in the real world..............

[gavm5]

.....how much "better" is my Defender 110 Td5 going to be should I add a larger intercooler and stage 2 remap ?

I already have a de-cat downpipe, an egr removal kit and a straight through centre exhaust section.

I only tow a trailer tent about 6 times a year, but the rest of the time the Landy is used as an everyday vehicle driving on a real mixture of single track and motorways.

I realise that with more grunt I may need an overdrive, but before splashing the cash I want to know if I am going to be able to overtake without prior planning the next 5 miles, be able to fill the gap when pulling out of a side street from stationary, have something in reserve ??????

I used to own an Isuzu Rodeo which was approx 128 bhp standard which I had chipped to 150-ish and it made a hell of a difference, more torque, fast lane on motorway, the odd traffic light grandprix and best of all actually returned slightly better fuel economy !!!!

Anyway, back to the Defender - what are your experiences of this type of tune and the results given the outlay ?

[300bhp/ton]

gavm5 said:

.....how much "better" is my Defender 110 Td5 going to be should I add a larger intercooler and stage 2 remap ?

I already have a de-cat downpipe, an egr removal kit and a straight through centre exhaust section.

I only tow a trailer tent about 6 times a year, but the rest of the time the Landy is used as an everyday vehicle driving on a real mixture of single track and motorways.

I realise that with more grunt I may need an overdrive, but before splashing the cash I want to know if I am going to be able to overtake without prior planning the next 5 miles, be able to fill the gap when pulling out of a side street from stationary, have something in reserve ??????

I used to own an Isuzu Rodeo which was approx 128 bhp standard which I had chipped to 150-ish and it made a hell of a difference, more torque, fast lane on motorway, the odd traffic light grandprix and best of all actually returned slightly better fuel economy !!!!

Anyway, back to the Defender - what are your experiences of this type of tune and the results given the outlay ?

I personally think it'll make a huge difference. My 200Tdi is modded with big FMIC and pump and boost upgrades (same sort of thing) and it really made a difference.

Most of the tuning places have demo cars so might be worth giving them a call.

I've used Allisport and been really pleased. Although Twisted Performance have a great reputation as do Bell Auto who have had over 200hp on a stock internal TD5 using a hybrid turbo.

Or put it this way I really don't think you'll be disappointed

[gavm5]

Anyone else out there...............?????????

[Desert Dog]

It will be like a comparison between night and day! Driveability is second to none.. you will notice a difference by installing the larger intercooler, but with a decent ECU remap, you will never want to go back.

We have remapped and intercooled over 15 Defenders with the new Puma engine here in Dubai - you would think that you're driving a V8 (sadly without the V8 burble). Every customer who has stepped out of the car after his first drive has a big smile on his face. I have a Disco II TD5 auto in the UK which will be done shortly as its a sluggish pig of a thing.

You won't be sorry...

[gavm5]

Desert Dog said:

It will be like a comparison between night and day! Driveability is second to none.. you will notice a difference by installing the larger intercooler, but with a decent ECU remap, you will never want to go back.

We have remapped and intercooled over 15 Defenders with the new Puma engine here in Dubai - you would think that you're driving a V8 (sadly without the V8 burble). Every customer who has stepped out of the car after his first drive has a big smile on his face. I have a Disco II TD5 auto in the UK which will be done shortly as its a sluggish pig of a thing.

You won't be sorry...

I hear that the above mods actually make the Td5 sound more like a diesel UR Quattro which is ok in my book !
Obviously the Td5 engined Defenders only have a 5 speed box, in its standard form do you think the high ratios are still too low for this type of tune and I will end up looking at replacing the transfer box or fitting an overdrive ?

[300bhp/ton]

What do you want from the vehicle? I personally struggle to see the point in wanting more speed only to then swap in taller gearing that'll then make slower. Sure it might give you a higher top speed and reduce cruising rpms. But are you really likely to cruise at 90mph??

I've got a modded Disoc which has the taller gearing in high range transfer box and honestly would gladly swap it for a Defender spec one.

If you want to run big tyres the Denfender gearing makes even more sense too.

All IMO and as I say, it all depends what you want from the vehicle.

[gavm5]

Not interested in top speed, but really want overtaking ability for single carriageway dawdlers along with the ability to get up to speed a bit quicker.
I know some people will think "well why buy a Defender in the first place" but in reality for me the vehicle itself is fitting my current lifestyle needs absolutely spot-on, I just wish it had a bit more snot up its nose !

[Desert Dog]

Personally I would save your money for other stuff... the gearing will be fine and you will be able to overtake comfortably. It's one of those things - where to stop? So when are you going to have it done?

[crmcatee]

/\ What he says..


my 110 is currently running EGR bypass / Larger Intercooler and also an Allisport MAP upgrade.

Pulls like a train and doesn't require any gearing upgrades - although keeping the noise down at high speeds would sometimes be beneficial.

[300bhp/ton]

gavm5 said:

Not interested in top speed, but really want overtaking ability for single carriageway dawdlers along with the ability to get up to speed a bit quicker.
I know some people will think "well why buy a Defender in the first place" but in reality for me the vehicle itself is fitting my current lifestyle needs absolutely spot-on, I just wish it had a bit more snot up its nose !

Personally as I said above, I'd keep the stock gearing. It's much more 'geared' for acceleration.

In terms of power. You have several options open to you. A full remap, intercooler, exhaust and induction upgrades are all pretty normal things to do and will transform the vehicle.

I also personally love the noise a TD5 makes with some loud pipes

If you want more then you need to look at hybrid turbo's and other power adders. Bell Auto do a very nice hybrid turbo which will see over 200hp with a good powerband.

Many people have used LPG kits too. You run this with the deisel and it gives a power boost.

Or if you are feeling more funky then have a look at a nitrous oxide kit. Wizards of Nos can start you off with a kit from about £600. It's no something you'll use all the time but it's an easy way to add another 50-70hp at the flick of a switch.

Only other option is an engine transplant. The old Rover V8 is still a good engine. And a stock 4.6 already makes 225hp. Sure it seems like more work but if you really plan to throw some money at the Landy this approach from day 1 may not actually cost you anymore overall.

Remember if you do up the power you might want to look at upgrading the brakes and suspension also.

[gavm5]

crmcatee said:

/\ What he says..


my 110 is currently running EGR bypass / Larger Intercooler and also an Allisport MAP upgrade.

Pulls like a train and doesn't require any gearing upgrades - although keeping the noise down at high speeds would sometimes be beneficial.

What sort of power do you estimate to have gained and is there any shortfalls from the mods that you have experienced

I already have the EGR bypass and also a decat downpipe along with a straight through centre section of the exhaust and those 3 alone have considerably "brightened up" the old girl !
I had those parts from IRB Developments and fitted them myself.
It is an IRB intercooler that I have been looking at and is almost twice the size of the standard one currently fitted, along with one of their Stage 2 remaps.