Chip tuning

[RYAustralia]

Just let me know when you blow the drivetrain!

Hey ScotsItalian,
ScotsAustralian here. The vehicle I used in Namibia came with a DTE PowerControlX chip tuner - It was in use for the whole of my 3,000km Namibia self drive trip. I thought it was fantastic. I have the same spec vehicle at home in Australia (Diesel Trialmaster) except there's no DTE on mine (yet). The difference in performance and fun was noticeable and an even bigger grin when driving a grenny. Loved it so I brought one from mine. Can't beat tried and tested... and I really put the Namibian gren through its paces - it never missed a beat. I'm still waiting for enough free time and dry weather to do the install on my Gren without rushing the job. The Namibia vehicle had done about 20k km and I believe more than half of that was with the DTE installed. Worked without a fault my whole trip. The owners are main car dealers and haven't had a problem with DTE installed on Ineos, or on Mercedes either which is another of their big brands. I'll only use the mid setting on the controller as that's plenty fast enough for me, better performance for not much increase in fuel consumption is perfect. App controlled via Bluetooth so it will be easy to switch to boy racer mode if I really wanted to - but I mostly won't.

I also had my Puma Defender 110 ECU tuned back in the day - from Pete Bell in the UK. Added springs from the 130, and a red booster clutch assist to it, and it went from slug to something quite respectable that went round corners amazingly well, and yes more grins - even getting a speeding ticket in outback Australia couldn't spoil the fun (Proud moment ;o). lol) Have ECU tuned my current BMW X6, and a Range Rover in the past. All became far nicer driver vehicles. In my experience, the extra power takes a lot of the hard work out of driving in extremis, I don't go crazy, just enough to make it fun (and often safer driving) without cooking the engines.

In summary, I am a massive fan of both chip or ECU tuning. As long as they perform well and I've driven both types, I don't really care which is in place. My opinion - do your own research, select a good quality reputable brand name, and they will add to the fun without killing your precious.

 

[Cheshire cat]

Hey ScotsItalian,
ScotsAustralian here. The vehicle I used in Namibia came with a DTE PowerControlX chip tuner - It was in use for the whole of my 3,000km Namibia self drive trip. I thought it was fantastic. I have the same spec vehicle at home in Australia (Diesel Trialmaster) except there's no DTE on mine (yet). The difference in performance and fun was noticeable and an even bigger grin when driving a grenny. Loved it so I brought one from mine. Can't beat tried and tested... and I really put the Namibian gren through its paces - it never missed a beat. I'm still waiting for enough free time and dry weather to do the install on my Gren without rushing the job. The Namibia vehicle had done about 20k km and I believe more than half of that was with the DTE installed. Worked without a fault my whole trip. The owners are main car dealers and haven't had a problem with DTE installed on Ineos, or on Mercedes either which is another of their big brands. I'll only use the mid setting on the controller as that's plenty fast enough for me, better performance for not much increase in fuel consumption is perfect. App controlled via Bluetooth so it will be easy to switch to boy racer mode if I really wanted to - but I mostly won't.

I also had my Puma Defender 110 ECU tuned back in the day - from Pete Bell in the UK. Added springs from the 130, and a red booster clutch assist to it, and it went from slug to something quite respectable that went round corners amazingly well, and yes more grins - even getting a speeding ticket in outback Australia couldn't spoil the fun (Proud moment ;o). lol) Have ECU tuned my current BMW X6, and a Range Rover in the past. All became far nicer driver vehicles. In my experience, the extra power takes a lot of the hard work out of driving in extremis, I don't go crazy, just enough to make it fun (and often safer driving) without cooking the engines.

In summary, I am a massive fan of both chip or ECU tuning. As long as they perform well and I've driven both types, I don't really care which is in place. My opinion - do your own research, select a good quality reputable brand name, and they will add to the fun without killing your precious.

I have the DTE throttle commander. That too made a huge difference. Haven’t yet pressed the button on the tuning box, but thinking about it.

 

[TelRidan]

I just got boost pressure and throttle control codes from a check engine light on the Grenadier. I’ve been using the DTE throttle box and tuner for a while now and this is the first time I’m having problems. Any advice?

 

[S52]

I just got boost pressure and throttle control codes from a check engine light on the Grenadier. I’ve been using the DTE throttle box and tuner for a while now and this is the first time I’m having problems. Any advice?

Remove it and revert to stock?

Im pretty sure theres a reason the vehicle is tuned the way it is from the factory for a reason. If all it took was a software mod to get 2mpgs’s and 50hp out of it reliably then the Gren wouldve come with that particular tune (especially the boost in MPG’s) which would make a big selling point.

I know the B58 is the “Supra Motor” and theres plenty of examples of folks pushing those cars to 600+HP out there… but the Gren is no Supra. Weighs in at over 2K lbs more. Theres a reason our variant was detuned from the start.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Dokatd]

Remove it and revert to stock?

Im pretty sure theres a reason the vehicle is tuned the way it is from the factory for a reason. If all it took was a software mod to get 2mpgs’s and 50hp out of it reliably then the Gren wouldve come with that particular tune (especially the boost in MPG’s) which would make a big selling point.

I know the B58 is the “Supra Motor” and theres plenty of examples of folks pushing those cars to 600+HP out there… but the Gren is no Supra. Weighs in at over 2K lbs more. Theres a reason our variant was detuned from the start.

Just my 2 cents

I appreciate your opinion, but it's simply not correct. The largest reason is so the truck can use lower grade fuels without issue. Additionally, Ineos is simply protecting itself by detuning the engine so much that it is "Bullet Proof". But in reality you can get more out of it and still be just as reliable, they are just super conservative. This is the same with the transmission and axle ratings.

 

[Bluesurf]

I have two, The Iobox Tuner and The IO Box Throttle Controller. Bought them from Agile OffRoad. Both are stellar, never an issue or code and plenty pf power.

 

[RYAustralia]

I just got boost pressure and throttle control codes from a check engine light on the Grenadier. I’ve been using the DTE throttle box and tuner for a while now and this is the first time I’m having problems. Any advice?

Throttle controllers are known to give issues over the years and I father that hasn’t changed much. Many mechanics here in oz have told me that is the commonest component to cause engine lights /limp home mode in outback breakdown call outs. Remove the throttle controller isi usually their fix of choice before doing anything else. ECU tuners rarely give trouble unless on extreme/sports settings was the general comment.

I used the DTE controller on a stage 2 setting without any issue on my loaner vehicle on vacation. The owner told me they haven’t had issues with it despite having done over 17,000 kms.

My guess would be throttle controller is the likely culprit.

 

[RYAustralia]

I appreciate your opinion, but it's simply not correct. The largest reason is so the truck can use lower grade fuels without issue. Additionally, Ineos is simply protecting itself by detuning the engine so much that it is "Bullet Proof". But in reality you can get more out of it and still be just as reliable, they are just super conservative. This is the same with the transmission and axle ratings.

Agreed. I’ve had almost every vehicle I own chip tuned over the last decade or more. Never had any issues except once when I pushed a Range Rover beyond its limits. Easily fixed with a quick retune to more sensible levels of power.

 

[Swankenstein]

I would not be worried at all about the driveline handling the power of a tune on this B58 engine or ZF transmission. There are people running very high HP and torque numbers with the B58 engine and the ZF 8-speed is one of the most widely used auto transmissions in the world. Used in very fast vehicles like M550i and X5 M, Audi A8, S6, S7, Range Rover sport, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, and Bentleys as well.

The offroad transfer case prop shafts, and axles should all be heavy for the 4 low abuse. The extra HP should only ever be used on road. When offroad if a person is driving like they're in a Jeep tv commercial they're going to break stuff for sure no matter what.

 

[Zimm]

I appreciate your opinion, but it's simply not correct. The largest reason is so the truck can use lower grade fuels without issue. Additionally, Ineos is simply protecting itself by detuning the engine so much that it is "Bullet Proof". But in reality you can get more out of it and still be just as reliable, they are just super conservative. This is the same with the transmission and axle ratings.

Its WWL v braking strength. Unless you're ferarri of RUF 99.99999% reliability keeps you in business. In this instance I think Ineos was more concerned with the drivetrain behind the engine after gear reduction, but who knows. Either way, I always viewed offroad/overland in a light duty truck that saw highway use, as not needing more than 250hp/300tq. after that, I'd rather see improvements in efficiency than power. If I want to go fast, I'll buy something that goes fast. (cameras and data logging ECU's ruined that game for me)

 

[Zimm]

The extra HP should only ever be used on road.

Nice theory, that is if you had a choice. The engine doesnt know where you are or what you're doing when stepping on the gas. It doesn't detune itself. It's why I kept the 2f in the landcruiser and didn't throw the LSx in after gearing down to 250:1. I didnt feel like dealing with mulched gears, worn joints, and twisted springs, when it wasnt going to do what I wanted any better.

 

[Texas Grenadier]

I just installed the BlueSpark Tuning Chip and man, it makes a huge difference! I have it set right in the middle and it's enough power to feel a difference.

Ineos Grenadier B58 286PS - 3 Channel Pro Petrol Turbo Tuning Module

Increase Power & Torque, Warranty Friendly, Bluespark Plug & Play 3 Channel Pro Petrol tuning box for Ineos Grenadier B58 286bhp 210kW 450Nm

bluesparkautomotive.com

Reach out to Offroad Gear Guys and Marty stocks them!

 

[scottandserena]

I just installed the BlueSpark Tuning Chip and man, it makes a huge difference! I have it set right in the middle and it's enough power to feel a difference.

Ineos Grenadier B58 286PS - 3 Channel Pro Petrol Turbo Tuning Module

Increase Power & Torque, Warranty Friendly, Bluespark Plug & Play 3 Channel Pro Petrol tuning box for Ineos Grenadier B58 286bhp 210kW 450Nm

bluesparkautomotive.com

Reach out to Offroad Gear Guys and Marty stocks them!

Question. How long did it take you to install ? My dealer has said that to make sure its taken out before service or it could void the warranty
So I have concerns about it possibly breaking down somewhere , I need to put in back to stock on the side of the road before the tow truck comes and takes it to the dealer

 

[anand]

Question. How long did it take you to install ? My dealer has said that to make sure its taken out before service or it could void the warranty
So I have concerns about it possibly breaking down somewhere , I need to put in back to stock on the side of the road before the tow truck comes and takes it to the dealer

Install for the piggy backs are generally 3 connectors under the hood... to put it back to stock is <5 minutes

 

[scottandserena]

Install for the piggy backs are generally 3 connectors under the hood... to put it back to stock is <5 minutes

Sweet. Thanks !

 

[scottandserena]

And just ordered the Blue Spark!

 

[Texas Grenadier]

Install for the piggy backs are generally 3 connectors under the hood... to put it back to stock is <5 minutes

anand is correct - very easy to install. One of the connectors is super tough to unclip (Fuel injector sensor), so be patient and done rip it out!