Thread: TD5 ECU Upgrade

Originally Posted by solmanic

OK, I know this topic has poked its head up every so often, but since we're all so free and easy with information I thought I'd give it another run. Some of the information posted before may have distilled a bit and clarified too.

What do people recommend in the way of ECU upgrades for 02MY onwards TD5 Defenders? Not intercoolers, not exhaust mods - just the ECU. And... what are the potential problems? - heat, wear, fuel consumption etc.

I would like to focus on just the ECU as I have just had a quote for $1600 to install a plug-in module (not sure what brand) by Techno-British here in Brisbane. What have other people paid for plug-ins, replacement ECUs or re-mapping?

Off we go chaps...

There was a thread this morning by Tombraider, look in the market place alerts or on todays posts

That's part of my reason for posting this - I would like to get a breadth of opinions about who does what to ECUs, where and for how much.

I put in the Bruce Davis ECU last october.
(00TD5 Disco auto).

Has made the disco a whole new car with plenty of power and torque on tap. It is a real pleasure to drive.

Economy has remained the same, the only downside is a small puff of smoke when you first bury the foot( no suprise there).
Never had any issues with the ECU
Fitted for $800
I highly recommend it

Remember though usually more power = less life. Is this the case with chipped cars?

noobie question: i've only ever seen chips mentioned for series 2 discos - is there one available for my '98 disco Tdi (series 1)?

Dobbo I'd say yes & no. Helpful I know.

Increased bmep = more stress on bearings etc = shorter engine life. Taking advantage of the power, revving it harder = shorter engine life. A diesel that blows smoke under power dilutes the oil, = shorter engine life.

On the other hand, the TD5 is a world engine. Its been detuned to cope with the crappiest diesel available anywhere (crappy = cetane rating & sulphur content, not impediments, algae & other nasties in there)

So the TD5 responds to a moderate chip without unduly affecting engine life, if its not blowing smoke. I'd go further & say a moderate chip is kinder on the drivetrain - surely its not as hard on the engine gearbox etc to put your foot down for a few seconds up a hill & going over in top, compared to changing down, using more revs in a lower gear, clutch & synchro wear etc.

Just my thoughts

Regards
Max P

Solmanic -- what are your plans for your car? Do you plan on keeping it or selling it in a few years?

Why are you considering it? Do you tow? What sort of driving do you do?

Originally Posted by DannyH

noobie question: i've only ever seen chips mentioned for series 2 discos - is there one available for my '98 disco Tdi (series 1)?

Only the TD5 is computer controlled to be able to take a chip, the 300TDi in your disco is essentially a mechanical unit. it can be tweaked, but there is no computer to chip.