THERE’S NO TICK OF APPROVAL OUT THE FRONT OF WORKSHOPS, SO YOU NEED TO USE YOUR NOGGIN
power.” In fact, it’s not just marine applications that these engines are often used for. You’ll find various 4x4 powerplants running diesel generators, tug boats and hydraulic equipment all over the world – the 3.2-litre Duratorq engine found in the Ford Ranger is currently in testing for a new fleet of British dieselelectric hybrid trains.
BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE
WHILE the thought of putting $1500 cash and your engine’s health on the line may seem daunting, ECU re-mapping is becoming an incredibly common modification and, to be honest, you really do get what you pay for.
So how do you identify someone who is fair dinkum among a crowd of backyard tuners? Unfortunately there’s no tick of approval out the front of any workshop, so it really comes down to using your noggin. Ask the tuner how experienced they are, not only with re-mapping but with your model specifically. You don’t want to be the guinea pig – if they’re not the person writing the tune, ask who is. A quality slave tune will be leaps and bounds in front of a poorly written custom tune. Most importantly, look at their reputation and how they present themselves. If they’re doing good work you shouldn’t struggle to find people who will sing their praises. After all, re-mapping is about making your 4x4 perform better on- and off-road, and the last thing you need is the drama of going to the wrong place.