A lot of people say that a remap is better than a tuning module / chip. There are different ones such as the resistor mod, and I can appreciate that these are markedly inferior. However, the Dragon ones are supposed to be much better are they not -- digital, and adjustable, and therefore safer for the engine. I appreciate that you might get more power out of a remap, but the module is about half the price of a remap (on ebay etc), so apart from the power deficit, if this module is safer than a resistor modded Fabia, then WHY would it be inferior to a generic remap (if indeed it is)?

This type of tuning module seems often overlooked in favour of the cheaper ones and in favour of proper remaps.... but surely its a good substitute for a remap at a cheaper price?

As I see it, the external modules can only control fueling, whereas the remaps can control fueling *and* boost pressure.

I could be wrong... not clued up on diesel tuning... yet!

It all depends what you want. For me, 30 quid for a resistor tuning box (made by Dragon) to get me an extra 20-30% power seemed like the best value for money and the resistor is set conservatively so it runs within safe parameters. This is why the power is down on a remap. The only difference, as far as I can tell, with the more expensive Dragon tuning boxes is they offer variable resistance.

A remap will ultimately be better in terms of smooth power delivery and overall power but is it worth (at least) 10x the cost to you?

Chris

Paul,

The resistor in a box type boxes con the engine management into delivering more fuel by giving a false fuel temperature reading. The fueling is altered throughout the rev range at the same rate. They are good for a modest increase in power but on later cars can cause the engine management light to come on that will need to be reset by a dealer or VAG-COM. At some points in the rev range you maybe overfueling at other points you may not be producing the maximum power that is available for the airflow available.

The more complex tuning boxes intercept signals to either the engine management or electronic fuel pump (Depending on engine version) and will modify the signals the car receives. The better ones will adjust fueling depending on air flow/throttle position/load/etc. On the adjustable units you can trim them to take advantage of all the air available at standard boost pressure and make sure you are not producing smoke.

A remap has a big advantage over the tuning box because you can raise boost pressure as well as fueling. On top of that a good tuner can produce a map to suite your driving style or preference as well as protecting drive componets from shock loads.

A Resistor in a box tuning box may give you fault logs and void your warranty unless you have VAG-COM.

A Tuning box shouldn't cause any issues with dealers as long as it's setup OK and taken off before service.

A remap will void your warrenty unless you have a friendly dealer.

All three will put added stress on the drive train including clutch and gearbox etc. The higher you go with torque and power the more risk you take.

Cheers

Lee

Thanks lee, that makes it much clearer for me...

I tried a

Dont worry FunkySi, I'm so unbelievably skint at the moment I cant even afford to put diesel in it, let alone bid on a tuning box

These are just ideas for the future...

The only solution is to take the box off and visit your Skoda dealer. Mine asked if I had been thrashing the car as the fault codes had gone bananas.

Or the other way is to do it yourself with VAG-COM

Chris

I tried a

i could make some money here

Si' date=' wot will you pay me not to bid on this item???

JD[/quote']

You got private health insurance??

You got private health insurance??

Life and critical illness, but i assume what you have in mind wouldn't be covered under the latter of the two.

:P