Does anyone have experience of the Tuningbox on Audi A4 Tdi 90bhp? I am considering purchase of similar vehicle but would appreciate the claimed extra bhp/torque for towing. I've checked the web-site and it would appear that the turbo boost/wastegate is not affected. Are there any reliability problems? If a claimed 25% increase can be obtained so simply why are the devices not incorporated by manufacturers as original equipment? Any experience would be greatly appreciated.
Peter Leech
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Peter
I have a TB on my Focus Tdi, and it certainly does transform the performance, without making my already excessive consumption any worse! (See my thread on that topic) - there is no significant change in mpg when it is fitted. Power delivery is v smooth, and mid-range acceleration now completely satisfactory - I find the standard car rather too highly geared for its power. AND it comes off very easily for servicing.
In Diesel Car mag they explain the manufacturers' not tuning to this level as "Because they don't HAVE to!". This seems to have been supported, in a way, by VW's ability to boost their power almost at will!
I'd suggest you have a chat with the importer, Chris, and discuss any reservations you have. I have found him very helpful & 'customer-oriented'. (Feel free to mention my name - 'Roger B with a Focus!' - if you wish.)
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Peter - I am thinking of purchasing the same type of tuning box for my car. (A4 110 TDi). Chatting to our European friends in Germany, Holland etc they all run TDI's of some description and the 'Tuning Box' is widely talked about.
I spoke to my local diesel specialist and they confirmed that it is a cracking bit of kit and should cause no problems, although he was slightly mystified as to the claimed 'no turbo boost modification' claim. Surely to get more power from a modern Turbo-Diesel, upping the boost pressure AND fuelling is the way to incresed power. Just playing with the fuelling parameters would surely only lead to increased smoke emission from the tailpipe.
My advice Peter is to go ahead and buy it - please report back on your progress. I'm sure many will be watching.
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Roger,
Where did you buy your Tuning Box and how much did it cost?
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David
From memory, Siegerland UK, Park Road, Jarrow, Tyne & Wear. Tel (I think) 0191-428-6226. I'll check, but there is a website, www.tuningbox.com
Prices vary according to the type of fuel pump, from about £350 to about £450.
Pricey for a small box of electronics, wires & a couple of plugs, but I'm satisfied with the value for money I've got.
Proprietor is Phil Reed, nice fellow who for some reason I always call Chris!
I have checked - correct, + the post code is NE32 5JL, and email brakesuk@msn.com (I haven't used this). It's a small, family company, I believe, and the phone is not always answered promptly - persevere!
Cheers
Roger
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Everyone I know here in Germany who has used a similar device on there TD (red)Is have gone on to destroy the motor due to premature cam belt failure.They cannot hack it these VAG motors
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Roger - Many thanks for the info - I will 'attempt' to contact them!
With reference to the cambelt issue - I think this comes down to a point of basic vehicle maintenence. Were the belts checked every 20000 miles for signs of edge wear - thus indicating the age-old tensioner/jockey wheel problem that VAG had with this engine not so long ago?
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I was talking with a fellow owner last week, he got his car chipped by Star performance in Glenrothes. I asked Honest John about chipping a 107,000 mile A4 and was surprised to find my engine is probably over 2/3 rds of the way through it's life, the advice was not to do it.
Tim
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