Improvements to TDCi driving experience

[tact]

Very likely the TDCi driving experience is already an order of magnitude "better" than any of the earlier models. Of course "better" is subjective but definitely TDCi's:
- are much quieter
- are much smoother, more powerful engines
- are more confident at higher speeds (can actually reach highway speeds!)
- have a better changing gearbox with ratios excellently matched to the engine
- have better door seals, etc etc etc

So how to make the driving experience even better?

Some elect to do ECU remaps to get more power and more torque. This is not something that I had ever considered, specially for the 2.2l TDCi - its pretty sharp already.

In the last few months I had been looking for a way to close off the EGR as this apparently helps engine longevity. I read a lot of comment about the usual means to disconnecting/blocking off the EGR, and how these don't work well on TDCi's.

Then I stumbled on a comment made in these forums to another information seeker, "...get an ECU remap that shuts the EGR"

So I did look into remaps. Settled on Bell Auto Service (BAS). And laid out some $$ leveraging on the Group Buy that is happening this month.

So I went for a remap, not for the typical reasons: a power/torque boost. And I am here to report that I got much more than I bargained for.

Not only have I solved my EGR problem, but I find that right across the full range of throttle/load conditions the driving experience has been transformed.

Not talking about transformation via more sheer grunt. Even when driving conservatively, not using the added power/torque, the BAS remap makes a heck of a difference to the driving pleasure.

Somehow Pete Bell (BAS) has tweaked a lot more than just the turbo boost pressures etc looking for power. It seems that he has tweaked throttle curves etc so that even low throttle, low speed response is so much better than how good the TDCi was to begin with!

To be clear I am talking about the 150hp "Autobiography" tune. This is promoted as being a "smoother" tune than the 150hp "City" tune.

The Autobiography tune is apparently modelled on the Land Rover celebration model, the Autobiography, that gets a 150hp smooth tune from the factory.

So scoreboard is like this:
- EGR requirement: Winner
- definitely smoother improved driving experience even when not tapping the loud pedal hard
- (and grin widening subtle boost in power & torque when the loud pedal is pressed): Bonus!

I deliberately did NOT use the term "remap" in the title of this thread because, like me a few weeks ago, most of you would have had no interest in more power/torque - and skipped this thread thinking remaps are only about power/torque boosts.

Not any more, Sunshine.

[tact]

(Pssst: Need I state this? I laid down my $$ and bought my remap. No relation to Pete Bell or anyone at BAS. No personal gain for me in what I have written.)

Cheers.

[n plus one]

I've got a BAS remap on my 2.4 Puma - probably for around three years.

As someone who runs close to GVM most of the time I greatly appreciate the additional power and torque; however, I'd also echo your drivability comments - it's a real improvement.

[filcar]

I also jumped on the current offer and echo everything tact has written above.


The 90 was always fun to drive but also a little bit of work at the same time, now it is just a real pleasure behind the wheel. With the addition of the Allisport intercooler I have a new car.


Phil

[cuppabillytea]

OK. i'm sold. Where do I go from here?

[tact]

OK. i'm sold. Where do I go from here?

The group buy Beery has organized is in this thread.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/group-buy/220944-new-bas-remap-tool-group-buy-pumas-only.html#post2372516

[cal415]

While i dont have a BAS remap, i have Alive remap, i 100% agree that a remap can totally transform the car and would recommend a remap by a reputable tuner such as Alive or BAS to anyone who owns a 2.4 or 2.2 defender even if your not chasing power. Benefits to drive-ability and fuel consumption alone make it worthwhile for the small cost of purchase.

[tact]

I also jumped on the current offer and echo everything tact has written above.


The 90 was always fun to drive but also a little bit of work at the same time, now it is just a real pleasure behind the wheel. With the addition of the Allisport intercooler I have a new car.


Phil

Which map did you go for Phil?

[tact]

Ok so I have had the 150hp Autobiography tune on my 2013 110DC for a few days now. Happily doing the office commute and school pick up run etc.

Have commented already how well that has been working for me - the low(ish) speeds and low throttle operation, all having been transformed into a pleasure drive by the remap.

I had a chance to try full throttle performance the other day. Hit the freeway (110km/h speed limit) and from multiple tool booths along the route gave my barge full throttle through all the gears.

While still not far out from the city traffic meant keeping to the speed limit but with 3 lanes there was plenty of opportunity to test overtaking performance.

The 2.2l TDCi sees about 2000rpm in 6th gear at 100km/h. So when a slower vehicle had me drop from 110k/h - pedal to the floor at 95-100 was right at the start of the sweet part of the new tune. Seriously fun stuff! Geez I LOVE this!

The vehicle would soar from 95-100km/h up to 140km/h effortlessly and the overtake completed safely and quickly. THAT sweet.

Later when I was in less traffic on an interstate highway I dared to push hard. Sat on the speed limiter (in the 2.2 that's set about 148km/h or 90mph) for about 45 min straight. Figured if an inter cooler hose was going to blow off it would have happened then, or while thrashing full throttle through the gears from the toll booths.

Didn't happen. And provided I don't see any speed camera photos in the mail any time soon - nothing at all untoward happened. Nice!

[filcar]

Which map did you go for Phil?

Currently running the 170hp remap. Fitted the performance intercooler and went for a good drive over the weekend (around 500kms round trip). Buckets of torque in all gears, even surprised a couple of landcruisers that were travelling a little below the limit by overtaking them easily, just by putting the foot down in 6th, goes from around 2k rpm to 3k rpm quickly, easily and without fuss.


I will be using the 170hp map for when I am towing the camper trailer later this year, I think the 150hp is more than fine for around town.


Only thing I need to check properly is fuel consumption. I have an ultragauge fitted and the consumption it reported was 13k/100km when cruising in 6th at 100ks. I suspect that the ultragauge will need to be recalibrated to the motor with the new map to be accurate.

[clive22]

Hi

Placed my order for a 150 hp BAS Autobiography remap for my 2012 Defender 130 today.

I'm not really afetr more power and run light 95% of the time, main reason was the way too jerky low speed running, which makes you look like you can't drive on the street, and off road breaks traction on slippery surfaces.

I guess the gear will be here and installed in a couple of weeks, I'll report back then.

Clive

[tact]

Hi

Placed my order for a 150 hp BAS Autobiography remap for my 2012 Defender 130 today.

I'm not really afetr more power and run light 95% of the time, main reason was the way too jerky low speed running, which makes you look like you can't drive on the street, and off road breaks traction on slippery surfaces.

I guess the gear will be here and installed in a couple of weeks, I'll report back then.

Clive

Good Choice I reckon Clive.

[Beery]

Well Clive I can confirm that the Autobiography tune definitely improves the throttle!
I installed my 150 AB tune yesterday an went for a 100km drive. Mix of highway bitumen and about 30km gravel.
It took about 5km for me to properly realise the improvements...but the 130 fairly shifts now! It just pulls much more smoothly and solidly though the revs in all gears.
All in all, it makes it a much more satisfying drive.

On the gravel, slowing down for creek crossings used to mean shifting down to pick up speed on the other side. It now just pulls away without fuss in the travelling gear.

On the highway it holds speed more easily, even a bit to easily. Now I need cruise control.

All in all, the attitude of the engine has improved, it feels more confident and more refined.

I havent even tried my 170 AB tune yet!

Cheers
Tom

[jimb]

Tact
Thanks for your post. I'm in a similiar head space to you. Read plenty on the forum about recaps and more power torque et al but am not unhappy with what I have now.


The EGR info I've picked up did interest me though- longevity if engine.

I'm still short some knowledge on the remap stuff but is it hard to change it back for LR warranty stuff, and are they able to tell you are running a different map that is blocking off the EGR?
Thanks heaps for you post.
Jim

Questions
1. Is a remap a physical item or a software program that gets installed into the 'computer'?

2. If it is a physical item are they as simple as plug/ unplug?

[tact]

[...]am not unhappy with what I have now.
The EGR info I've picked up did interest me though- longevity if engine.


Yeah controlling the EGR was the initial driver for me looking into a remap. But after driving with a remap (at least the 150hp Autobiography tune from BAS) the change to the driving smoothness has become the big head turner for me. It is subtle, its not til you have driven some several kilometers you realize you haven't been trying to outthink the gearbox/gear shifts at all.

I used to find that if I drove aggressively, hard throttle, hard driving, I got good changes all the time. Only when tootling lazily along then I felt all out of sync with the mechanicals and things didn't flow smoothly. The BAS tune changed that for me.



[...] is it hard to change it back for LR warranty stuff, and are they able to tell you are running a different map that is blocking off the EGR?

I can only speak regards the BAS tune I bought. It didn't require new intercooler. The only physically obvious sign of tinkering would be the new ECU (different serial number to original) that is required for tuning the 2.2TDCi

It is pretty easy to revert back to original ECU/tune.



Questions
1. Is a remap a physical item or a software program that gets installed into the 'computer'?

2. If it is a physical item are they as simple as plug/ unplug?

There are some products that just plug into the vehicle to change tuning. I didn't research that in my search.

Again - just in reference to the tune I bought from BAS:
- for the 2.2 TDCi you do need to fit a new blank ECU and load the tune on that. Swapping back to original tune can be a 5min software upload of the original tune to the new ECU. Or you can take 10min to physically remove the new ECU and refit the original untouched ECU

- my understanding is that the 2.4TDCi doesn't require a new ECU. (Though you could do it that way if you wanted). Reverting back to original tune then is the same as above

For what it's worth: my barge is in for warranty work right now. Hopefully I collect it back today. I didn't bother to revert to original tune, or refit the original ECU. None of the work I want them to do has any need for touching the electronics. Am quite curious whether they will notice, or comment. I only have about 10mths warranty left to lose in any case.

Likely more noticeable to them will be when they test drive, the ATBs fitted to front&drear diffs should make them wonder what's happening there. (You can feel them working through the steering wheel).

[Edit: Got my barge back from LRM. They did the warranty work for me, no issues no questions or comments. Replaced an intercooler hose, ignition key switch, brake line and realigned the fresh air intake duct (for a/c etc). Of course your mileage may vary...not sure if I was lucky, or whether others would be so lucky?]

[enchappo]

There's so much good feedback on this site (and elsewhere) for the BAS remap that adding my 2c is probably unnecessary, but I absolutely second it all.

Quality bit of kit, great service from Pete, and an extremely simple and painless process: I ordered the 170bhp AB tune late Friday night Aus time, and the package containing the RRC tool and new ECU was delivered to work on Tuesday. Scanned the existing ECU when I got home and emailed the results to Pete (along with the brief bit of extra info he needs). He sent through the remap files the same night, and I installed the new ECU, programmed it and added the remap in <25mins before work today. Super easy.

Clear improvement to driveability, but haven't had the chance to drive it enough to comment in more detail. I'll run the 170 tune while the weather is cold, and change to the 150 tune in the warmer months. Uprated intercooler to follow when out of warranty.

A real winner in my opinion.

[ozy013]

Well everything's done, and all I can say is........WOW!

Originally I was just after deleting the EGR on my 2.4, but every option out there resulted in the MIL light. A remap was not on my radar. But then Pete came up with his generous offer in Group Buys.


I've always enjoyed driving my Land Rovers, but this has taken it to another level. The car is so responsive and less hesitant at lower speeds/revs. You can feel the extra torque on tap. It's so smooth as you go through the gears. My Defender has always put a smile on my face, but now I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat.


I did as Pete suggested with the pump learn on standard tune before the remap, then the pilot correction after I'd flashed the new map onto the ECU. The pilot correction sets up the injectors and their efficiency. It revs the car up and down for a few mins. Pretty fun to do.


I took it for a test drive, then on return home blanked off the EGR. It's great seeing the EGR sitting on 0%, exactly what I wanted.

Pete guided me through the whole process, and I would like to thank him for his time and patience. Pete, I take my hat off too you, all that research and knowledge that you put into the BAS remaps has created a wonderful transformation to my Defender.

Also, thanks to Beery for starting the ball rolling with Pete in Group Buys
:BigThumb:

[tact]

Which of the BAS remaps did you go with ozy013? (City or Autobiography)?

Glad you are liking it. Love your "WOW!" :D I get scared sometimes saying a lot (LOT) of good things about a product/service just in case my enthusiasm is a bit much or gives others too high an expectation.

The tune really is good. And as you highlight - Pete's generosity with his time and patience and his professionalism amounts to great service.

I had a couple of mates in my barge today... Carpooled to a group dinner and dropped them back. Not a long drive, maybe 20 min with some reasonably heavy but fast moving traffic. They commented on how "quick" my barge was. At between 60-80km/h in 4th and 5th gears the instant "rush", or powerful surge forward, was a buzz whenever the right foot demanded. They loved it!

[cuppabillytea]

Well Tact.
I've gone and ordered the 170 HP Autobiography + intercooler. Hoping to join the throng of happy fans soon.
Cheers Billy.

[tact]

Well Tact.
I've gone and ordered the 170 HP Autobiography + intercooler. Hoping the throng of happy fans soon.
Cheers Billy.

By the look of the number of happy campers - it's not just me being starry eyed. I think you are going to love it, Billy!

:D

[ozy013]

Which of the BAS remaps did you go with ozy013? (City or Autobiography)?



I went with the City, fine for my style of driving.

[ProjectDirector]

Well Tact.
I've gone and ordered the 170 HP Autobiography + intercooler. Hoping to join the throng of happy fans soon.
Cheers Billy.


I am considering this myself but what is the cost with this group buy, is there much saving?

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Considering this also if the price is right. However everytime someone posts a link to the price the page doesn't have that information

[filcar]

Considering this also if the price is right. However everytime someone posts a link to the price the page doesn't have that information

This page has the pricing for the 2.2 Puma tool and remaps


https://secure.bellautoservices.co.uk/store/defender-tdci-bas2-remote-remap-control/

[filcar]

I am considering this myself but what is the cost with this group buy, is there much saving?



The saving is you don't pay GST or any import duty. If you get the 170HP remap there is a fair chance Pete will throw in the 150HP as well.

[ProjectDirector]

The saving is you don't pay GST or any import duty. If you get the 170HP remap there is a fair chance Pete will throw in the 150HP as well.


Around $3000 !!

[Beery]

The saving is you don't pay GST or any import duty. If you get the 170HP remap there is a fair chance Pete will throw in the 150HP as well.

Exactly. Pete Bell is generously paying the GST & Import Duty (15%) on top of his already very good offer of the free unlocked ECU and only paying postage on the intercooler if you choose to buy one with a BAS2 remap package.

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

So just confirming - you get a blank ECU and a tuning tool (remap control) sent and delivered to OZ for 760PS for the Autobiography 170hp tune - with no further import duties or GST?

Cheers.

[Beery]

Around $3000 !!

Close. Take a zero off that

[Beery]

So just confirming - you get a blank ECU and a tuning tool (remap control) sent and delivered to OZ for 760PS for the Autobiography 170hp tune - with no further import duties or GST?

Cheers.


Correct

[ProjectDirector]

Close. Take a zero off that


I meant total cost of map and inter cooler, not gst.

[filcar]

I meant total cost of map and inter cooler, not gst.



Yes it is an expensive exercise, although closer to $2,400 then $3,000 for both the 170HP remap and the Allisport performance intercooler (which is cheaper from Pete than from Allisport direct).


For your money you also receive an unlocked ECU to keep (Pete is selling these for 295 pounds), the 150HP remap and Pete provides ongoing support and development of both the remap tool and his remaps.


I'm satisfied on a value for money basis but that is a judgement for you to make I guess.

[tact]

Yes it is an expensive exercise, although closer to $2,400 then $3,000 for both the 170HP remap and the Allisport performance intercooler (which is cheaper from Pete than from Allisport direct).


For your money you also receive an unlocked ECU to keep (Pete is selling these for 295 pounds), the 150HP remap and Pete provides ongoing support and development of both the remap tool and his remaps.


I'm satisfied on a value for money basis but that is a judgement for you to make I guess.

A lot of the value remains if you (ProjectDirector) choose to go 150hp instead (the improvement in driving smoothness remains, as well as a nice bump in hp/NM and the second ECU). The map is a little less expensive, no intercooler needed so some significant savings there too. You only lose that 20hp difference between 150 and 170hp.

[ProjectDirector]

Thanks guys for the feedback. A couple of more days to assess the financial priorities.

[jackdef90]

A lot of the value remains if you (ProjectDirector) choose to go 150hp instead (the improvement in driving smoothness remains, as well as a nice bump in hp/NM and the second ECU). The map is a little less expensive, no intercooler needed so some significant savings there too. You only lose that 20hp difference between 150 and 170hp.

BAS should be paying you to sell his gear, you deliver a damn good sales pitch haha

[tact]

BAS should be paying you to sell his gear, you deliver a damn good sales pitch haha

Don't throw flowers or compliments... throw money! :twisted:

Yeah maybe I should consider a change in career. Am getting a bit tired of what I have been doing the past 16yrs....

[clive22]

Hi

Mapped and running today, without a real good test drive, seems to work well - smoother and more responsive in each gear and less shunt in 1st and 2nd which I disliked and was the main reason I purchased the re-map.

I'll be giving it a highway run this weekend to see how its goes in the upper gears rather than in traffic around town.



Clive

[tact]

I followed some links from the BAS web page to the Bowler Motorsport pages.

The Bowler Defender 90 challenge trucks are built with a 170hp/450NM tune.

Some of us just fitted a BAS 170hp/450NM tune

Doesn't make our barges Bowlers. But let's see you try to un-read the above.

:twisted:

[AndyG]

I may be stating the obvious but:
Don't use 6th to put the power down, ( in a 2.2), it's not the strongest gear
Drop down to 5th which is on the main shaft and is the strongest,
I presume 2.4 is same principal less 1 gear.

If I've got it wrong I am sure someone wil correct me.