2.4L Puma Power ups

**Lorryman100** · 29th February 2012, 03:11 AM

For me it is Alives ATRIC remap. And as that is the only remap files I have, I can only write about the Alive tunes. I did a lot of research on the two main tuning companies offering the Alien tech tuning box, based on research from forums and for me personally I chose Alive. The thing with Gary at Alive is that he comes across as a knowledgeable guy with the right attitude in that he is not happy with the tune he does for you until you are. He has done quite a few remaps for me with different versions offering torque, speed and a combination of both. I recently asked him for a couple other files so I could do a write up on Defender2.net showing standard OEM fuel files with the only difference being the EGR is closed 100% of the time. The difference can be felt straight away as the engine spools up quicker and there is a little more pull. I done this to show you don't always need a full remap to have the EGR closed with software as it can be done on the OEM fuel file changing none of the other parameters. The benefits of having this done are a cleaner burning engine as the dirty exhaust gases are not being recycled.
I have a few bits of diagnostic gear and always check that everything is within tolerances with each remap I have received from Alive and they all run without fault, no flat spots over pressurizing the fuel rail etc. Have a look at some of the posts about remapping before you decide as each company offers different tunes. The likes of Alive does individual tunes for your defender (as they are LR specialists) based on the original software installed and what you are after in a remap unlike a generic Puma remap file. I now know (Google) that Bruce Davis Performance in Sydney stocks the ATRIC and can supply the remaps from Alive Tuning for all late model LRs through the Alive Tricore CMD kit. And he is a bit closer to you than Grimsby.

http://www.davisperformance.com/

Defender2 - View topic - Alive Tunings OEM EGR closed fuel file.

Defender2 - View topic - Alive Tunings No EGR Upgrade

I use the Puma to tow either a caravan or my boat and the difference over standard with a remap file has to be experienced. The biggest improvement which I like, is the available Torque meaning less gear changing when towing as Scotland is not very flat.

HTH Brian.

**newhue** · 29th February 2012, 05:55 AM

I had a 2" exhaust upgraded to a 2 3/4" exhaust on a chipped 3lt motor. The exhaust went on first and though the results were there, they were minimal...... barely felt through the seat of your pants.
The puma has a sizeable exhaust as standard, I'd be the spending the upto $1100 on something else, or minimal mods to the standard. In my experience a qld exhaust shop mentioned previously are poor to deal with, and no I didn't want my money back.
Keep in mind as well, on the rare odd chance you get a government vehicle inspection, no cat = $10 000 leaving your wallet.

**newhue** · 6th March 2012, 08:31 PM

Been doing a bit of reading on remaps, and it got me thinking what would I like out of a remap. Kind of felt more power was too broad and vague, but maybe that's the plain and simple answer.
I don't want my Defer to go like a rocket. Furthermore I don't want to replace cats with a hi flow ones or remove it completely. Upgrade the exhaust, intercoolers and so on.
So I came up with a list for my needs and fired an email to a supplier.

I'd be interested in what other people would be looking in a tune, but heres mine.

1. engine longevity, I would like to see 400K+ out of it.
2. reasonable boost from 1000rpm
3. more economy and torque at 110klm. My puma seems to become quite
thirsty after 105klm, and cruising in 6th with a touring load sees me
dropping back to 5th on undulating hills when it probably shouldn't.
4. I currently run 31" standard tyres. I will be changing to 33" and I'm
concerned by upsizing the vehicle becomes unresponsive. For example I
currently can control the revs in 2nd low from 1250 to 2000rpm up steep
terrain and maintain traction without spinning wheels and carry on. I'd
prefer to keep the torque and revs at that range with the larger tyres.
This pace is safe, predictable, kind to the vehicle and crap doesn't get
thrown all around the inside.
5. As little smoke as possible. It doesn't have to go like a shower of ****,
but a bit of get up and go would be nice.

**dcale** · 6th March 2012, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by newhue

Been doing a bit of reading on remaps, and it got me thinking what would I like out of a remap. Kind of felt more power was too broad and vague, but maybe that's the plain and simple answer.
I don't want my Defer to go like a rocket. Furthermore I don't want to replace cats with a hi flow ones or remove it completely. Upgrade the exhaust, intercoolers and so on.
So I came up with a list for my needs and fired an email to a supplier.

I'd be interested in what other people would be looking in a tune, but heres mine.

1. engine longevity, I would like to see 400K+ out of it.
2. reasonable boost from 1000rpm
3. more economy and torque at 110klm. My puma seems to become quite
thirsty after 105klm, and cruising in 6th with a touring load sees me
dropping back to 5th on undulating hills when it probably shouldn't.
4. I currently run 31" standard tyres. I will be changing to 33" and I'm
concerned by upsizing the vehicle becomes unresponsive. For example I
currently can control the revs in 2nd low from 1250 to 2000rpm up steep
terrain and maintain traction without spinning wheels and carry on. I'd
prefer to keep the torque and revs at that range with the larger tyres.
This pace is safe, predictable, kind to the vehicle and crap doesn't get
thrown all around the inside.
5. As little smoke as possible. It doesn't have to go like a shower of ****,
but a bit of get up and go would be nice.

I like your approach, and would be very interested in their responses.

Regards
Darren

**Naks** · 7th March 2012, 05:53 AM

Originally Posted by newhue

Been doing a bit of reading on remaps, and it got me thinking what would I like out of a remap. Kind of felt more power was too broad and vague, but maybe that's the plain and simple answer.
I don't want my Defer to go like a rocket. Furthermore I don't want to replace cats with a hi flow ones or remove it completely. Upgrade the exhaust, intercoolers and so on.
So I came up with a list for my needs and fired an email to a supplier.

I had pretty much the same requirements and BAS remap fit the bill perfectly!

**newhue** · 7th March 2012, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Naks

I had pretty much the same requirements and BAS remap fit the bill perfectly!

Naks any flat spots or concerns

one of the remap suppliers has gotten a terrible time regarding flat spots, and I have bumped into someone on here in Aus with those problems from the same supplier.
They have defended themselves, but supported by another remaping company, saying a small amount of ECU can be problematic, the problem is difficult to solve but can be done with persistence. It's interesting though one has or had some issues, but the other seems plain sailing. Perhaps I know who was staring at the girls instead of listening at school.

thanks

**Naks** · 7th March 2012, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by newhue

Naks any flat spots or concerns

Well, the remap did accentuate a flat spot in 6th, but I just drive around that - you only notice it if you change into 6th going uphill.

Other than that, no issues. Much improved performance and a reduction in fuel consumption and lower EGTs fall much quicker.

The remaps I got from BAS have the EGR closed, and I also use 2-stroke oil with pretty much every tank.

**patclan** · 7th March 2012, 12:12 PM

I have an Alive remap, the performance change is remarkable, I am sure it would be similar to the BAS one also, everyone seems to enjoy one or the other depending on who you chose.

One thing for me though is the remap has accentuated a hesitation I get around 2.5k in second and third gear, it only happens if I am trying to maintain a steady speed i.e. car parks and the likes.

Unfortunately when I remove the remap I can still feel it slightly but LR say it is nothing and they do not see a problem.

That said I am now on my 4th remap from Alive to work through the issue, and the latest one is nice, it feels like I have more grunt at lower speeds and cruising in 5th and 6th is a joy. the hesitation is definitely not as bad so we are getting there.

I just need Land Rover to see the problem and fix it, but I only have around 13k of warranty left so I imagine they are hoping it runs out first :-(

I chose Alive as at the time they worked out around $150 cheaper, and they have been great, and I have purchased other items from them also, but as always DYOR, then you only have your self to blame if it goes t!ts up :-)

Cheers
Pat

**Drover** · 7th March 2012, 02:18 PM

I have had a BAS map in for about 12 months now. I first stared with just an intercooler up-grade (Allisport) the difference was remarkable. Power was on tap from 2500rpm's through to 4000rpm's before any sign of it slowing down.

I installed a decat pipe and then middle muffler removal pipe. Contacted Pete Bell and explained that the higher revs really didn't suit my driving style and asked for maximum power from the lowest revs.

Got a new map within a day......and wow.

With the new map the 2.4 pulls like a steam train from 1650rpm's and keeps going till 3250rpm's.

I sit on 2250rpm's on freeway all day, up hill - down hill - top gear what ever. It is unstoppable

For my money it is BAS all the way - Could Not Be Happier.

Oh and No flat spots

**SVX37** · 7th March 2012, 08:16 PM

Thanks to all the replies - this is such a great website and I appreciate learning from others on here.

I was leaning toward a Plug & Play version but there wasn't much in it when I first started this thread. In fact, for my needs, I think I would be happy with it.

However, based on all the feedback, I am going down the "Flash the Chip" route!

It seems that it will either be the Alive Tuning which I can source through Bruce Davis in Sydney, or the BAS Chip from the UK. A few LR specialists seem to use Autologic to flash as well, and this seems a good idea but no one seems to have gone down that path...

I'm not certain what is involved with the BAS version, but after reading the link from Lorryman100 (thanks Brian) on the ATRIC it seems simple enough.,

To be clear, I have no mechanical knowledge, and little time, so I would normally prefer to have this done at a LR specialist. But I think I could handle the ATRIC myself or at least get some help from a place like Ritters in Melbourne, particularly if I have an issue. I like the idea of being able to return to a normal map as well as 2 other maps, and being able to shut the EGR via the computer and would be almost impossible to detect.

I wouldn't change the Intercooler (just yet $$$), but this seems to go hand in hand with power ups. The exhaust seems to be 50/50 call. The Taipan one looks the goods but maybe do a modification like Allan and Grant (Drover) and remove the Centre pipe? I may have to send them a PM but they or some one else may spell out what I would have to do...

Thanks Jason (Newhue) for your post. I am going to list the following for my needs which is probably similar to most owners

1. engine, gear box & driveline longevity - probably add a EGT guage.
2. more torque to pull my camper trailer - mainly on hills.
3. reasonable boost from 1000rpm.
4. more economy and torque all round.
5. Not a race car, just a few more herbs for on road! (I have had no herb issues off road in low range to date, including Robe sand hills but a little more in reserve would be nice.)

Keep you comments coming and thanks again.

Nigel

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