Today I drove a CTDi 150 Astra with a 200 bhp chip

[Zak33]

Is that onboard mpg or actual miles done vs fill up at the pump values?

I'm sceptical of the sites that say they give x increase in HP AND MPG unless I see it for myself in real world as I know my onboard computer was fooled after the first service it thought the tank was 2 gallons smaller than it was for some reason so the mpg was up in the 70's instead of 50's

Finlay, I've given you a Thanks for that, because it's EXACTLY what I thought.... very sceptical.

But... tank to tank, fuel in and fuel out, the trip computer is the SAME as it was, so it IS better on fuel

It's gonna cream tyres though.

[Guy]

Talking of 'consumables' . . .

Whats it going to do now to the life of the clutch/gearbox/drivetrain combo . . . . .

Surely the extra torque is going to limit the life of those items?

I know usually most OEM stuff can actually handle a fair bit more grunt, but is this also the case for an MPV?

[dangel]

Talking of 'consumables' . . .

Whats it going to do now to the life of the clutch/gearbox/drivetrain combo . . . . .

Surely the extra torque is going to limit the life of those items?

I know usually most OEM stuff can actually handle a fair bit more grunt, but is this also the case for an MPV?

Yup it will do - been in TDI's with slipping clutches post-chip. Varies from car to car as to what it'll take - VAGs last gen six speeder handles up too 300nm before it goes bang but a racing clutch is advised for big power upgrades (info based on a reputable tuner's experience). You're also going to be ragging the turbo if it's done badly (i.e. excessive boost) which i've seen more than once (hence the arguement for good mapping with dyno to back it up [and specific to the car in question too]). Chipping has it's place but it has it's limitations (and downsides) if done in ignorance and isolation. I worked out that the next level up of power upgrade was going to cost me 5-6k simply because to do it right meant clutch + turbo + intercooler etc etc. Easy to get a car to go quick for a while, long term reliability is more difficult to achieve. Of course driving style comes into it - and you'll bugger up the car all the quicker with off-the-line antics versus deploying it on the go.

[Butcher]

I wouldn't and haven't. Chipping my turbo petrol transformed the car in all honesty. It's not all about powa - it's about driveability and how the boost is sustained in comparison. Also, I don't have to worry about torque eating my clutch

Likewise, worth every penny.

Presumably that 300nm in the VAG 6 speed box is for the one fitted to 1.9TDIs only? As the 2.0TDI has 320/350 nm stock so would nuke it's clutch even without a chip.

[zoomee]

hey mate,

check out http://www.astraownersnetwork.co.uk if you ain't already - great discounts on the DTUK stuff and great advice from andrew (DTUK owner) himself.

Unfortunately had to sell my silver CDTI astra (boxed 200bhp) as sum git keyed it twice all down drivers side - jealous BEEEEEEEEEBS!

I can honestly say it was the fastest deisel I had owned - uber light with super torque worthy of a skyline!, was sad to see it go

TIPS: Help reduce smoke by:
A)- De-restricting airbox
B)- Fitting K&N aftermarket air filter

site above is highly recommended as the guys on there are a friendly bunch and all lurve their boxed stuff.

watch out for dodgy EGR valves (can also be cleaned manually - great guide on astraownernetwork available.

Also try some Eibach lowering springs - makes a world of difference to the ride at very little comfort cost

have fun :>

[kalniel]

Also try some Eibach lowering springs - makes a world of difference to the ride at very little comfort cost

On stock shocks?

[zoomee]

aye mate - I was a bit sceptical about it myself but the Eibach's make the world of difference. Theres two different types - pro line and sports line - One drops the rear slightly lower than the front - I went for the ones that dropped both front and back equally.

Think they only drop about -20-30mm, but in terms of ride REALLY made a big difference to the handling of my car (insurance didn't bat an eyelid over it either when i declared em). i had the XP kit on my Astra (18" RIMS) and was worried the sports coils would kill the ride, but way and behold - it made only a little difference to the bumps but LOADS of difference to the handling - my wife couldn't tell the difference except for me whining about curbing the rims

remember - power is nothing without control

In terms of economy the box DOES make a difference for motorways and dual carriageways (i saw gains of 5MPG extra on regular runs to glasgow and back) - but I ended up losing economy on my usual work run (only 2.5 miles there).

Only downside was the extra dark smoke and the fact you need to change your oil every 6k (about £50) - oh and its recommended to use 5w/30 fully synthetic oil if getting your CDTI boxed or chipped.

check out www.astraownernetwork.co.uk - its very comprehensive about the difference between boxed and chipped - includes torque and rolling road figures, also tons of advice from the man who actually sells these boxes from DTUK - Andrew (aka Abyss) is a VERY handy guy to know......