ECU remapping on a turbo diesel - pro's and con's?

orange71

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OK, moving on from tyre choice, I might look at ECU remapping. Essentially I want better fuel economy. I have a '1999 Saab 93 2.2TiD turbo diesel. I get a respectable 40-45mpg average, up to 60mpg on a long run at 60mph. Most of my mileage is a 15 mile each way commute though.

Is it worth doing? How best to go about it? What should I pay and what improvement should I expect in mpg potentially?

Bear in mind it has 178k on the clock, but has been looked after.
 
15 mile commute ?

should not take you that long on a bike . :wink:

and I dont even know what an ECU is . :lol:
 
There are two main drawbacks I can immediately think of:

1) The extra torque may affect the clutch. Now, this is not a direct effect as the clutch itself will no doubt be rated miles beyond the existing engine output. The problem is that drivers tend to 'ride the torque' on remapped oil-burners i.e. get lazy about changing down. That is the real cause of early clutch failures (IMO).

2) Upping the boost pressure, BHP and torque will find all the weak points in your car. Although it may be entirely reliable now, at 168k the joints, hoses, bushes and mounts will be well on their way. Putting extra strain through these components may tip them over the edge.

I remapped a 10yo Audi A3 1.8T (petrol). The main failure directly caused by this was a burst turbo hose as the turbo was running hotter and at higher pressure. It was an easy fix with a replacement high-temp silicone one, but I shit myself when it went as I was doing 70mph and it went pop! :lol:

If you have anything like a dual-mass fly wheel it may help that to expire.

Another big complaint is diesels becoming v. smokey after a remap. This is unburnt diesel and is caused by the settings of the remap itself, a diesel should be able to be tuned without this happening.

I don't really know anything about SAAB as I was in to tuning VAG engines, but the principles are all the same. I'd get on an owners forum and look for a recomended tuner and talk to them.
 
Oh, I'll add a third then as yours appears to not be doable via the OBD port:

3) Insurance. ECU flashing is virtually undetectable so many don't bother to tell their insurers (the ethical/moral issues aside). Yours will need the ECU ripping out and resoldering, so you would defo need to tell your insurers.

One final point, most don't really get improved MPG from a remap as they develop a heavier right foot enjoying the extra power. For the sort of mileage you are doing I would balance the cost of the remap and extra insurance premium against the likely negligable saving in fuel.
 
Yes I read about this OBD port which only appeared in 2000 or so... hmmm. I take your point about heavier right root. But if I was sensible...?
 
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