Spooner · Nov 18, 2010

Hi All

I know its been discussed, but has anyone actually adjusted the boost and fitted a larger intercooler to their P38 2.5 DSE?

I am considering upping the boost, upping fuelling and fitting an intercooler.

My main concerns are the thermal temps of the engine, and reliability of the auto box...

Any input welcome

gemsdad · Nov 18, 2010

Spooner said:
Hi All

I know its been discussed, but has anyone actually adjusted the boost and fitted a larger intercooler to their P38 2.5 DSE?

I am considering upping the boost, upping fuelling and fitting an intercooler.

My main concerns are the thermal temps of the engine, and reliability of the auto box...

Any input welcome

you just do all that,then if you run into any trouble then we wont do it.sounds good ter me.

wammers · Nov 18, 2010

Yeah loads of people have done it. See the BMW M51 for spares or repair section on eBay.

mcapinha · Nov 18, 2010

Search the thread and posts by "Aaron beast unleashed". He did all sorts of mods to his 2.5 DSE.
Oh yes, and please report back whenever something goes

Spooner · Nov 18, 2010

Just tired of the lack of power even with an ECU chip.

The P38's in general are a nightmare. I got it to tow our track car in comfort, but think it may have to go soon. They seem a bit rubbish all round really

P38_Ireland · Nov 18, 2010

i bought my p38 with an uprated intercooled and tuned, and its nearly as fast as a 4.6 (i have one of them too) it is the dogs bo*^ox BUT be prepared to pay at the fuel pump. im getting about 19-20 MPG

Spooner · Nov 18, 2010

P38_Ireland said:
i bought my p38 with an uprated intercooled and tuned, and its nearly as fast as a 4.6 (i have one of them too) it is the dogs bo*^ox BUT be prepared to pay at the fuel pump. im getting about 19-20 MPG

Interesting!

Has anything been done to the turbo boost, or just intercooler and more fuel?

P38_Ireland · Nov 18, 2010

not sure what exactly was done. i bought it and Spud_H pointed out that i had an uprated intercooler.

thats the intercooler. (i know it had a crack in it but got it fixed) i think the ECU was chipped cos there is no sign of a power box. it goes like the clappers but put the food down from start and theres a big ploom of black smoke! but it is the bomb!

Spooner · Nov 18, 2010

Thanks for posting.

I wonder which intercooler is ideal for using

wammers · Nov 18, 2010

Spooner said:
Just tired of the lack of power even with an ECU chip.

The P38's in general are a nightmare. I got it to tow our track car in comfort, but think it may have to go soon. They seem a bit rubbish all round really

If you have a chipped ECU and a lack of power i suggest you look for the cause before investing in intercoolers. Mine has a chipped ECU and is a flying machine, no other mods just the chip.

Datatek · Nov 18, 2010

wammers said:
If you have a chipped ECU and a lack of power i suggest you look for the cause before investing in intercoolers. Mine has a chipped ECU and is a flying machine, no other mods just the chip.

I agree with that, mine has a PSI Powerbox and cruises happily at 130Kmh with 1.5 tonnes of caravan on the back, it also goes well with 2.5 tonnes of digger on the trailer, much better that the Hyundai Galloper (Pajero) that preceeded it

Spooner · Nov 18, 2010

Maybe I'm expecting too much from it.

I have the auto dse, and as mentioned previously it doesn't rev past 3250rpm even it kick down.

No faults showing either

Mike v.t.s · Nov 18, 2010

Spooner said:
Maybe I'm expecting too much from it.

I have the auto dse, and as mentioned previously it doesn't rev past 3250rpm even it kick down.

No faults showing either

Id say that you have issues matey, mines an auto dse not modded in anyway except the hot start box... it is a tad lazy :doh: but once at operating temp she does move well

(still needs the psi box or remap) but it pulls well and kicks down as it should, revs upto about 4200 rpm then changes (if my foots planted in the carpet lol)
Is the fuelpump in the tank delivering enuf fuel to the engine? is there any air in the pipe between the fuel injection pump and fuel filter (clear pipe) have you changed fuel filter or serviced the engine??

wammers · Nov 18, 2010

Spooner said:
Maybe I'm expecting too much from it.

I have the auto dse, and as mentioned previously it doesn't rev past 3250rpm even it kick down.

No faults showing either

Then you have a problem. Check the pressure pipe from under manifold to MAP sensor, make sure it in intact with no obstruction. Check electrical connections to MAP sensor are clean and have good contact. Sounds like maybe your MAP sensor is duff.

Spooner · Nov 18, 2010

Really appreciate the help guys.

Not sure what to do really. I have changed the number 4 injector, and fitted a new pump in the tank.
So, which is the map sensor, and how do I check it?

wammers · Nov 18, 2010

Spooner said:
Really appreciate the help guys.

Not sure what to do really. I have changed the number 4 injector, and fitted a new pump in the tank.
So, which is the map sensor, and how do I check it?

The MAP sensor is the small unit on a bracket on the fuel filter. It senses the manifold pressure from the turbo and controls fueling for differing boost pressures. If it is not working it will cause underfueling and serious power loss at higher rpm and under load.

mcapinha · Nov 18, 2010

IIRC, it's possible to verify if the MAP is OK by reading the live data with a diagnostic's equipment (T4/Faultmate).
The right indy with the right tools should be able to figure out why it won't go past 3250rpm.

Spooner · Nov 19, 2010

Cheers guys

I have a fault mate, and the only thing that comes up is the cruise control, but I know thats knackered

Its had a new in tank pump, number 4 injector, glowplugs, air and fuel filter.. :doh:

Datatek · Nov 19, 2010

For the record, mines a DHSE auto, foot to the floor it revs to 4500 before it changes gear.

wammers · Nov 19, 2010

Spooner said:
Cheers guys

I have a fault mate, and the only thing that comes up is the cruise control, but I know thats knackered

Its had a new in tank pump, number 4 injector, glowplugs, air and fuel filter.. :doh:

Then i would investigate cruise control further. As it is controlled electronicly by engine ECU that maybe where your problems are.

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