tune/re-map?

~Spyne~ · 18-01-2009, 12:46 AM

hey all, thinking of some small things i can do the focus to get a little more power or fuel econ out of it ('sif its not economic enough already)
i dont really know squat about cars mechanically, but have been told that rather than going down the path of swapping parts or adding one of those plug-in modules, it would be cheaper to get a tune or re-map (two different people have used the two different terms)
now i dont really know whats involved with either (or if they're the same thing), how much it will cost, what benefits (power or fuel econ) i can expect, or how long it will take.

does anyone have some advice, and/or recommendations on where to go?
i live in ballarat, vic. the car's an '07 tdci.

cheers

adam

melbzetec · 18-01-2009, 08:13 AM

Rob Herrod is now the SCT Dreamscience agent in Australia. He can sell you a standard remap or do a custom tune for any of the late model Euro Fords.

Not sure of the price, but give him a call.

Effectively, you buy a small tuning module which plugs into the OBD port. Push a few buttons, and the module downloads the existing standard map and stores it, and replaces it with a more optimized engine tune. Unplug it, store it somewhere safe, and you're on your way.

My understanding is you can get BIG improvements on the TDCI

Tj-zetec · 18-01-2009, 01:40 PM

I've heard that too about the tdci. Not sure what it does power wise (thing would be a hoot to drive with even more torque!) but i've also heard good things about fuel economy too.

Loris · 18-01-2009, 03:03 PM

i would love to know more info about this as well..
melbzetec do you have any brands or sites i can visit with more details regarding the module?

RJO89 · 18-01-2009, 03:43 PM

Try www.european-parts.net. Then click on Ford Focus Mk2, then performance-->engine and find the Code:Red tuning module for the TDCi. Looks like you can get torque increases of 45nm as well as bhp increases! Sounds good to me!!!

Loris · 18-01-2009, 03:50 PM

pricey :(

~Spyne~ · 18-01-2009, 04:25 PM

hmmm, yes i have seen those modules on ep, but i was wondering if u can just take it to a mech shop and have them retune it for u, for a cost. i dont really like the idea of outlaying $1500 for something that will be used once.

melbzetec · 18-01-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Spyne~

hmmm, yes i have seen those modules on ep, but i was wondering if u can just take it to a mech shop and have them retune it for u, for a cost. i dont really like the idea of outlaying $1500 for something that will be used once.

Used just once???? The tune is like anything else...it works every time you drive the car. Like a new exhuast or intake or any other engine mod that you fit "just once".

Plus if you make modifications to the car further down the track, you don't have to buy the module again. And ideally, you use it to get a custom tune for your car.

The cost of these things is largely attributable to the research costs of cracking the ECU code in the first place.
Ford doesn't just hand out out their program codes!!!

So no, your local mechanic won't have a clue how to reprogram your ECU.

And I'm not sure it will cost as much as $1500 locally.

Again, I'd call Rob Herrod and ask. They have only just taken on the Dreamscience (Euro based Fords) franchise. Can no doubt offer a generic tune, and also custom tuning

Romulus · 25-01-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Spyne~

hmmm, yes i have seen those modules on ep, but i was wondering if u can just take it to a mech shop and have them retune it for u, for a cost. i dont really like the idea of outlaying $1500 for something that will be used once.

A fair point.

However, where else are you going to get as much bang for your buck with any other modification? See my link above if you're unconvinced.

3 tunes plus your original and a XCal2 box is good value IMO. Like I said, no other mod is going to give you as much power increase for a $1500 outlay.

If you don't like, don't buy

Mullett · 25-01-2009, 08:00 PM

Those are MONSTER differences, the car would be a totatally different beast to drive after that! I wonder if he will sell the map, that way it could be directly uploaded to your car by anyone with the tuning tool...

-RM.

~Spyne~ · 19-01-2009, 06:54 PM

cheers. i must have just gotten confused when u said

Quote:

Unplug it, store it somewhere safe, and you're on your way.

thinking u meant that u just plug it in once, it does its thing, then u unplug it and never use it again (unless u want to go back to factory settings)

Loris · 19-01-2009, 09:46 PM

that is what his saying actually..
but melbzetec does make a valid point.. just because it isnt always physically connected doesnt really make it any different to a normal mod you would perform on your car, exhaust etc.

maybe ill buy one and u can all rock up to my joint in your stock tdci's leave 5min later with a fully sick tdci and $100 out of pocket :P

melbzetec · 19-01-2009, 09:49 PM

mmmm No. They are vin locked so that you can only use it to tune one car

sumpPUMP · 20-01-2009, 04:40 PM

Do they have any place in WA where u can get them?

and im sure they'd have them for focus' other than tdci??

orsest170 · 20-01-2009, 07:26 PM

These guys offer about the cheapest tuning option that I'm aware of:

http://www.chippeduk.com/

I got the ST3 flash tuner when I had the Golf GT Sport TDI, and at the time it was 300 pounds delivered ($620), so it was very reasonably priced. At the moment they are about 315 pounds (after you subtract the VAT), so still good value.

I was very pleased with the gains, and the power delivery. I still have the unit, and I am selling it to a member of this forum who has an 08 Focus TDCI. I'm just waiting for them to send me a software update, so the unit can be used on the Focus. Once I get the update, I'll send them 100 pounds for the Focus TDCI map, and we'll be able to let you know how it goes.

Mullett · 20-01-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumpPUMP

Do they have any place in WA where u can get them?

and im sure they'd have them for focus' other than tdci??

Indeed they can, talk to BPT motorsport in Wangara...

-RM.

marg99 · 21-01-2009, 06:59 PM

Seems to be quite a few similar offers for chipping TDCI eg:
DIESELPOWER ChipTuning offers

Series 100 kW 136 PS 320 lb-ft 236 lb-ft
Diesel Power 118 kW 160 PS 377 lb-ft 278 lb-ft

Injection System Common Rail Delphi
Diesel Power Module DIGI CR BD
Article Number DPCRBD
Adapter FCI Siemens
TÜV Certification Yes
Price 649 $

Romulus · 25-01-2009, 02:10 PM

I've just seen the results on ls1.com.au forums on a LV Focus XR5T. Over 80% increase in torque at 4800rpm and 35% increase in power. A HUGE increase in midrange torque. Stock intake and exhaust too!

Link here

Going to get the Focus tuned next week

Herrod Motorsport · 29-01-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVS Super Pursuit

I've just seen the results on ls1.com.au forums on a LV Focus XR5T. Over 80% increase in torque at 4800rpm and 35% increase in power. A HUGE increase in midrange torque. Stock intake and exhaust too!

Link here

Going to get the Focus tuned next week

That tune is a custom tune using our SCT software and flash unit ,the tune was done by Martin Donnan who works for us . We are planning a tuning course that will be avaliable to all the sct tuners in australia to give them the knowlege to tune focus and all euro vehicles in australia

Romulus · 29-01-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herrod Motorsport

That tune is a custom tune using our SCT software and flash unit ,the tune was done by Martin Donnan who works for us . We are planning a tuning course that will be avaliable to all the sct tuners in australia to give them the knowlege to tune focus and all euro vehicles in australia

How much will the tuning course be Rob?

When you say 'our SCT software and flash unit' you refer to the software and flash units available direct from SCT in the US?

I'm not getting the Focus tuned atm as something else has come up but may be interested in attending the course.

Herrod Motorsport · 29-01-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVS Super Pursuit

How much will the tuning course be Rob?

When you say 'our SCT software and flash unit' you refer to the software and flash units available direct from SCT in the US?

I'm not getting the Focus tuned atm as something else has come up but may be interested in attending the course.

We are now the official distributor for SCT flash tuning products of the USA ,and have just finished the development and release of the x cal3au for the australian market as part of our ongoing service and back up for SCT we offer training courses to tune shops that use the sct advantage 3 software.The training course is only avaliable for tune shops that use advantage 3 software.