DTUK Tuning Box Setting

Bubba Gross · Sep 13, 2015

hi, recently fitted a stage 2 DTUK tuning and pedal box.

As others have said it totally transforms the van. I have the 180 Bitdi and DSG. Considerably less lag on pulling away and engine pulls all the way to 4500...

DTUK don't tell you the difference between programs 1-3 but say performance increase is the same for all programs, so I assume the difference in programs is more to do with the delivery (torque curve)

I have been playing with the various settings, and am curious on what others are using...

Currently on Program 3 +1

Andy · Sep 13, 2015

I have the peddle box & was going to fit it but my insurance underwriters threw a wobly when asked about it. So it sits in my office unused.
My main aim was to try & get the DSG to perform in a slightly more friendly way. ie get rid of the WTF moments.
Have read really good reports about them though.
So sorry I can not help you. But will be interested to hear how you get on with it.

Gary&Heather · Nov 23, 2016

Bubba Gross said:
hi, recently fitted a stage 2 DTUK tuning and pedal box.

As others have said it totally transforms the van. I have the 180 Bitdi and DSG. Considerably less lag on pulling away and engine pulls all the way to 4500...

DTUK don't tell you the difference between programs 1-3 but say performance increase is the same for all programs, so I assume the difference in programs is more to do with the delivery (torque curve)

I have been playing with the various settings, and am curious on what others are using...

Currently on Program 3 +1

Hi I have recently purchased one of these I'am finding fitting the pedal box a bit hard I physically can't get in to undo the clips how did you manage it I'm not the most nimble person so that doesn't help lol thanks Gary.

sidepod · Nov 23, 2016

I was under the impression external tuning boxes don't alter the whole ECU map but only part of it.

ECU maps are made up of several maps i.e. Fuel injection duration , fuel injection quantity, throttle position, boost, road speed etc.

External boxes only do part of the job.

In my opinion, not as good as a full remap.

Good luck.

briwy · Nov 23, 2016

sidepod said:
I was under the impression external tuning boxes don't alter the whole ECU map but only part of it.

ECU maps are made up of several maps i.e. Fuel injection duration , fuel injection quantity, throttle position, boost, road speed etc.

External boxes only do part of the job.

In my opinion, not as good as a full remap.

Good luck.

Agreed but the advantage is that they can be removed and fitted to another vehicle if required whereas most remaps are there for good.
We have had a DT box on our Yeti for the past four years and it is brilliant. More power but a LOT more torque so driving is much more relaxed without so much gearchanging to overtake etc. Can't say there is an improvement in mpg but tha's probably because we use the extra power, no such thing as free lunch. With our box there is the facility to take the lead out of the box and put in a bypass plug which then reverts it to standard. We chose the DT box as it doesn't just pump in more fuel but measures other things as well as Sidepod has said.

Andy · Nov 23, 2016

Gary&Heather said:
Hi I have recently purchased one of these I'am finding fitting the pedal box a bit hard I physically can't get in to undo the clips how did you manage it I'm not the most nimble person so that doesn't help lol thanks Gary.

Hi Gary, long time since I tried mine. But I do remember it was an absolute bugger to get the in to remove the plug from the peddle & plug the box in. Ended up with cuts on my hands.
Do check with your insurer, as stated earlier in the thread C&CC underwriter did not want to know about it.

Gary&Heather · Nov 23, 2016

Andy said:
Hi Gary, long time since I tried mine. But I do remember it was an absolute bugger to get the in to remove the plug from the peddle & plug the box in. Ended up with cuts on my hands.
Do check with your insurer, as stated earlier in the thread C&CC underwriter did not want to know about it.

Hi Andy already checked with my insurance they said it was okay to go ahead which is interesting because mine is through the C&CC as well the insurance company is Redstar.

Janno · Jan 13, 2017

Remap or boost box I'm still not sure which way to go......

My fuel economy is not good on my 174 BNP 2008 Cali SE 4motion......in fact my previous car a Range RoverSport TDV8 was far more economical and that had a built in diesel heater to help the vehicle warm up quickly on cold days also.

A local recommended tuning company has offered a full remap service at a cost of £220 with claims that 219 BNP and an increase in torque to 373 lbs ft are achievable, the fuel economy would only increase by 5% though......but an eco remap would give 12% increase in fuel consumption but with only 196 BNP and torque of 335 lbs ft.........which way to go...is £ right.......confused.com....any technical advice would be much appreciated.......,Janno

sidepod · Jan 13, 2017

Do I need some BNP's in my engine?

B J G · Jan 13, 2017

My past experience in dealing with tuning boxes, in relation to a Peugeot based Motorhome.
Not an expert guide.

Some boxes only have a resistor inside that fools the CPU into giving higher fuel feed. Not necessarily the cheap ones. This type of box usually connects into the manifold sensors. The resistor can be variable giving the impression of being able to fine tune it yourself.

Remaps are a reprogramming of the engine CPU and need to be done by an expert as it changes the engine characteristics. If done badly there can be both short & long term damage done to the engines mechanics. What works on one make of an engine doesn't on another.
It is reasonable to assume that the factory CPU map caters for all fuel grades and vehicle use rather than what would be found with a Cali. Wouldn't expect that to be part of VW's conversion from a van straight off the production line.

Commercial vehicles need torque, cars need BHP.

Engines and fuel systems wear especially fuel injectors which can lead to excess fuel being injected continuously.

Perhaps going to a diesel engine specialist with the option to remap as necessary would be the way to go.
Rolling road setup best.

Since the introduction of higher grade Diesel from BP & Shell I've found that the extra cost is returned in lower fuel consumption with the benefit of increased performance. Initially trialled when I towed a caravan with positive results. Used ever since on long or loaded trips.

I see VW are doing a 240PS version in the Tiguan with 369lbs ft of Torque which is a bit mind blowing for a 2ltr diesel. Basic engine obviously pretty rugged.

Janno · Jan 13, 2017

sidepod said:
Do I need some BNP's in my engine?

Hi Sidepod......BNP'S indeed lol......me and my sausage fingers BHP.........Janno

Janno · Jan 13, 2017

B J G said:
My past experience in dealing with tuning boxes, in relation to a Peugeot based Motorhome.
Not an expert guide.

Some boxes only have a resistor inside that fools the CPU into giving higher fuel feed. Not necessarily the cheap ones. This type of box usually connects into the manifold sensors. The resistor can be variable giving the impression of being able to fine tune it yourself.

Remaps are a reprogramming of the engine CPU and need to be done by an expert as it changes the engine characteristics. If done badly there can be both short & long term damage done to the engines mechanics. What works on one make of an engine doesn't on another.
It is reasonable to assume that the factory CPU map caters for all fuel grades and vehicle use rather than what would be found with a Cali. Wouldn't expect that to be part of VW's conversion from a van straight off the production line.

Commercial vehicles need torque, cars need BHP.

Engines and fuel systems wear especially fuel injectors which can lead to excess fuel being injected continuously.

Perhaps going to a diesel engine specialist with the option to remap as necessary would be the way to go.
Rolling road setup best.

Since the introduction of higher grade Diesel from BP & Shell I've found that the extra cost is returned in lower fuel consumption with the benefit of increased performance. Initially trialled when I towed a caravan with positive results. Used ever since on long or loaded trips.

I see VW are doing a 240PS version in the Tiguan with 369lbs ft of Torque which is a bit mind blowing for a 2ltr diesel. Basic engine obviously pretty rugged.

Thank you for your input BJG.....some interesting points there mate......cheers Janno

Janno · Feb 4, 2018

Hi Guys, I know it's a long time since my last post re remapping etc, however just thought I'd update you, I've now had a full remap 50/50 performance/economy and found that my Cali now drives super smooth, accelerates with added Oooomph and returns a healthy 34-35mpg on a journey......One happy Cali owner

Mike Maguire · Jun 21, 2018

Janno said:
Hi Guys, I know it's a long time since my last post re remapping etc, however just thought I'd update you, I've now had a full remap 50/50 performance/economy and found that my Cali now drives super smooth, accelerates with added Oooomph and returns a healthy 34-35mpg on a journey......One happy Cali owner

Interesting Janno … my 08 174 tip. is scarily thirsty round town … where did you get your remap done?

Janno · Jun 21, 2018

Hi Mike, my remap and egr delete was carried out by a company called Carscout based near Oxton Nottinghamshire, they came highly recommended by friends in the motor industry as remapping, ecu wizards, my son had a turbo boost problem on his Audi A3 and because it only took them 25minutes to sort they didn't charge him...that's service for you!!!.
I've done quite a few long motorway journeys since my California remap and it still gives around 35mpg and super smooth. So I'm still very happy and only cost £180.00

Mike Maguire · Jun 24, 2018

Janno said:
Hi Mike, my remap and egr delete was carried out by a company called Carscout based near Oxton Nottinghamshire, they came highly recommended by friends in the motor industry as remapping, ecu wizards, my son had a turbo boost problem on his Audi A3 and because it only took them 25minutes to sort they didn't charge him...that's service for you!!!.
I've done quite a few long motorway journeys since my California remap and it still gives around 35mpg and super smooth. So I'm still very happy and only cost £180.00

Thanks Janno!