Diesel tuning chips

[DMGit]

Hi all - new here so probably about to ask a question that's been asked before!!!
I've just bought a clean 02 low mileage 108cdi Vito - which for a van seems pretty nippy! but, what it will be like loaded maybe a different matter. I know buggerall about these engines so can anyone offer any advice on whether it's worth putting on a tuning chip.
Apperently they increase the BHP to 110 from 82 plus increase the mpg - bla bla bla!
Do these things work and are they worth having - any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

 

[FIBAMAN]

could it be remapped? then there is no physical change to anything.

 

[maddog]

Most companies nowadays simply remap the ecu , i fitted a tuning box to my W210 E320 CDI about 30,000 miles back and it made a big difference , more power and better economy , most importantly the car just drives nicer on the motorway

Its been well worth it , mine is a Van Aaken unit

 

[Parrot of Doom]

What did that cost maddog?

 

[maddog]

There were about £500 but this was 4 years ago

They add around 40hp and seriously alter the 0-60 time

I dont thing Van Aaken do them anymore though just ecu remaps

 

[mister_cee333]

I've a 2002 308cdi sprinter (same engine as yours) which has been re-mapped to about 110 bhp. Cost me £350 if memory serves me right.

Pro's - quicker, more responsive, better fuel consumption if driven normal/fairly gently
Cons - smokey if using full throttle (which puts you off using full throttle), worse fuel consumption if driven fast.
Summary - yes I'd do it again (have driven about 50k since re-map)

 

[Bill312D]

but faster wen driven fast too, right? And does the 308 Sprinter now keep up with 311's? as it should be making the same torque and horses

 

[mister_cee333]

but faster wen driven fast too, right? And does the 308 Sprinter now keep up with 311's? as it should be making the same torque and horses

Yes its faster. It can now keep up with 311's but if you're fully loaded pulling up a hill its awful smokey, to the extent that you need to lift your foot a bit, therefore giving the 311 the edge. And the diff ratio is different so the 308 doing 70 is about 3200 or so revs, but the 311 is only at 2750 or so - therefore making the 311 a more relaxed motorway cruiser.