Thread: Modifying a TD5 for more performance

Originally Posted by thebiglad

I did this last week to my '99 TD5 auto (de-EGR'd) and to be honest I didn't think it improved performance at all - but what it did do was to create a real droning noise when working on an autobox car. On my mates manual box car it works better. I've now put the std centre box back, it was that bad on an auto car.

Odd, my 03 D2 was also decatted, and when I removed the centre box it made a world of difference in performance. The droning was not too bad either - SWAMBO did not even notice the difference

Originally Posted by Naks

Odd, my 03 D2 was also decatted, and when I removed the centre box it made a world of difference in performance. The droning was not too bad either - SWAMBO did not even notice the difference

What can I say mate? I've tried this on my previous '98 TDi 300 auto and it was the same - no extra performance but the droning noise was just not nice.

In the past I've had all sorts of motors some of which have had barely legal exhausts and they sounded great, but Disco autos and the way they work seem to me to be an unsuitable candidate for this mod, just my opinion of course.

To be honest I wish it did transform my TD5 - I've got the straight-thru pipe sitting in the shed gathering dust


Cheers
Dave

Originally Posted by thebiglad

To be honest I wish it did transform my TD5 - I've got the straight-thru pipe sitting in the shed gathering dust

Dave, I cannot comment on the TDi.

On the Td5, there is empirical evidence (just cannot remember who posted it and where though) that removing the middle box helps the turbo to spool up faster and reduces EGTs. The dyno printout from that article shows there is a noticeable difference pre- and post-removal.

If there is no improvements, however small, possibly there is something else wrong with the engine that is now being revealed? Have you checked boost pressure and other such fiddly bits?

Originally Posted by Naks

Dave, I cannot comment on the TDi.

On the Td5, there is empirical evidence (just cannot remember who posted it and where though) that removing the middle box helps the turbo to spool up faster and reduces EGTs. The dyno printout from that article shows there is a noticeable difference pre- and post-removal.

If there is no improvements, however small, possibly there is something else wrong with the engine that is now being revealed? Have you checked boost pressure and other such fiddly bits?

Hi Naks and thank you for walking me along this road. Maybe it's because I tend to drive like a granny but I 'm sure nothing noticable was happening any better.

I have a HawkEye and have checked using live data that all the measurable components - MAF, MAP turbo etc - are all working to spec.

Maybe I just need to drive it harder to feel the difference?

Cheers
Dave

Originally Posted by thebiglad

Hi Naks and thank you for walking me along this road. Maybe it's because I tend to drive like a granny but I 'm sure nothing noticable was happening any better.
I have a HawkEye and have checked using live data that all the measurable components - MAF, MAP turbo etc - are all working to spec.
Maybe I just need to drive it harder to feel the difference?

Nope, most of the gains occur at low revs, where you would have noticed quicker acceleration due to the turbo spooling up earlier. I also drive like a granny

Originally Posted by Naks

Nope, most of the gains occur at low revs, where you would have noticed quicker acceleration due to the turbo spooling up earlier. I also drive like a granny

I understand that theory as I've applied to many Discos TDi and TD5 that have cats in their downpipe and changing them really does make a noticeble difference, but centre pipe - Nah! not in my case.

If it did make the care feel more lively then I could put up with the noise a bit easier - but "blow and no go" just isn't for me.

Cheers any for trying to help,

Dave