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Anyone tuned a CRD yet?

168K views 741 replies 88 participants last post by  Wadeaus 
#1 ·
I've done a bit of reading on here and have yet to see any threads regarding tuning the CRDs. Does anyone even make tuning software for these things yet? I have some friends with Duramax's and the amount of power you can tap from a diesel is unreal. Now obviously, you won't be getting anywhere near what they are getting out of the Duramax, but I would think it should be fairly easy to get a 50hp/100ftlb. bump out of a CRD.

Thoughts?
 
#207 ·
My gc overland is 4 weeks old ... I have installed the ( chip express module in the car and you can tell its a little more lively ... Ihavent turned it all the way up yet as you can adjust it i think it has around 18 stages of increase .all it really does is increase fuel rail pressure in small incredements .....
I bought it in from england as these guys have played with these cars for a long time .....not cheap around $600.00 aud
hope this is helpfull
 
#209 ·
I'll be looking in to a full ECU remap sometime this year, only problem is its a 700 mile round trip so I'm hoping to take a holiday in that area soon. If no one gets one before me I'll let you all know how it's goes, I think increased fuelling and increased boost would make a lot more of a difference than the plug in units, in the long run depending on reliability I'd like to get a larger downpipe, decat and dpf removed, this should really liven things up.
 
#212 ·
I used Celtic Tuning for my 300c and I trust them, there's a lot of people doing remaps now but with something that's costs as much as this I'd rather use someone I trust.
 
#214 ·
Well the Bluespark pro + boost arrived to day, went to install it and the plugs looked wrong, s:?t, sent Bluespark an email and they responded within an hour (of them starting their work day, 8+ hour time difference).
Followed the email and found the correct fuel rail pressure sender plug and the turbo boost pressure sender plug.
Started the GC and all good, they seam to be talking, tidied up the Bluespark harness, cable tied everything down, replaced the engine cover, and time for a drive!.
First impression (only a short 10 minute drive), engine seems more responsive, possibly less turbo lag off the line ( will have to give it more time to tell for sure), set cruise control 70km, went up a slight hill that before the GC slowed slightly and revs would drop a smidge, with Bluespark up the slope no drop in speed and no revs drop not even a change in engine note!, did a moderate 0-100 and at just over half throttle if felt as quick as it use to at full throttle.
So far I'm happy, I will report again in a week or so.
Yoda
 
#217 ·
Hey Yoda,
Any chance of a 0-100 with your foot to the floor?? :cool:
 
#218 ·
For the new 3.0 CRD
No tuners have honest average before and after results on the same dyno or before and after 1/4 mile speed? Either transmission.
When they do that with results the orders will come especially when some good reviews follow.
Can't wait to order my VM 3.0 CRD.
 
#224 · (Edited)
For the new 3.0 CRD
No tuners have honest average before and after results on the same dyno or before and after 1/4 mile speed? Either transmission.
When they do that with results the orders will come especially when some good reviews follow.
Agreed! There seems little doubt that chipping the CRD provides real power and torque relatively easily. However, it's the fuel consumption claims that I think are sus. They claim fuel is saved because the added torque allows the box to stay in higher gears longer. Sounds logical so far. So by that logic a Hemi WK2 would be more fuel efficient than a Pentastar WK2? I don't think so!
 
#219 · (Edited)
I own a Ford Excursion 7.3 litre diesel that is moderately moded with custom ECU tuning, larger injectors, aftermarket turbo, 5 inch exhaust, and beefed up transmission. Its pushing 410 RWHP...was 275 stock. I have some experience with this and have seen the mistakes.

Words to the wise:

1. DO NOT TUNE/CHIP YOUR DIESEL WITHOUT INSTALLING A PYROMETER (EGT GUAGE) IN THE CAB.

A diesel is a heat pump with less dynamics and constraints than a gas burner. A/F mixtures do not have to be precise. More fuel = more power as long as you can get rid of the heat AND continue to make boost (to provide air). Failing to keep EGTs below 1200 degrees will anneal the turbo's impeller blades...remember they are in the exhaust stream.

2. A FREE FLOW INTAKE AND EXHAUST SHOULD BE USED. If you plan to tow, race, or any driving that pushes EGTs above the vehicle's safe limits, a free flowing intake and exhaust can reduce EGTs significantly. Someone on here commented about their chipped GC smelling burnt after towing...that is a sign of high EGTs and potential damage. An EGT gauge and observant driver would have prevented this. Refer to #1 above. Since a diesel is a heat pump, anything you do to make the pump have less inlet and outlet restriction lowers heat retention. A big inlet filter/air box mods and less restrictive exaust allows the motor to work harder without retaining high exhaust gas temperatures.

3. TURBO LAG AND BOOST ARE A RESULT OF HEAT. Heat spins the turbo (ok, expanded air which happens to be hot). More fuel burned makes more exhaust flow which makes boost. It takes time. A big shot of fuel from idle will make more heat and spool the turbo faster but will result in a lot of black smoke. A civilized diesel will have more lag but no smoke. Variable volume turbo inlet housings help but there is no cure. Hold your left foot on the brake and add throttle before launching to have quicker boost. :)

4. TUNED DIESELS CAN DESTROY A STOCK TRANSMISSION. A turbo can literally double the torque at lower speeds and most trannies won't live under these conditions. The new 8 speed looks beefy...we'll find out how its built soon enough. Just like the motor, heat kills trannies too. If you tow heavy and have your motor "turned up" with proper EGT gauge, intake, and exhaust, it may be able to work continuously at a level greater than your tranny can handle. The tranny has to dissipate heat also. A trans temp gauge is important if you tow heavy.

Having said all that...when I get my GC CRD here in the US, it will be chipped and hopefully DPF disabled. Anything done right can be done safely.

Keep up the testing and let us know what you find....but be safe, get guages!

bd
 
#220 ·
Great write up. The Bluespark caught my attention for the same reason as it claims to reign in high EGT through increased airflow. One would hope that this claim is based on what can "actually" be acheived through the current inlet and discharge set up. I might be right in saying one or two members on this thread have OBD plug in's and might be able to confirm or otherwise?
 
#221 · (Edited)
That's an interesting claim they are making.

If its only a tuner, how does it increase airflow efficiency? Increasing airflow is purely a mechanical function on a diesel as far as I know. Injection pressure, timing, and duration versus rpm and throttle are basically what they control. The safer tuners can de-fuel as EGTs rise. That's a nice feature. All-out racers don't care about EGTs claiming you can't cook a turbo in 13 seconds....yes, there are diesel daily drivers that run low 13's in the 1/4. Really radical diesel racers are in the 10's with a 4x4 super duty pickup. 1500 RWHP/1400 TQ....amazing.

Gale Banks claims the GC's VM 3.0 block is reliable to 600hp. 200hp/litre is world class!

bd
 
#228 · (Edited)
It's a little more messy with the turbo, DPF, sensors all over the place and a CAN that throws a tizzy every time you sneeze. No doubt people will do it, particularly those into street racing with little regard for the law or the environment. However, down here is Oz, we are more into long distance touring in harsh environments often towing something. We want the grunt but not at the expense of reliability. Reliability is king!
 
#230 ·
So I've had the Bluespark Pro + Boost in for 3 weeks now.
Engine is more responsive and there is definitely more power, can't give any figures, as I have not dyno tested and have not had any chances to do timed 0-100km runs, but you can feel the extra power.
I have tried a few settings now, it came on map 6, power 75%, this felt very strong and engine was very willing to rev!. I tried map 7, power 95%, even more zing, felt super strong, I found I was having to be very very gentle on the throttle or I was using about 2L/100 more fuel than before chip (it was fun though ;-) ), I am now running it on map 3, power 80%, still more willing to rev, and it feels like it bogs down less on hills without having to down shift, also using @ 1L/100 less fuel around town (added bonus). Easy to install and it has thrown no codes on any of the settings, for under $500 AU landed to my door (I chose the express postage) I think it's good value.
We are going on a 2 month holiday towing our camper trailer (1 week to go ), so will be interesting to see which setting is best for that !.
 
#255 ·
So I've had the Bluespark Pro + Boost in for 3 weeks now.
Engine is more responsive and there is definitely more power, can't give any figures, as I have not dyno tested and have not had any chances to do timed 0-100km runs, but you can feel the extra power.
I have tried a few settings now, it came on map 6, power 75%, this felt very strong and engine was very willing to rev!. I tried map 7, power 95%, even more zing, felt super strong, I found I was having to be very very gentle on the throttle or I was using about 2L/100 more fuel than before chip (it was fun though ;-) ), I am now running it on map 3, power 80%, still more willing to rev, and it feels like it bogs down less on hills without having to down shift, also using @ 1L/100 less fuel around town (added bonus). Easy to install and it has thrown no codes on any of the settings, for under $500 AU landed to my door (I chose the express postage) I think it's good value.
We are going on a 2 month holiday towing our camper trailer (1 week to go ), so will be interesting to see which setting is best for that !.

Hi Yoda,

Just wondering if your back yet & how the Jeep went with the Bluespark?

I was also wondering what you do when a service is due, do you remove the bluespark at service time & would it leave any trace for the dealer to see?

Cheers
 
#231 ·
My Bro has his Bluespark on setting 9 and it pulls well with no fault codes, for the money there hard to beat.
 
#233 ·
I don't notice any lag from a standing start and she pulls hard all through the rev range, the difference from standard is really noticeable.

I'm not that bothered about mpg but if you are mines averaging 29.5mpg at the moment, that's with alot of town and country road driving.

I went for the non boost model as i'm planning on a full remap when I can get a day of work, which at the moment might be a while.
 
#234 ·
#235 ·
If anyone has bought the Bluespark I would recommend setting 9, I changed mine from 8 last night and the drive to work this morning was awesome, she just keeps pulling right round the rev range, even if your after better economy i would recommend trying it just for the grin it'll give you.
 
#236 ·
OK, I need a few creative ideas how to get this Bluespark over the line past the minister of war and finance......unfortunatly and without offence, she is obviously not as educated as myself and is oblivious as to the mandatory requirement to have one fitted to my CRD. I've tried the direct approach "F' it, if your going to be like that I'm going to order it anyway" without success. I therefore need a few ideas how to disguise it as something else ....something perhaps for the home, or the garden, or a perhaps a fake donation to some made up off shore charity organisation in the middle of Africa.....that sort of thing. Any creative ideas? (...and yes, I am a mouse).:eek:
 
#237 ·
A quote from the Bluespark blurb, "...will cure most fuelling problems such as flat spots, hesitation and excessive turbo lag."
"You want our car to be safe to drive, don't you, Luv?"
 
#239 ·
I just ordered a Bluespark Pro. At $477 Aussie bucks all up incl postage ( use Paypal- it saves those obscene "overseas transaction fees" using Visa ). it is riduculously cheap & has got to be a very good value mod. Should have it in a cuppla weeks , will advise how it goes to install & after a road test late night moonshot!!!!
 
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