This is a quick guide to the modifications to get more from any diesel engine. While it is possible to go to much further, most of these diesel tuning suggestions are relatively cheap, quick and simple.
Engine Upgrades
As diesel engines use compression ignition, the two main areas we are looking for for diesel tuning is the injection system and air intake. Adding a tuning chip or external tuning box allows you to get more from your engine. Diesel engines often come in several performance variants, and are tuned to run on a wide range of fuel qualities.
Modern diesel tuning systems - either the external diesel tuning box or internal chip remapping will dynamically adjust the engine parameters to give better power at all rev ranges. As a bonus, since you have more power available, you will often find you use less fuel overall - unless you have a very heavy right foot.
Choosing between an external tuning box and a diesel remapping is largely a matter of preference. Costs are similar - normally around £ 300- £ 500 for a quality system. Diesel tuning boxes can often be installed at home, while engine remapping will require a visit to a workshop, or a mobile workshop visit. The external tuning boxes also have the advantage that they can be removed if the car goes to a main dealer for servicing, or you want to transfer it to a new vehicle.
Some older systems for tuning diesel engines just 'fooled' the ECU into thinking that it was cold, causing smoking and idling problems, but modern tuning boxes and tuning chips are much more complex, varying the adjustments they make depending on the engine requirements. These modern diesel tuning systems are probably the single largest upgrade available for most people, with up to 35% more power-promised, depending on your make and model.
A replacement air filter will give increased airflow, thus giving more potential power. Almost all modern diesel engines will automatically allow for increased airflow, giving a small boost of a handful of percent. Even replacing your current filter with a new standard filter will help, as they become clogged over time.
See BHP Plus for a range of Diesel Tuning Boxes and Air Filters.
Tire Upgrades
Surprisingly, tires can give a significant boost to performance - though perhaps not straight line acceleration. Sports tires give better grip (generally at the cost of reduced lifespan), which will improve cornering and braking.
Switching to a lower profile type tire improves handling by reducing the amount of tires that distort under heavy cornering. They do, however, generally give a harsher, noisier ride quality.
Sport and low profile tires are more expensive than regular tires, but the only way to see if the gains are worth is to try them, or try two identical vehicles with and without them fitted.
One other tire upgrade worth mentioning is winter tires. With a rubber compound that remains softer at lower temperatures, and tread designed to cope with water, snow, slush and ice, winter tires will give a significantly better grip that standard all year tires. This will allow you to drive faster and more confidently when you would otherwise have to be very cautious. These are particularly useful for high-performance or tuned diesel engines, as the large amount of torque available can easily lead to unwanted wheel spin in icy conditions.
Body Upgrades
Contrary to what some believe, there are very few body upgrades that will have any beneficial effect on a car performance. Add on wings, body kits and similar to add to the car weight, and have a negligible effect on handling - some may even make it worse!
However, one body upgrade, which is worth considering is shock absorbers. Especially if your originals are more than a few years old, upgraded sports versions can offer better grip and handling. As most diesel engine cars are heavier than their petrol equivalents, firmer shock absorbers can help reduce body roll in corners, and power lost to unnecessary movements.
Engine Upgrades
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| Diesel Remap & Tuning Boxes |
Modern diesel tuning systems - either the external diesel tuning box or internal chip remapping will dynamically adjust the engine parameters to give better power at all rev ranges. As a bonus, since you have more power available, you will often find you use less fuel overall - unless you have a very heavy right foot.
Choosing between an external tuning box and a diesel remapping is largely a matter of preference. Costs are similar - normally around £ 300- £ 500 for a quality system. Diesel tuning boxes can often be installed at home, while engine remapping will require a visit to a workshop, or a mobile workshop visit. The external tuning boxes also have the advantage that they can be removed if the car goes to a main dealer for servicing, or you want to transfer it to a new vehicle.
Some older systems for tuning diesel engines just 'fooled' the ECU into thinking that it was cold, causing smoking and idling problems, but modern tuning boxes and tuning chips are much more complex, varying the adjustments they make depending on the engine requirements. These modern diesel tuning systems are probably the single largest upgrade available for most people, with up to 35% more power-promised, depending on your make and model.
A replacement air filter will give increased airflow, thus giving more potential power. Almost all modern diesel engines will automatically allow for increased airflow, giving a small boost of a handful of percent. Even replacing your current filter with a new standard filter will help, as they become clogged over time.
See BHP Plus for a range of Diesel Tuning Boxes and Air Filters.
Tire Upgrades
Switching to a lower profile type tire improves handling by reducing the amount of tires that distort under heavy cornering. They do, however, generally give a harsher, noisier ride quality.
Sport and low profile tires are more expensive than regular tires, but the only way to see if the gains are worth is to try them, or try two identical vehicles with and without them fitted.
One other tire upgrade worth mentioning is winter tires. With a rubber compound that remains softer at lower temperatures, and tread designed to cope with water, snow, slush and ice, winter tires will give a significantly better grip that standard all year tires. This will allow you to drive faster and more confidently when you would otherwise have to be very cautious. These are particularly useful for high-performance or tuned diesel engines, as the large amount of torque available can easily lead to unwanted wheel spin in icy conditions.
Body Upgrades
Contrary to what some believe, there are very few body upgrades that will have any beneficial effect on a car performance. Add on wings, body kits and similar to add to the car weight, and have a negligible effect on handling - some may even make it worse!
However, one body upgrade, which is worth considering is shock absorbers. Especially if your originals are more than a few years old, upgraded sports versions can offer better grip and handling. As most diesel engine cars are heavier than their petrol equivalents, firmer shock absorbers can help reduce body roll in corners, and power lost to unnecessary movements.
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