Thread: Chip Re-mapping

Do not ever fit an intercept box of any type...... its a shonky way to tune anything.

Despite claims of not removing safety systems or preventing engine protection - they all do to some extent.


much of the "lag" will be from torque limiting - otherwise it would break traction every time you boot it off the line.

This will make you smile.... doesnt remap the engine so no risk, will improve your driving feel though.

EVC Throttle Controller for LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

As already mentioned any of the plug in style tunes really are rubbish.

If you want it done professionally look for a tuner that uses a vehicle dyno.
If not, then its just guess work.
Over the years using a dyno for tuning has been a real eye opener.
Every vehicle will tune with different results.
This thing of tuners selling "this is a stage 1,2 or 3 with the XX NM" results is a labelling package for consumers and not real world results.

BUT... why anyone would touch a engine tune while under new car warranty really does have me scratching my head.

Originally Posted by Tombie

This will make you smile.... doesnt remap the engine so no risk, will improve your driving feel though.

EVC Throttle Controller for LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

Thanx for this lead Tombie - I hadn't considered a Throttle Controller, but it seems to meet my needs perfectly......and follows the sage advice to avoid tampering with engine tune.
There's a few YouTube vids showing the advantages of the EVC Throttle Controller, and it seems like a smart product to overcome what I thought was turbo-lag, but is in fact in-built throttle hesitancy.....designed by the factory engineers (for fuel efficiency? emissions control? driveline protection?). And at $299 it's considerably cheaper.
Appreciating this help from the AULRO community. Thankyou guys....

Hi Tall One,
Is your D250 a mild hybrid unit?
I was under the impression that the mild hybrids did not suffer the same lag/hesitancy that the rest of us diesel owners have to put up with....?

Originally Posted by Tall One

Has anyone tried any of the various ECU Chip upgrades out there, and would you recommend?
My RRS is an MY22 D250 (183kw/600Nm) with the new in-line 6 cyl.....and whilst it is incredibly smooth, and adequately powered, there is pronounced turbo lag from take-off and low speed travel (around roundabouts, etc).

I have found 1 crowd that have a product to suit this new engine, and they quote this -
Our Diesel Chips are supported by a 32 bit Micro processor platform and associated software compiled and running on it. It adapts and dynamically responds to RPM and Load and never alters or overrides your vehicles original safety parameters. Your Vehicle's ECU always stays in control of fuel delivery making the process totally safe.
By fitting one of our diesel chips you can expect gains of 20%+ but the most noticeable improvement you will notice is a reduction of turbo lag and more usable low down power and torque.

They had me at 'reduction in turbo lag'....and 'more usable low down power and torque' would come in handy when towing.

It's an $850 expense, which I'm willing to pay (still heaps cheaper than the dealer was asking to upgrade to the D300 221kw engine), but just wanted to see if there's anything I should know, or that I need to ask them before taking the plunge. I am comforted that there is a 30 day money-back guarantee, so if the promises aren't fulfilled I can return it. They say that because it is a plug-and-play removable module, the service dept need never know that it was fitted.......but I question whether it would leave a history in the ECU that could affect the warranty in the event of a claim.

Any experience or suggestions are appreciated....
Alan

Hi Alan,

I would be trying the throttle controller first.

If you still want a tune, speak with Matt at The Horsepower Factory Dandenong. He really knows his stuff.
They have done 3 of my cars including my RRS SDV8.

Cheers, Craig

Originally Posted by Gregz

Hi Tall One,
Is your D250 a mild hybrid unit?
I was under the impression that the mild hybrids did not suffer the same lag/hesitancy that the rest of us diesel owners have to put up with....?

Hi Gregz...
No it is not - the only mild hybrid available in a RRS in Aus is the P400 - 294 kW 3.0ltr turbo petrol. The D250 MHEV is available in Defender tho.
My sales contract from July 2021 refers to my engine as a D250, but that nomenclature is now used on the LRA website for the MHEV 183kW engine. Confusing.
And the 183kW Diesel engine is seemingly not available now - the RRS engines start with the 221kW. Given that my MY22 is the current model, it seems strange that they would delete an engine mid-model.

Anyhoo - I intend to purchase an EVC Throttle Controller, so I'll report back on the difference it makes to the drivability.
cheers
Alan

So I purchased the EVC Throttle Controller for my 2021 D250 RRS and fitted it last night (in 10 minutes - it's truly very simple) - here's my initial review.....

The controller has 3 modes :-
Eco (settings 1-9) - this is an off-road mode, that makes for a "subdued" takeoff, and a very slow acceleration. This is slower than the factory setting. Not for city driving.
Ultimate (settings 1-9) - this mode varies from responsive in U1 to super responsive in U9. In U9 the car was manic - takeoffs were incredible, it truly launches the car off the line. Would be hard on the drive-train, and is not very comfortable for the occupants. U1 is still brisk, but not nearly as jerky...
Auto - this mode also delivers brisk responsiveness, and apparently adjusts to the driving conditions & your driving style.

I have left it in U1 for now, which seems a little bit milder than Auto mode. I purchased the RRS for it comfortable ride and smoothness (amongst other things), so I don't wish to detract from that.
The rolling throttle responsiveness seems much improved also, from my short test drives. It seems to have virtually eliminated that hesitancy when accelerating out of the roundabout or around the corner.
I noted that in all modes there is still a momentary hesitation (probably turbo lag) before the full response is delivered, but it is not troubling. I just need to adjust my driving style to apply less pedal to keep the acceleration smooth.....but it is a considerable improvement over the factory settings, and has removed the 'dead pedal' effect.

And in time I'm sure I will learn to drive it smoothly.

Alan