for Sale in Newry, County Down | Gumtree

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www.gumtree.com

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I also live in France and have imported motorhomes both from UK and Germany, the procedure here is challenging to say the least, also at a cost, older vans will be more difficult to import.
Get something with the 2.8, you appear to want power and torque don't even think about the smaller engine ones, make sure it has a turbo the pre common rail 2.8 DTI was a bit gutless.
I understand you don't have a big budget but to try and achieve the van you really want by making improvements and modifications will most likely end up costing far more than you anticipate and probably won't give you what you really want.

 

[CazPaul]

Iveco 3 litre 166bhp, look for a motorhome with it. You wont need any remaps.

First generation was 2004, ours is a March 2005 model.