Charles Banbury

Active Member
Hello to all and I hope that you don’t mind a question straight away.

I have just purchased a 2.5 DSE after my 4.6 slipped its liners. It’s in great condition but I am struggling to get used to the lack of power. It is with Mark Smith Land Rover at the moment having a service and assessing whether the engine is capable of handling a ‘superchip’ Does anyone have any advice? They are testing it today to see if there is a problem or that it really is this slow by design. Am a bit of a novice but interested to learn from the experienced. Many thanks.
 
I take it this is an automatic. Several things can cause it to appear under powered. But a 2.5 diesel is never going to be as quick as a 4.6 petrol. Chipping can help IF everything is otherwise ok. Don't be chipping to mask a problem. Heavy towing with a chipped auto is not a good idea. Chipped, around town stop start, if you use the extra power you WILL use more fuel. On good runs over 50 MPH you may see slightly better fuel figures.
 
Thanks very much. Before considering the chip, I am having the car fully (they do a very thorough job) assessed my Mark Smith Land Rover and having a full service. I don't tow with any frequency. Some others have talked about cleaning the intercooler, increasing the size of intercooler putting on a K&N air filter. I am not interested in racing around, I would just like a relaxing experience that does not include having to 'rag' the engine to leave the lights!
 
You've gone from a 4.6 with 225bhp and 9.3s 0-60 to a 2.5 with 134bhp and 14.3s 0-60 so just get used to it and smile at the old grannies as they burn you off in their electric scooters:D
I thought range rover owners sat in the back whilst their chauffeurs drove anyway:p
 
Thanks very much. Before considering the chip, I am having the car fully (they do a very thorough job) assessed my Mark Smith Land Rover and having a full service. I don't tow with any frequency. Some others have talked about cleaning the intercooler, increasing the size of intercooler putting on a K&N air filter. I am not interested in racing around, I would just like a relaxing experience that does not include having to 'rag' the engine to leave the lights!

Clean the intercooler by all means, should be done every 48,000 miles. No need to fit a larger one, don't fit a K&N they are a waste of money standard one is fine. Check correct function of lift pump and MAP sensor and injection pump static timing. With a chip you should have around 165-170 BHP and the same torque as the 4.0 litre petrol. It will not be as quick as your old 4.6 but not far off.
 
Thanks very much for the advice. I have just collected the car from the garage. What a difference! it seems that after a very comprehensive service (and the replacement of a couple of little pipes, I think I've read about these, the ones that make the turbo work!) it is a different car. Still no land speed records but perfectly capable and I can live with it. Might still do the chip tho. Now the only problem is a lack of radio code!. Thanks again for your help.
 

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