To CHIP or NOT to Chip

[Barney2803]

Hi guys,

Has anyone fitted the chip from CHIPIT in Sydney? Theres a huge write-up in the latest 4WD Action mag and I had a great chat with the guy today. Here's what I am looking at and I hope I dont offend anyone.

Option 1: $600 for an ECU from TRS in Adelaide, then silicone hoses etc
Option 2: $1200 for a CHIPIT chip from Sydney, plug and play, including an inside cabin monitor for the EGT's.

Chipit specs seem to give more power and torque than most chip manufacturers, and TRS was not really helpful on the email but Chipit was more than happy to chat for 10 minutes on the phone and answer clearly all my questions.

Suggestions anyone?

[Aaron40]

http://web.mac.com/rovertech/TRT/Home.htmlTry Toombie2 I have one of his chips and its great also a lot cheaper than both of those if your an AULRO member... He emailed me mine and I uploaded it with another members nanocom...;)

[Vern]

speak to Tombie, has a good rep on here for it

[greendisco2]

hi mate , what year is your truck ? mines a 99 and tombie recomened TRS (as did peninsular rangie) for mine. tony:)

[bsperka]

I have a mild Tombie upgrade - no turbo lag, more power, less fuel consumption in normal driving (but when you sink the boot in, traction control comes on and you get up and GO). Well worth the money and a lot less than other upgrades.

I understand upgrades can go from mild to wild, but as it goes wilder the tradeoff is usually shorter engine life. (which is why 8000 hp drag engines only last a few seconds before they start to fail). I guess the wilder the upgrade, the more important an EGT guage becomes.

Silicone hoses are worth it if the old rubber ones have some age on them (starting to fail / expand etc) but if they are in good condition, then is there any benefit ?

[Zute]

Becarefull with the plug and play type, some only fool the ECU into over fueling using a resister in a fancy box.
You need to tell us what year yours is.

[bell1975]

I'm looking at an ECU swap in my 99 Td5 Auto at the moment, well, when the tax return is done it'll be happening.

MR Automotive are also doing an ECU swap. I don't have prices yet but will post them here soon for other people's information.

I overtook a few people this morning in the Disco and it's always a reminder that the stock Td5 is a tad lacking in the 'get up and go' department.

Hmmm, best put the tax return at the top of the 'to-do' list if I want to have some play money.

[Dorko]

I run a ChipIt chip for my D4. I highly recommend them and the support is great.

These chips dont have to be a simply plug and play, mine was custom tune to the vehicle and i wouldnt have it any other way.

I came from a Steinbaurer and haven't looked back.

[Barney2803]

Thanks everyone. Its great hearing everyones thoughts and comments. My truck is an 04 TD5 with 170km on it. I am pretty much decided to go with the "chipit" as their communication and information has been FAR above ANY other place I have contacted and they have offered me real stats and info not just "well a mate did this" and "this guy is good". The chip it is $1299 and when compared to others, it isnt badly priced at all. I am REALLY looking forward to getting it. I guess I have to change the previous perception by my father in law of the older tdi disco I had. He drove it one day and summed it up saying "well i got in, put my foot down on the gas, then went and made a coffee, came back, and then it started moving" quite funny really but also true. I'd love to hear more tit-bits from people who have chipped or programmed too cos I really want to know others experiences too.

[Benny_IIA]

Thanks everyone. Its great hearing everyones thoughts and comments. My truck is an 04 TD5 with 170km on it. I am pretty much decided to go with the "chipit" as their communication and information has been FAR above ANY other place I have contacted and they have offered me real stats and info not just "well a mate did this" and "this guy is good". The chip it is $1299 and when compared to others, it isnt badly priced at all. I am REALLY looking forward to getting it. I guess I have to change the previous perception by my father in law of the older tdi disco I had. He drove it one day and summed it up saying "well i got in, put my foot down on the gas, then went and made a coffee, came back, and then it started moving" quite funny really but also true. I'd love to hear more tit-bits from people who have chipped or programmed too cos I really want to know others experiences too.

Your vechile runs a fashable ecu your are really wasting your money for far less supieror outcome by buying the chip****.

Land Rover's are unquie and need to be tunned by a land rover tunner. Talk to Tombie on here from Total Rover Tech or go to Triumph Rover Spares or Kelvin who does Td5 inside mapping 'Discothraser' on here.


But each to their own.


I run a td5inside map with lots of other bits and bobs

[Dorko]

Bit harsh mate, i think you should do more research on the available options with tune-able chips.

Items to think about before deciding would be;

Does you reflash come with a EGT monitor to adjust the tune if your EGT's get to high.

What happens if you need a update on your ECU? ... you most likely will lose the tune and if its a upgraded ECU it would not be compatible with the LR's standard ECU update.

What happens if the reflash causes a engine fault?

Would you just pop the ecu out with the original, or reflash it to the original tune?

Could your local dealer or mechanic fix the car to get back on the road? Do they know the tune and how its programmed?

Can you unplug a reflashed ECU and with will return to normal tune?

Do you need a separate module reflashing box to reset the ECU?

Is the greater cost of a reflash and ECU upgrade going to be worth the extra coin?

Can the tune be upgrade by yourself or the web?

Is the product develop in Australia and supported in Australia?

Would you not want the current standard safety measures built from the car/ LR to warning you if there's a problem? Most full reflashes would not include the million safety parameters. This is where chips work well as its generally after the original ECU. Personally I think a company that invests millions is research and programming would be a smarter option.

Does the reflash cover any warranty's on the car? I know ChipIt does if you have the EGT's monitor installed.

Overall we all different hence the different products available on the market. These are questions I asked myself before having my disco tune.

Dorko

[Benny_IIA]

Bit harsh mate, i think you should do more research on the available options with tune-able chips.

Items to think about before deciding would be;

Does you reflash come with a EGT monitor to adjust the tune if your EGT's get to high.

What happens if you need a update on your ECU? ... you most likely will lose the tune and if its a upgraded ECU it would not be compatible with the LR's standard ECU update.

What happens if the reflash causes a engine fault?

Would you just pop the ecu out with the original, or reflash it to the original tune?

Could your local dealer or mechanic fix the car to get back on the road? Do they know the tune and how its programmed?

Can you unplug a reflashed ECU and with will return to normal tune?

Do you need a separate module reflashing box to reset the ECU?

Is the greater cost of a reflash and ECU upgrade going to be worth the extra coin?

Can the tune be upgrade by yourself or the web?

Is the product develop in Australia and supported in Australia?

Would you not want the current standard safety measures built from the car/ LR to warning you if there's a problem? Most full reflashes would not include the million safety parameters. This is where chips work well as its generally after the original ECU. Personally I think a company that invests millions is research and programming would be a smarter option.

Does the reflash cover any warranty's on the car? I know ChipIt does if you have the EGT's monitor installed.

Overall we all different hence the different products available on the market. These are questions I asked myself before having my disco tune.

Dorko

every reason you have given is why 99.99% of people do not run plug in box's on td5's. (except for the australian part)

but if you want the box then get it.

[strangy]

Bit harsh mate, i think you should do more research on the available options with tune-able chips.

Items to think about before deciding would be;

Does you reflash come with a EGT monitor to adjust the tune if your EGT's get to high.

What happens if you need a update on your ECU? ... you most likely will lose the tune and if its a upgraded ECU it would not be compatible with the LR's standard ECU update.

What happens if the reflash causes a engine fault?

Would you just pop the ecu out with the original, or reflash it to the original tune?

Could your local dealer or mechanic fix the car to get back on the road? Do they know the tune and how its programmed?

Can you unplug a reflashed ECU and with will return to normal tune?

Do you need a separate module reflashing box to reset the ECU?

Is the greater cost of a reflash and ECU upgrade going to be worth the extra coin?

Can the tune be upgrade by yourself or the web?

Is the product develop in Australia and supported in Australia?

Would you not want the current standard safety measures built from the car/ LR to warning you if there's a problem? Most full reflashes would not include the million safety parameters. This is where chips work well as its generally after the original ECU. Personally I think a company that invests millions is research and programming would be a smarter option.

Does the reflash cover any warranty's on the car? I know ChipIt does if you have the EGT's monitor installed.

Overall we all different hence the different products available on the market. These are questions I asked myself before having my disco tune.

Dorko

Sounds like you didn't follow your own advice.

"My pockets hurt" (Homer)

[Dorko]

Well...

ChipIt allows me to hold two custom tunes, not a generic box tune. Its unlike DPChip or Steinbaurer as its actually tuneable.

ChipIt allows me to flick the different tunes depending on what i need. I have one extreme tune for sand 4WDing and my second tune for everyday use. I also have a warranty/insurance from ChipIt that covers my car if the chip did do damage.

If something was to happen, I can just press one clip to take the chip off and it restores it back to stock or transfer the chip to another car and just get a remap. Can you take a ECU from a D2 and install it in a D4 or a Patrol? Didn't think so...

My ECU can still take upgrades without effecting the tune to my vehicle and the vehicle can still execute any faults to prevent damage to the vehicle.

In regards to the EGT monitor, its standard on the D4, but the ChipIt module also has this as a option for older module cars. Don't believe any other modules on the market have this option.

In addition I have local Australian support and can be tune anywhere as long as i have internet connection. For Example if I want i can plug my laptop to the car, which the software and USB cable are provided. Then launch a 'go to meeting' with ChipIt and they can instantly see everything about my car and how its running and amend the tune via my laptop. Just need to add internet connection!

Hmmm does a reflash have this option?:angel:

On how much does a reflash and ECU upgrade cost? for a D4 its likely near double the cost.

Most important, ChipIt are confident you would be happy with its product vs other products you can get a full refund if your weren't happy.

On the other hand if you were to have this debate over other products likes DP Chip or Steinbaurer then yes without question reflash would be a better option.

Dorko

[Barney2803]

Nice work Dorko. you said everything I wanted to say but didnt have my thoughts together so well. Good job.

[Benny_IIA]

Well...

ChipIt allows me to hold two custom tunes, not a generic box tune. Its unlike DPChip or Steinbaurer as its actually tuneable.

DP chips have 9 different settings in the chip then the chip it self can be retuned to suit other upgrades. I went to a dyno day this morning with my mates RA rodeo and made an extra 10hp by having the chip retuned.

ChipIt allows me to flick the different tunes depending on what i need. I have one extreme tune for sand 4WDing and my second tune for everyday use. I also have a warranty/insurance from ChipIt that covers my car if the chip did do damage.

I think that warranty would be about as good as one you get on a second hand car.



If something was to happen, I can just press one clip to take the chip off and it restores it back to stock or transfer the chip to another car and just get a remap. Can you take a ECU from a D2 and install it in a D4 or a Patrol? Didn't think so...


For similar Money you can buy a nanocom and a remap. So you do all your own diagnostic work.

My ECU can still take upgrades without effecting the tune to my vehicle and the vehicle can still execute any faults to prevent damage to the vehicle.

? so can a car with a remap
In regards to the EGT monitor, its standard on the D4, but the ChipIt module also has this as a option for older module cars. Don't believe any other modules on the market have this option.

A good Remap with not get excessive egt's, if your worried get a guage and drive accordingly

In addition I have local Australian support and can be tune anywhere as long as i have internet connection. For Example if I want i can plug my laptop to the car, which the software and USB cable are provided. Then launch a 'go to meeting' with ChipIt and they can instantly see everything about my car and how its running and amend the tune via my laptop. Just need to add internet connection!

A nanocom will do a lot more.
Hmmm does a reflash have this option?:angel:

Yes

On how much does a reflash and ECU upgrade cost? for a D4 its likely near double the cost.

My td5 inside remap was 200 euro's, and my Tombie tune was $440 for forum members.

Most important, ChipIt are confident you would be happy with its product vs other products you can get a full refund if your weren't happy.

On the other hand if you were to have this debate over other products likes DP Chip or Steinbaurer then yes without question reflash would be a better option.

Dorko


.......

[Dorko]

DP chips are not tune-able. You turn a dial that just pushes more fuel whilst the injectors are open. That's not a custom tune like controlling boost, AFR etc...

In regards to warranty well if its backed by a insurance company, so I have more chance then no warranty.

Not getting in a debate with you... you clearly don't understand the chips on the market and whats actually tune-able and whats generic 'turn a dial' types.

I thought the Nanocom device is similar to a Capa or X3 Power Flash? I had a Capa for my XR6T and to customise the tune you need to go back to the tuner as its encrypted or unless the tuner has the license software.

Also correct me if I am wrong but can you actually customise your tune yourself?

[Naks]

get a BAS remap. The box holds 2 maps + original, so you can flash back to OEM map for dealer visits.

[bell1975]

FYI

MR Automotive at Redcliffe (Brisbane) do an ECU swap with one that has the Bruce Davis chip installed for $700. I'm unsure if that includes GST though. They check turbo boost and air flow values at the time of install.

[Benny_IIA]

DP chips are not tune-able. You turn a dial that just pushes more fuel whilst the injectors are open. That's not a custom tune like controlling boost, AFR etc...

In regards to warranty well if its backed by a insurance company, so I have more chance then no warranty.

Not getting in a debate with you... you clearly don't understand the chips on the market and whats actually tune-able and whats generic 'turn a dial' types.

I thought the Nanocom device is similar to a Capa or X3 Power Flash? I had a Capa for my XR6T and to customise the tune you need to go back to the tuner as its encrypted or unless the tuner has the license software.

Also correct me if I am wrong but can you actually customise your tune yourself?


I'm not a fan of plug in chips, but they can me remapped to suit the vechile I have seen it first hand and have dyno read out to prove the difference that can be done by retuning dp chip on a lap top.
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260342_10150355109967656_627792655_10089867_363691 9_n.jpg


Adjustable Tuning

Your DPChip will come already pre-adjusted to suit your make and model of engine and no further adjustment is required. If however, you decide to enhance your vehicle further, perhaps by adding larger intercoolers, larger exhausts, larger tyres etc. you can easily adjust the DPChip to match the new modification so the full potential can be reached. With fixed map boxes and chips this is not possible and a new chip or box would be required.
Adjustment is simple and allows you varying degrees of control over just how much power you want. The 2 Series DPChips use a small screw upon the body to optimize a number of parameters while the 3 Series DPChips have 10 pre-programmed power settings which the user can adjust for more power.
10 Position Selector
The different settings are really more of a fine tuning and to account for slight variations between individual vehicles. If the vehicle is a factory standard vehicle then just leave it set on 5. If it is modified or you fit a larger intercooler or exhaust then you can adjust upwards to take advantage of this but there is really no need.
We flash the chip inside the module with the rotary dial set on 5. This is an arbitrary setting but if we flashed it with the dial set on 9 you could only adjust downwards. Each notch up or down from 5 moves the whole programming inside the chip up or down a few percent.
Instructions for adjustment come with the chip. Feel free to 'play' and find what is best for your style of driving and vehicle. We don't recommend going above 7 or 8 on a factory standard vehicle. You can't damage the vehicle at all. Each vehicle will be different, even if produced in the same factory on the same day. We have seen this with two of the same vehicles, one having a 'best' setting of 6 and the other 8. These were same month and year model of the same vehicle type.
The 3 Series DPChips also have adjustable tuning via USB connection. These are able to be 'laptop tuned'.



http://www.dpchip.com/images/grfx/laptoptuningBMW.jpg
Laptop tuning the DPChip
http://www.dpchip.com/images/grfx/DPChip-capture.gif
Screenshot of DPChip program for laptop fine tuning.
This is a form of tune that can do considerably more than the manual adjustment. Once the DPChip is installed you can actually sit in the driver's seat and the DPChip can be re-programmed as you drive along. As well as overall power being able to be increased, the power band can be moved up or down the rev range depending on your requirements and the power delivered can be adjusted from smooth to aggressive. There is really no need for laptop tuning on a factory standard vehicle. This advanced tuning would only be required on a very heavily modified vehicle. The manual user adjustment provides more than enough tuning range