We've just read a couple of threads on diesel chips. We have a 2009 NT Pajero and have been researching the pros and cons. We like the sound of the Steinbauer because it doesn't interfere with the ECU. They claim a 20% increase in power, but some 4WD magazine comparos don't back this up. We're just about convinced to go ahead, but it's a lot of money if the outcome is negligible. We'd also like an improvement in fuel consumption. Steinbauer don't claim this, but there may be some benefit. Maybe an exhaust upgrade is the better way to go? In an ideal world, we would do both but like most, we have to consider the budget. Is there anyone out there who has fitted a Steinbauer, who could advise us on the results?
We've just read a couple of threads on diesel chips. We have a 2009 NT Pajero and have been researching the pros and cons. We like the sound of the Steinbauer because it doesn't interfere with the ECU. They claim a 20% increase in power, but some 4WD magazine comparos don't back this up. We're just about convinced to go ahead, but it's a lot of money if the outcome is negligible. We'd also like an improvement in fuel consumption. Steinbauer don't claim this, but there may be some benefit. Maybe an exhaust upgrade is the better way to go? In an ideal world, we would do both but like most, we have to consider the budget. Is there anyone out there who has fitted a Steinbauer, who could advise us on the results?
G'day Peekay, if you google Pajero 4wd club of Victoria you will find a lot of information or you can join and post your request re pro's and cons of power chips for NT Pajero. You dont have to be a member to use the search function.
When deciding whether to have a chip fitted I did a lot of research and I must admit everyone I spoke to who had a Steinbaur fitted reckoned that the economy claims were false. However, the same could be said for all the chips I asked about when they were fitted with no consideration taken to the exhaust. Simply put, any benefits in power or economy are lost as soon as the gases hit the baffles that are in modern exhausts. I have a 2009 Pathfinder 2.5TD and tow a two and a half ton (fully loaded) van. Whilst the Pathfinder pulled it with no problems, it was very slow at take-off and you always had the feeling that there was extra power available, but you couldnt get access to it without the turbo screaming. I went to see a diesel specialist who came highly recommended. Whilst able to offer the Steinbaur he recommended a 'Chip it' chip with a new section of exhaust called a DPR race pipe, an EGR backing plate and a fuel pressure limiter billet. Whilst I have no idea what all this does all I can say is the result is amazing. The cost was $1600 fitted and while this seems expensive the following figures will show I will be paying this back in no time through reduced fuel costs. In fact I think every 5th fill is free on the savings I'm making.
I was not expecting much of an improvement in fuel consumption, but the improvement is incredible. I was getting 12 ltrs/100km around town and this has now dropped to 7.2ltrs/100km. On a run I have had it as low as 5.7ltrs/100kms!
Towing was anywhere between 16ltrs/100km and 24ltrs/100kms dependent on road and wind conditions. This has dropped to an average of 11.5ltrs/100kms.
However, the main improvement is in power. I can now put my foot on the pedal and there is instant acceleration. The main benefit of this is in safety. On a recent trip up the Great Northern Highway I was able to overtake road trains going up hill! The Pathy comes in at 405kN. With the work done it now outputs in excess of 600kN.
The advantage of the Chip it chip is that it is adjustable. It has 15 settings. I have had mine set on setting 10. If I was to put a 3 inch exhaust on at some time in the future, the setting could be simply increased for even more power. The exhaust gases are monitored by a little display on the dash board. If it gets too hot the chip automatically adjusts to a lower setting until the temperatures are deemed safe again.
Now, I do not know how warranty would be affected with a new car, but my tug is just coming out of warranty so I couldn't care less. I asked my local Nissan dealership and they didn't even know what a chip was!
I couldn't praise the thing enough, but I do think you should take advice on having more than just a chip fitted. Alone it will not produce any great benefit.
One of the principals of Diesel Care (Steinbauer agents) has been known to me been since his childhood and I know him to be an very ethical person and can recommend his business on this basis. His late father was a very good friend of mine.
I don't have sufficient knowledge of diesel chips or mechanicals generally to comment on the pros and cons of particular units.
And I have no problems with Steinbaur chips, or any company. I simply state that a person should look at an improvement package rather than simply fitting a chip.
I've had a DP Chip fitted to my Hilux for several years and I couldn't be happier with it. I believe the DP chip was invented by Berrima Diesel. About a year after I had it fitted, I had a little problem with it and all it needed was a slight adjustment. I took it out to get it adjusted and couldn't believe the difference. Loss of power and torque was unbelievable. When I put it back in, I could really notice the difference. I tow a 19' van and my fuel consumption rarely moves off 15 lts/100 kls.
As a separate issue, the DP chip was mounted at the front of the engine bay, not very far from my CB aerial. The CB aerial coax passed by the DP chip and when the engine was either idling or I was moving slowly, using the CB radio made the engine cut out. It didn't matter which channel I was using, I could press the PTT button on the mic and the engine would stop. To fix the problem, I wrapped the DP chip in alfoil and earthed it and I never had another problem with it. I reported this to the manufacturers and they denied that this could happen. It wasn't my imagination as I demonstrated this to many people.
-- Edited by Captain on Friday 24th of August 2012 09:10:47 PM
Thank you everybody for taking the time to reply to our query. We're checking out the Pajero 4WD club as we 'speak' and Grahame, your diesel specialist really sounds like he knew what he was about. We wish we were closer to some of the specialists who develop or supply the various chips and exhausts. Diesel Care and Beaudesert Exhausts have been very helpful via email and phone, but there's nothing like a good chin wag to sort things out!
I was very interested in the chip it and exhaust modification as am running with a 2008 Navara stx Auto and towing a rig of same age and weight of 2500kg.
Suffer with same problems in consumption and power issue.
I am in WA and would appreciate any knowledge of anyone of repute to carry out such modifications.
Gooday, I have just fitted a DP chip and 3 inch exhaust to my PK ranger, whilst I haven't towed my van yet the performance of the ute has improved by a considerable amount uphill, cant wait to go somewhere with the van on. I bought the DP chip and exhaust from Berrima Diesel because the designed and built the chip and exhaust here in Australia.
