Tuning boxes ???

[blueblood1995]

Has anyone had any experiences with a tuning box? Can anyone provide any recommendations?

I have a 159 2.4 JTD and wanting to squeeze a little more from the engine.

I understand these boxes are no substitute for a proper remap but interested in everyone's thoughts.

Having done a bit of Googling I've come across the following boxes which provide different claims although all essentially do the same thing:

Novitec
http://www.novitec-sportiva.com/en/30-Novitec-Powerrail-5?c=155

RaceChip
http://www.racechip.com/racechip-ultimate/

Spider
http://www.dieseltuning.co.uk/spider-performance-pack.html

and

TMC Motorsport
http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/EngineGearboxTuningProducts.aspx#tuningboxanchor

From what I've read I can see the following:
POSITIVE - partial engine performance and fuel savings improvements, easy to install, can be removed, no expensive mechanical mods required
NEGATIVES - full engine and fuel savings benefits not realised, not optimised for specific car as a dedicated Alfa mechanic would achieve (??)

Thanks in advance!
JAMES

[Cool Jesus]

I think your bang on with your pros and cons. By far a proper remap is what you'd want with your Alfa from places like tune house here in Sydney. Another factor you need to consider is fuel quality. I've had nothing to do with the diesels, however from what I'm reading on the forum, the quality of diesel in Oz is substandard compared to other markets and Alfa diesel are suffering the consequences. If you then start tuning the diesel I don't think you'll fully realise its potential. Hopefully another member will give their input on a remap, otherwise (not to downplay this forum) ausalfa forum has a younger demografic in their membership and I'm sure there's a few that have tuned their diesel Alfas.