Thread: D2 V8 ECU upgrade / reflash

Have a look at RPI engineering in the UK.

They have heaps of Rover V8 performance parts and sell Tornado chip sets.

I am looking at getting their Tornado chip if it suits the 2002 D2 V8.

but 12 KW where??

if its 12 kw at 4 grand,, who cares??
if its 12 kw at 2 grand then thats different!

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

but 12 KW where??

if its 12 kw at 4 grand,, who cares??
if its 12 kw at 2 grand then thats different!

This is from the info for the Mark Adams Tornado Chip;

"Both 4.0 and 4.6 engines gain approximately 10-15 horsepower, and the engine will rev much more smoothly and eagerly. Improvements in fuel economy of 10-15% should also be seen, along with elimination of the usual flat spot between 1750 and 3250RPM. In stock tune, most of the available response is seen on the first and last 25% of the throttle pedal travel, whilst the 50% in the middle doesn't make much difference -- this characteristic is eliminated as well. Many other operating characteristics are addressed, including idle speed, idle stability, shift patterns, cold starting, cranking fuelling, rev limit, etc, resulting in a much better driving experience."

They dont state where the extra power is made, but do make note of the improvements between 1750-3250RPM.

Here is the graph from the website.

From what I can tell it shows a constant increase in power though the whole rev range and an increase in torque with the main increase being around 2000-3000RPM.

I am not aware of anyone in the world (inc Tornado/Adams) who does replacment Fuel and or Ignition Timing chips/EPROMS for Bosch ECU's in D2 RV8's. That dyno chart looks like a GEMS 4.6 not a Bosch 4.6. If that is the case your only option would be a piggyback Hatech or similiar even then I would question the gains over $ involved inc of dyno time.

After a bit of searching I have found another company.

Powerchip Powerchip Performance Software Tuning for BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Porsche

Their website claims they can do a 2002 disco, however it needs to be done by a technician as the standard chip needs to be un-soldered and a new one soldered in.

I did not realise you could not easily remove them.

The Bruce Davis one for the D2a is a reflashed upgrade.

They have alreay done the dyno work+tuning prior in the development stage i guess, so for $600, it seems reasonble priced, for drivein, drive out.

I think Graeme Cooper offer the haltech piggy back, and then dyno it to suit your car, but the cost is like 3 times, but u would get the best out of it. But I assume it would only be a small increase over the BD version.

if its 12kw across the range, then that looks good.

Bruce Davis has just installed a 4.6 in my 2000MY D2 and says he 'chipped' it as well by remapping the ECU. I questioned him on that and he's said that on the non flashable ones that they remove the ECU and reprogram it, then resolder it in place. Does this sound right ?

Cheers

George