TESTING TUNING BOXES! Are they any good? DARKSIDE DEVELOPMENTS

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  • Опубликовано: 22 дек 2024

Комментарии • 1,3 тыс.

  • @otacon4065
    @otacon4065 4 года назад +580

    when they tried to fob you off did you inform them that you were wearing a lab coat?

    • @ryanp6138
      @ryanp6138 4 года назад +122

      They were not fully aware, but I did have it on whilst emailing for good measure!

    • @otacon4065
      @otacon4065 4 года назад +10

      @@ryanp6138 Haha I'd expect nothing less Ryan! Nice one for this video, so many people would just be about the money punting on shite and not safe guarding fellow enthusiasts...

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  4 года назад +48

      @@otacon4065 hopefully it just educates people, dont mind if we dont make anything from it!

    • @otacon4065
      @otacon4065 4 года назад +32

      @@DarksideDevelopments that's the difference between scummy corporations vs true enthusiast run businesses

    • @MrZain34
      @MrZain34 4 года назад +1

      😂😂

  • @oldgreggscreamybaileys6618
    @oldgreggscreamybaileys6618 4 года назад +321

    When the lab coat comes out you know it’s serious.

    • @ShalomBrother
      @ShalomBrother 4 года назад +14

      U no somerts abart ta go darn!

    • @yeru1975
      @yeru1975 4 года назад +11

      He is always serious, loves his job. No bullshit guy!

  • @henriquesousa2341
    @henriquesousa2341 4 года назад +284

    someone should send this video to the guys at
    Car Throttle xD

    • @Fantastika
      @Fantastika 3 года назад +1

      @@jage6126 they stopped using racechip

    • @swansmeister
      @swansmeister 3 года назад +6

      @@jage6126 exactly, autotop nl are retards realy, slave to the money. Not the mention they have to most ridiculous accent, an exhaust is exhoooooooooost for them.

    • @EAD_0
      @EAD_0 2 года назад +5

      Car throttle channel is a joke anyway. Let them crack on using these naff tuning boxes. 😀

  • @jonscoupe
    @jonscoupe 4 года назад +30

    Thank you so much for this video. Very thorough explanation of the differences between tuning boxes and remaps. Have been tempted in the past to go for a tuning box, mainly because of the simplicity of fitting the box, but as your video shows I think you're much better off leaving tuning to the experts such as yourselves. Thanks again. Cheers, Jon.

  • @CIC4EVA2K7
    @CIC4EVA2K7 4 года назад +18

    Why anyone would dislike this video is beyond me.
    Ran a racechip ultimate on my Amarok 5 years ago, then “serial condition.” Sent it back for my refund within a week. Only change I noted was more exhaust smoke.
    Back then, there weren’t any real tuning options in my country, but now we have a local revo dealer.
    Greetings from Trinidad, WI.
    The local VW scene is very keen on your Amarok videos.

  • @MrAlfajames
    @MrAlfajames 2 года назад +20

    I've had 4 bluespark tuning boxes on 4 different cars, petrol and diesel so far and although I've never had them on the dyno so I can't say about peak power I can 100% say they improved low down power and boost response on every one of the cars or I wouldn't have bought another. I have done the same route to work for years and as an example on my car with the last box (jaguar xj 3.0 diesel) the difference with the box fitted was very obvious. There's a steep hill on the A23 called Handcross Hill and on cruise control with no box at 65mph the car had to drop a gear, with the box on it never did and I tested this multiple times. The best part was when I sold the cars I removed the boxes and either got them retuned for the next car or sold them on

    • @muffindell
      @muffindell Год назад +3

      I agree that the Bluespark box does work very well, the company also has great after service back up; but the main thing that sold it to me was that Bluespark also remap cars on their Dyno in the traditional way so have a great knowledge base for both ways of tuning without bias

    • @rob-mo7gb
      @rob-mo7gb Год назад +1

      I've got a Bluespark Tuning Box on my Mitsi L200 was it worth it (to me) Hell Yeah!@@muffindell

    • @busterstig7830
      @busterstig7830 3 месяца назад

      I've been looking at a bluespark box that's what led me here and to say these are around the £400 mark they seem a bit of a joke where as the blues park are like £80 lol

  • @levente4424
    @levente4424 4 года назад +4

    I can see the difficulty you guys having telling people the truth without getting sued by those companies, well appreciated and most of us anyway we were thinking the same but now we know for sure because you did dyno more than one tunning boxes and on top of that that car performed way higher with the remap.
    One might be wrong but since none of them touched the "claimed power" it's clear they never do and it's just advertising.
    Anyone reading this comment and looking for a solution , it's clear now that remap is the only right thing to do.
    Good job Darkside Dev.

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  4 года назад +1

      You can only get sued for lying, I'll prove anything to anyone :)

  • @johnconnor513
    @johnconnor513 3 года назад +11

    Dude the content of your videos always grips my mind . Love your content. Also, the pace and tone of your speech is just what I need to calm me down after all the hyper youtubers trying to make their channel interesting by shouting. Salt of the earth mate. Good on you

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  3 года назад +3

      1.25 speed if you want to americanise me, lol. Thanks for the kind words.

  • @michaelthompson7006
    @michaelthompson7006 4 года назад +8

    Fair play lads. Very informative at a big risk of being attacked for showing some interesting findings. Thanks for taking the time to do this

  • @mbarn
    @mbarn 4 года назад +52

    As soon as I heard the accent, I knew you were local to me. Thanks for saving me the cash, as I was tempted by RaceChip

    • @ForWhhY
      @ForWhhY 3 года назад +4

      They didn't moved the jumper inside the racechip. By stock it comes with medium settings. You have adjust manually to maximum.

    • @mrcaboosevg6089
      @mrcaboosevg6089 3 года назад +4

      I have a racechip, you notice a difference but you might as well just get a proper tune for the price of it

  • @vidsinmotionchannel
    @vidsinmotionchannel 4 года назад +37

    So glad I've seen this, puts recap vs tuning box argument to bed in my mind.

  • @vPerformance
    @vPerformance 4 года назад +13

    Massive balls for doing this with transparency. Well done. Custom remaps will win every time, but I had a great result from a dtuk box a few years ago on a saab 93. Like you said, it was cheap at the time (about £130) so it was worth it. It was never going to be able to match a proper remap though.

  • @thediyandpianoguy8665
    @thediyandpianoguy8665 4 года назад +49

    Kinda like opening an 8 pack of KitKats and finding 4 shitty Tesco basics versions inside, and being told "Well they were actual KitKats when we packed them, it must be your eyes".....click

  • @karldyson7466
    @karldyson7466 4 года назад +14

    Same with the DTUK tuning box in my MK3 VRS tdi. Seemed to make a bit more power but throwing up fault codes all the time.

  • @TIM612826
    @TIM612826 4 года назад +13

    Really informative! A custom remap is the way to go then! I was tempted with one of those tuning boxes, but can see how they manipulate the engine. Ok 4 a lease car maybe, but a no no if u intend to keep your car for a while! Thank you for explaining so clearly!

  • @IgnitionMedia
    @IgnitionMedia 4 года назад +52

    Very interesting video and I wish I could of used this info 3 years ago. My Mk7 Golf GTD (CUNA, 184bhp) had a DTUK CRD3+ box on. It dynoed at 198bhp when quoting 240bhp (240bhp is the holy grail of custom maps, most get 235). The Golf actually blew an injector after 2k miles (engine was on 11k). Always wanted to pin it on the box but had no proof. Andrew and the goons at DTUK are awful and some practices are illegal. They'll be your best friend and reply within seconds up until they get your money, after that they'll outright ignore you and used to (not sure if they still do) charge 20% restock fee if you return the box which would work out to around £90 of the unit you sampled. Biggest mistake I ever had, made the frequent slips into limp mode under full throttle seem like normal. (Edit: The mobile app, DTE Powercontrol that they use also requires location, storage and phone call permissions to work on Android... Why?)

    • @Ciaran334
      @Ciaran334 4 года назад +4

      Say no more, my God. I bought a RaceChip. Didn't actually improve my car. So I ended up sending it back. But thanks for sharing your experience.

    • @Mac_F87
      @Mac_F87 4 года назад +6

      Tried a DTUK box on my mk7 Golf R. Didn’t feel any better to be honest and ended up going into limp mode after a month, so I took it straight off. Luckily I scanned the car with VCDS before it went in for a service, there was all sorts of fault codes stored. So much for their main marketing pitches, the fact they are undetectable which in my case was absolute rubbish.

    • @IgnitionMedia
      @IgnitionMedia 4 года назад +3

      @@Mac_F87 same here mate, I had VCDS on mine and fuel trim data would of given it away too. I so badly hope someone in law or with a bit of money clocks onto this and wipes the floor with them

    • @wastelander6341
      @wastelander6341 4 года назад +1

      When I had the tdi vrs I was going to get a tuning box but decided to go for a dyno tune. Ended up with 227bhp was very happy. Since then I've switched to petrol vrs with a dyno tune at 307bhp I'm happy. More to come eventually but its fine for now

    • @niceguy235uk1
      @niceguy235uk1 4 года назад

      Surely you can adjust the power of the box as it has three settings?

  • @larryshere2422
    @larryshere2422 4 года назад +30

    Ive gone from a TDI tuning box to an remap.
    I can say, yes I did get more power from the tuning box but I did get problems with overfueling at times which would then cause my car to limit itself at 3k. But now with the remap I have MORE power, MORE torque and no problems at all!

  • @danielmarshall4587
    @danielmarshall4587 4 года назад +2

    GLORIOUS. ... As a punter this is what I'm looking for and/or this is where the cost is the time it takes to look at what's happening with the cars and engines and what happens when you start changing set-ups.Yes once I get enough money I'll be darkening your door and asking you to look at my car, a garage I use (good, good group of folk) and they suspect my car has "been maped" on account of the volume of VolksWagen Cancer Death spewing from the exhaust whenever it gets hammered. But the thought of simply plugging a box into the engine and off you go..... no thanks. Anyhow thanks again all the best.

  • @kennywright8537
    @kennywright8537 4 года назад +22

    I had a dtuk box on my Fabia vrs around 10 years ago, just used to go into limp mode if you pushed the car hard.

    • @kyleb5518
      @kyleb5518 4 года назад +2

      Kenny 130pd that’s what my old crafter did they reckoned it went up to 200bhp, I ragged it with a trailer on the back and the fucker went in to limp mode on the motorway, fairly new van aswell that

  • @KnightWolf2012
    @KnightWolf2012 4 года назад +7

    Amazing work! Thanks for taking the time to dyno test each of these options and finally put an end to the tuning box debate with solid evidence.

  • @AGChiptuning
    @AGChiptuning 4 года назад +9

    Your 100% correct about most these companies claiming higher figures than a good ECU tune. Customers believe it though.

  • @daibennett9224
    @daibennett9224 4 года назад +3

    I had a racechip on my mk7 gti wen it was under warranty,it was a pile of sh4t,I payed like 620 for it,inconsistent in power delivery and would make my epc light come on,if driven over 4 thousand rpm,I smashed it up with a hammer in the end,I couldn’t justify selling it to someone else,load of crap,top job for doing this,you are the man

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  4 года назад

      I wish you made a video!

    • @daibennett9224
      @daibennett9224 4 года назад +1

      Darkside Developments I didn’t make a video it was a spur of the moment thing,I’m happy that people like you are showing these plug and play devices for what they are tho.

  • @paulfarghi
    @paulfarghi 4 года назад +11

    Right then.....a great exposee on the world of tuning box's.
    Brilliant presentation, and shows the bull that "tuners" put out there.
    More power to your elbow boys.
    Keep the terrific vids coming
    You've saved me a wad of cash
    💰 happy days
    Can't wait for the "nearly secret" Darkside box.....

  • @spoonyspoonicus4648
    @spoonyspoonicus4648 4 года назад +29

    I had a DTUK tuning box on my Golf gtd 190 for nearly 2 years and then it stared causing codes to appear. I spoke to DTUK on the phone and was told it was somehow my fault and i must of fitted it wrong after it had been on the car for 30k miles no issue. They then made me pay for the shipping only to be told it was fine. whilst the box was away i had done nearly 6k miles with no codes, i fitted it and within 100 miles the codes were back and i was in limp mode. took it off and fine again. DTUK then refused to do anything other than charge me to update it. I ended up having to get my bank involved to get my money back and it was a massive hassle. never again will i use a tuning box.

    • @IgnitionMedia
      @IgnitionMedia 4 года назад +4

      Standard DTUK response mate haha. "Nah can't be our product even though loads of people complained, it's your engine / fuel / climate / driving style" lol

    • @lthallinto8802
      @lthallinto8802 3 года назад

      Thx for info

  • @alancobbin1310
    @alancobbin1310 4 года назад +46

    Wouldn’t piss on a tuning box if it was on fire and this is not because of ya video it’s what I’ve experienced over the years ,I had a similar conversation with another channel the other day about getting tduk box for his bmw 330d ,I would never risk engine components with a tuning box ,good video though and a wake up call for some 👍

    • @Ciaran334
      @Ciaran334 4 года назад +3

      @Mojo This video literally just disproved the tuning box claims. Surely you don't believe it can complete with a custom remap. Especially from Darkside Developments.

    • @GaryDownes
      @GaryDownes 4 года назад +2

      @Mojo spoken like a true noob to modifying vehicles.

    • @GaryDownes
      @GaryDownes 4 года назад +1

      @@Ciaran334 I can guarantee he's never had a an ECU remap. That, or he works for some POS tuning box company

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  4 года назад +4

      @Mojo Highly unlikely

    • @Boostaddicts_YT
      @Boostaddicts_YT 4 года назад

      Mojo gotta say I’ve seen some crazy good results from the Stienbaiuer but they are stupid money

  • @finnroen2334
    @finnroen2334 4 года назад +2

    A friend of mine is one of your customers and he is over the moon happy. He made me aware of of the name Darside and I have seen tons of your videos that I enjoy. You are doing excellent work. Thanks.

  • @lukewolstenholme4618
    @lukewolstenholme4618 3 года назад +32

    Skip to 2.45

  • @julianpollock5323
    @julianpollock5323 4 года назад +9

    Love Darkside, absolute straight up guys! Just wish they could tune my 3.0d 300ps XF.

  • @davidlowe3854
    @davidlowe3854 4 года назад +51

    Shame about the DTUK one, I ran one on my old Leon FR 184 back when they first came out and "nobody can tune them" I was being told (I didn't know about Darkside then) but it did feel punchier, it could have been from weight saving in my wallet however!

    • @ryanp6138
      @ryanp6138 4 года назад +2

      Most likely! haha

    • @IgnitionMedia
      @IgnitionMedia 4 года назад +1

      Read my comment, dynod at 198bhp which is just about noticeable

    • @steveallan692
      @steveallan692 4 года назад +1

      I’ve got a DTUK box on my Octavia vRS 184, works brilliantly. DTUK claims 240bhp.. I reckon it is pushing that not just a little punchier but considerable more power. Have been using the box for 3 years, never looked back!

  • @FLASHAHOLIC_TV
    @FLASHAHOLIC_TV 3 года назад +2

    Do you need a remap for new tail pipes?

  • @BMXHS
    @BMXHS 4 года назад +12

    On my gtd the dtuk did add power most defiantly, ruined thhe drivability especially with the dsg box, it also did nothing but put it in limp mode on warm days dont know why 🤷‍♂️ took off anyway

  • @davidjanes99
    @davidjanes99 4 года назад +6

    Seriously good video as always, I had a tuning box on a Hilux a few years ago, it went okay but it did have a tendency for the engine light come on a few times. Have a sensible F30 320i now with the B48 engine and had it remapped and it really does pull well now, 184bhp to around 270bhp.

  • @2HYPE4U_OG
    @2HYPE4U_OG Год назад +4

    Have a Race Chip Black in my C63s and the difference in power is enormously noticeable. I’m satisfied with it and would recommend.

    • @john.connor1
      @john.connor1 3 месяца назад

      I'm concidering getting a racechip, is it true that the power comes in gradually up to 500 miles? Is driving in all modes until then important?

    • @tommysimsek5639
      @tommysimsek5639 3 месяца назад +1

      You needed more power in your c63??

  • @rokornel4325
    @rokornel4325 3 года назад +8

    Keep up the good work! We consumers need ppl like you

  • @mikew1069
    @mikew1069 4 года назад +4

    A really good test and summary of the "plug-in" tuning boxes, good work and very fair, big thanks. Mike, Australia.... (VAG fan & owner, like your videos. SQ5/B8 Passat BiTdi/MK7.5 R Special Edition[Revo S1 tuned])

  • @hardcoretam
    @hardcoretam 3 года назад +4

    The only idea of "tuning boxes" i liked was ones i seen somewhere, where your car can have a custom rolling road remap set up, but it's stored on the box instead of the ECU.
    The only other time i'd consider a tuning box is on the old Transit Connects, or the older Vauxhall engines where the boxes increased fueling mainly, then boost was done with a manual boost controller.
    I feel for the vast majority of the time, a generic non tailored, non rolling road remap is still probably better than a tuning box on most modern diesels.
    I feel if you have some simple bolt on mods like a turbo back exhaust, upgraded intercooler, it's worth getting a custom tailored map on a rolling road when possible.

  • @youtubed9695
    @youtubed9695 4 года назад +20

    I've tried tuning boxes before and I genuinely couldn't tell a difference at all... but if darkside did one... I think I'd try it

    • @LJC944
      @LJC944 Год назад

      Mines sound had it a year way more punch

  • @antoniohinojos3808
    @antoniohinojos3808 Год назад +2

    Are there calibration tolerances for dynos that could be playing a part maybe?

  • @link6032
    @link6032 4 года назад +8

    Great video, thanks for this. DTUK have always been hit and miss, they get really stroppy when you question them, and even return a box based on performance. I fitted one of their boxes and the engine colling fan kept running after turning the car off, it was like the car was always trying to perform a dpf regeneration. Anyway, sent it back and got a very very cold response.

  • @wezdarsit
    @wezdarsit 11 месяцев назад +2

    Very interesting and informative the lads at Darkside know what they are talking about exposing the rubbish that’s being pushed out on internet auction sites well done really enjoyed learning about this

  • @iloveloopy
    @iloveloopy 4 года назад +3

    Had a DTUK on my current Leon FR184, after a few weeks I had every single light on the dash after starting the car, disconnected it and sold it on. Cars been fine since thankfully. Can't say as I noticed any difference really either, but it's a chugger not a thrasher.

    • @Cous1nJack
      @Cous1nJack 4 года назад +1

      I bought one for 184 leon second hand. It was rapid but the risk on the engine wasn’t worth the extra wear on the brakes. Sold on within a week.

  • @conradcullen8029
    @conradcullen8029 Год назад +2

    Well, I`ve been using a TDI box with my BMW X1 E84 177HP and yes I could feel a huge difference to stock power, unfortunately after checking ECU I could find lots of DTC fault codes. Many times tuning boxes create lots of fault codes stored in ECU as they cross limiters , professional remap made by professional tuner maby give you a little less of power but will keep everything under limiters and won`t give you fault DTC codes .
    Also, absolutely don't use mobile tuners as they will copy/paste a universal map to your ECU, each engine is different, even the same 177HP and each engine tunes up in different ways so that's why always use a professional tuner who will prepare an individual map to your specific engine. Cheers

  • @09degz
    @09degz 4 года назад +17

    That completely changed my Mind on them I was looking into a TDI one for my Golf GTD I’ll have to just get a remap now

    • @hh7258
      @hh7258 4 года назад +1

      Same

  • @alanthorndyke5241
    @alanthorndyke5241 3 года назад +1

    Very impressed by the way you conducted this video and your dyno setup and I can assure you I dont say that very often. We had a known "tuning box" company come and use my rolling road to calibrate there diesel tuning box, what a bunch of amateur's. Sticking more boost down it with no increase in fuelling, when it was questioned he didn't know you had to, basic maths if you make more power you almost certainly have to increase fuel!
    I have been telling people for years the dangers of this boxes, do they listen...NO. Will they listen after your video...NO!!

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  3 года назад

      It's a joke really and they have the cheek to say we are dishonest! Ha

    • @alanthorndyke5241
      @alanthorndyke5241 3 года назад +1

      @@DarksideDevelopments We have this all the time, comes in shouting about his mates car (on some dodgy roller set) made 50 BHP more, then you look at the graph and it is showing a stupid driveline loss calculation. If we put a modern car on our rollers its shows bang on the same as the manufacturer quotes, apart from a few weird ones.

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  3 года назад

      Same here, car today with a 180hp tune made 160. We safely got another 40lbs and 20hp!

  • @KodeName.X
    @KodeName.X 4 года назад +14

    1:57 had to remove my headset as i thought my car alarm was going off haha

  • @RichieST08
    @RichieST08 4 года назад +12

    I had a racechip on a 2.0 tfsi and it worked very well, better than a stage 2+ bluefin map however I have a dtuk pd2 on a pd130 and it’s terrible. Luckily I only paid £40 for it.

  • @audittrs2885
    @audittrs2885 4 года назад +100

    I would never buy any of that tuning boxes. Remap every time miles better results.

    • @mushy1983123
      @mushy1983123 4 года назад +1

      People just go the cheap way out and think it's the same

    • @robbiegibbs1772
      @robbiegibbs1772 4 года назад +4

      Not only will a remap get you marginally better results but they can be cheaper lol. Why do people bother with these chips

    • @mushy1983123
      @mushy1983123 4 года назад +4

      @@robbiegibbs1772 my brother got a chip for his VW I told him not to then took it to a tuner and he didn't even gain any power from the chip lol

    • @wigos688
      @wigos688 4 года назад +13

      Warranty issues

    • @BassSuperPower
      @BassSuperPower 3 года назад

      Other than a constant check engine light and slightly worse fuel consumption, the race chip in my 535d was absolutely amazing. It felt like it had so much more power when I drove it. Tuning boxes are actually good.

  • @tyjakkty8668
    @tyjakkty8668 4 года назад +2

    well done mate about time someone did a non sponsored,video telling us in real world speak,keep up the good work

  • @peterharris7862
    @peterharris7862 4 года назад +3

    Very interesting recently got a bluespark tuning box definitely makes a difference on my 120i drop my 0to60 time from 7.3 to 5.6.

  • @hadleighmurad
    @hadleighmurad 3 года назад +1

    Nice video, complete black and white transparency! I was tempted to get a box due to no remapping places nearby, but I've always heard people online say "always get a remap, stay away from the boxes" this video confirms why. Cheers !

  • @IrishPikeHunter
    @IrishPikeHunter 4 года назад +4

    By the sound of it the best tuning box to have sometime in the future is a "darkside development" true power box,,people would just need to watch a few of your videos to know that they won't be getting ripped off!

  • @jonyxmas
    @jonyxmas 9 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for the share those results. What remap software do you recommend for a Touareg TDI 2014 if I just want slightly more power and acceleration in my daily driving (Stage 1), nothing for racing. I would pick the most reliable tune over the more powerfull. Thx.

  • @l222nnx8
    @l222nnx8 4 года назад +6

    I got a Dtuk tuning box for my 2015 GTD and feels like no power gain it ended up throwing a fault code. Pure waste of money definitely want to get a professional remap on it

    • @ryanreid5646
      @ryanreid5646 4 года назад +2

      I had the same problem with dtuk when I had my bmw x1 zero performance gains and ended in limp mode at the side of the motorway fannying around with a plastic box under the bonnet. RIP off merchants

  • @Ben-fx5pb
    @Ben-fx5pb 2 года назад +1

    Great bunch of guys here been asking about getting my car tuned and they've been pretty helpful with thier response definitely gotta get my car booked in after Xmas

  • @craigtaylor6708
    @craigtaylor6708 4 года назад +12

    Well that’s changed my opinion on tuning boxes how much to do a remap on Audi A6 c7 2ltr tdi cvt

    • @vivalaphill
      @vivalaphill 4 года назад +3

      @Jay Leno only the FWD cars get it. They finally killed it off a few years ago.

    • @kyleb5518
      @kyleb5518 4 года назад

      Jay Leno for model year 2000 to about 2008 I think

    • @craigtaylor6708
      @craigtaylor6708 4 года назад

      Kyle b it’s 2012

  • @CASHO76
    @CASHO76 2 года назад +1

    So glad I watched this,you’ve just saved me spanking £490 on a box..the box I was looking at was stating it’d increase my bhp from 190 to 240..

  • @theberengersniper
    @theberengersniper 2 года назад +11

    I have a RaceChip installed on my F40 M135i and it's definitely making a difference in my case. There is now no performance gap between my car and a stock M140i all the way up to 156mph (we were absolutely side by side each time we tried), which there certainly is with a standard F40 M135i (306bhp plays, what, 335bhp?). These new generation BMWs appear very difficult to remap, either though OBD or a bench tune, so until that's better understood, this might be one of few options.

    • @TC16842
      @TC16842 Год назад

      And they fail to tell everyone that you will kill your warranty with a so called "real tune" because it leaves footprints and a tune box will not!!!

    • @jason21jburg
      @jason21jburg Год назад

      @@TC16842 they can still find out if you had a tuning box it’s not as obvious as a remap obviously

    • @john.connor1
      @john.connor1 3 месяца назад

      I'm concidering getting a racechip, is it true that the power comes in gradually up to 500 miles? Is driving in all modes until then important?

    • @theberengersniper
      @theberengersniper 3 месяца назад

      @@john.connor1 What the race chip does is intercept the signal coming from several sensors, changes the value, and then sends the signal on its way to the ECU. The ECU then 'sees' a signal, different to what it really should be, but still within acceptable parameters, and takes whatever decision the fuel/timing/boost/etc tables tell it to. In that way then, the ECU is still going to do that with or without the race chip. Just drive it normally. If the value the race chip sends to the ECU are beyond what the ECU can cope with it'll throw 'out of range' codes. It's partly why there is a limit to how much extra these race chips can actually give you, because they're stuck working within the inherent limits of the stock ECU. A full remap isn't so closely limited.

    • @theberengersniper
      @theberengersniper 3 месяца назад

      @@john.connor1 I have my F40 M135i Race Chip for sale if that's the car you've got John?

  • @andrewhollidge4522
    @andrewhollidge4522 6 месяцев назад +1

    Dan I've had my vw v6 amrock tuned by you running 352 bhp and over 600nm torque it's as fast as a 2023 Honda type r from the lights
    And you have turned my vw transporter 110 bhp to over 180 bhp on the custom remap I've tried outer remaps there rubbish you spent nr 5 hours custom tuneing the transporter it was way better than my old 180 bi turbo on a remap alone I will book the amrock in for more work to 430 bhp soon love what you guys do

  • @matthewclarkmc
    @matthewclarkmc 4 года назад +6

    Great video custom remap best option. I have always been wary of those tuning boxes and this confirms my suspicions. Cheers

  • @SuperCraig1973
    @SuperCraig1973 2 года назад +1

    Hi iv got a tuning box on my Mercedes sprinter £60 runs and pulls really well it’s on the fuel common rail ;do they damage your injectors iv been told they do it’s that true many thanks Craig

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  2 года назад

      They sometimes do add too much pressure resulting in premature wear. £60 sounds cheap

  • @natel5370
    @natel5370 4 года назад +7

    How people like DTUK say 240hp for MK7 GTD is beyond me, my car is a low millage well looked after manual and it doesn’t get anywhere near 240 even with a proper remap.
    Glad you outed the box goons ..

  • @dinonody1277
    @dinonody1277 10 месяцев назад +1

    hello. I have an audi a4 b8 2010 2.0 tdi cr 105kw, I turned off the software and mechanical dpf, egr, and the maps were also changed. How much horsepower can the car get by turning off the components alone?to mention, the mechanic connected all the connectors to me as they were from the factory

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  10 месяцев назад

      Drop us an email to sales@darksidedevelopments.co.uk with reg/vin and we can give you estimated figures

  • @luciusael
    @luciusael 2 года назад +3

    I'm Canadian so I had great trouble understanding you with the accent. But I do appreciate your advice, sir. I may not, after all, get the racechip that I was considering.

  • @jamesdaley75
    @jamesdaley75 3 года назад +1

    I've got a '16 Veloster Turbo. I've had the GTS Black installed for almost 2 years. When it was installed the car had 6K miles. It's now got 41K. I've had no trouble up until last Dec 15th. (which is still at the dealership as of 2/1) On the way home from work, all of a sudden I immediately had a power loss, as well a whining sound like an old fire engine. Long story short. It threw a code for a boost sensor. Got the call from the service manager about a week ago. Turns out it needs a new turbo, intercooler, plugs and the top part of the engine to be cleaned. I do plan on putting it back on the vehicle when I get it. Am I crazy?

  • @ukvette
    @ukvette 3 года назад +4

    Custom remap from Darkside, got to be the way to go.

  • @johnfisher1609
    @johnfisher1609 3 года назад +1

    Have you guys looked at the home tuning solutions offered by ecotune in scotland and celtic tuning? I wanted to come to you guys to tune my x3sd but you wanted the car for 2 days (during covid) and I'm from near london so I just couldn't do it. So in the end I went to ecotune and bought a handheld device that I can flash car myself with using one of their maps. The other benefit is I can also flash the car back to normal at any time. I paid 200 for the handheld device and 400 for a stage 2 map. Would be awesome if you guys could do something similar.

  • @thefrenchruraldream8069
    @thefrenchruraldream8069 4 года назад +4

    I’ve been thinking about a Racechip box for my 1.5 tsi so glad I saw this 👍🏻😊😊....would have wasted £450 😠....thanks guys brilliant video and will definitely save people money and an expensive bill if it ruined their engine. 😊😊And even though I don’t have a diesel anymore definitely just subscribed 😁😁

    • @PiOfficial
      @PiOfficial 2 года назад +1

      450! Had my car tuned properly for 250

  • @manuelmatos8902
    @manuelmatos8902 3 года назад +1

    Great Video.
    Do you have any test, comparison or experience with Steinbauer power modules ?

  • @Sparkplugsteve
    @Sparkplugsteve 4 года назад +3

    Great informative video. Im not Really a diesel guy but I still Watch your videos and really wish someone would do this in the Ford fiesta tuning scene. 👍

  • @cooperSpartan117
    @cooperSpartan117 4 года назад +2

    I remember my dad had a racechip on his old mk3 focus ST. Only difference seemed to be an extra 2mpg and the power seemed to come in a little bit lower in the rev range.

  • @ctv4646
    @ctv4646 4 года назад +7

    I’ve always thought with tuning boxes it’s like poking a bull blind folded with a stick. It might run but there’s a good chance it’ll turn around and thump you.

  • @Shaggy12321
    @Shaggy12321 2 года назад +1

    Very interesting video, I've got a chip from TDI-Tuning and love it, I've got a Mercedes A200 W177 and stock its 163bhp, with the chip its claimed 201bhp and I believe it. The thing absolutely flys like mad with it in, in fact I drove it the other day with it turned off (and I forgot it was off), and when my engine warmed up I was wondering why it felt so slow? it took me 10 minutes to remember I turned the chip off, so pulled over by the road, turned it on, and boom! flying again. Big big differences in 2nd to 4th gear with the pull, plus my MPG has gone up a lot.

  • @r20rob
    @r20rob 4 года назад +15

    I’ve got a mk6 golf r stage 2+ tuned by Rtech and it smashes my mates APR 2+ tuned car, custom tune over a flash/tuning box map all day!
    If I ever get a diesel I will be bringing it straight to darkside for a custom map!! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

    • @HarryG98
      @HarryG98 4 года назад

      100% custom over generic but tbf APR isn’t a bad choice for a off the shelf tune

    • @mazza7282
      @mazza7282 4 года назад

      Ive had stage 1 petrols and diesels mapped by Rtech too, even on a stage 1 transforms the car. Custom tune all the way! - Thanks Darkside for putting this argument to bed again.

  • @Kj16V
    @Kj16V 4 года назад

    The delivery of the information is dry as a bone, but the information itself is pure gold.

  • @jamie-hb8gy
    @jamie-hb8gy 4 года назад +27

    Tuning box costs more and doesn't do anything : )

    • @tonyw2960
      @tonyw2960 3 года назад

      Just wish the gr yaris ecu was unlocked for track use only of course 😆

  • @danked6731
    @danked6731 Год назад +2

    okay i have a stupid why cant they send you something that will do a generic map and then you can run logs which can be sent back to them to adjust instead of boxes or is it a waaranty thing?

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  Год назад

      Generic maps are much cheaper and don't cover as many variables as safer custom ones would. We offer remote tuning using powergate which is a similar idea to what you are saying but all the files we send are custom based off cars ECU, mods and extras with on going support if you want more power etc

  • @simonbaker5984
    @simonbaker5984 4 года назад +8

    Been waiting for one of these reviews for years 👍.
    Massive respect for telling us old farts what we have known for years😅😅. Remap all the way!!!.
    I'm going back 20 plus years when you would remove the ECU, add FSE Power Boost Valves, K&N induction kits, twin webber carbs etc.. Decat, straight through exhausts. Skip Brown Tunning, Super Chips, to name just a few I have had on my cars in the past
    F Fwd 10 yrs & it's flash via the OBD.
    Never been convinced, of the claimed figures. And had numerous debates over remap vs tuning box.
    Great video Ryan 👍.

  • @Jenuin
    @Jenuin Год назад +2

    I loved watching this video because it answered my question on ECU flash compared to a tune. Most places around me so far are just flash tuners. 😅

  • @antj29
    @antj29 4 года назад +25

    How white is that lab coat, needed some glasses to finish the look

    • @danielmarshall4587
      @danielmarshall4587 4 года назад +3

      Also the gloss on the table...nice. AND the size of it, the table that is.

    • @davespry8604
      @davespry8604 4 года назад

      And some different coloured pens in the top pocket :)

    • @valium77
      @valium77 4 года назад

      and a clipboard

  • @michaelanderson2689
    @michaelanderson2689 4 года назад +2

    Missed out superchips handheld blu fin! If they cover this car? Had one on my a3 170tdi 09! Seamed ok!

    • @ryanp6138
      @ryanp6138 4 года назад +1

      Superchips is a proper remap really. Will mention non next video

    • @ronnie939
      @ronnie939 4 года назад +1

      @@ryanp6138 I have had one (Bluefin) on my Yeti (2.0 CR 170bhp 2014) for nearly 6 years now 98k on and its brilliant, dynoed it once on a Dyno Dynamics it pulled 209bhp/310Lbsft and from day one you can feel it and worth the money (£400 at the time). I would always tell people Remaps over boxes all day long your video is spot on and its good to see you questioning them out for these silly claims.

  • @BMH1965
    @BMH1965 4 года назад +10

    Many Race Chip customers have complained (also in social media), and I understand why after looking at this video.

    • @MuzzyT
      @MuzzyT 3 года назад +3

      Put a racechip on my A1 and I feel as though its severely reduced the life of my engine. It made the engine knock (with correct fuel), was overboosting and even after I took it off, over took a car on 2 different occasions and put my car in to limp mode + engine light. Would never use one again. Complete trash. Its an engine breaker.

    • @wildazme2006
      @wildazme2006 3 года назад

      When using a racechip you have to upgrade your plugs, if you didn't that's the problem.

    • @john.connor1
      @john.connor1 3 месяца назад

      @@wildazme2006 I'm concidering getting a racechip, is it true that the power comes in gradually up to 500 miles? Is driving in all modes until then important?

    • @wildazme2006
      @wildazme2006 3 месяца назад

      @@john.connor1 mileage does not matter, once you hook it up and turn it on the power is there

    • @john.connor1
      @john.connor1 3 месяца назад +1

      @@wildazme2006 Ok thanks, I appreciate your reply.

  • @derekga6973
    @derekga6973 Год назад +1

    What sales rep or family man drives around red lining their Skoda Octavia estate 2.0 TDI RPM over 3000 to the max,
    Most people just want that early torque and extra bhp that will bring them from 30 mph to 75 mph in a swoosh during daily use,
    Do your video concludes the tuning boxes are perfect for that or did I take the data up wrong

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  Год назад

      Tuning boxes will make some difference, not always what they claim (as seen in the video) a custom remap will make more of a difference and be a lot safer for your car, even if it's just for your average daily driver

  • @audilad9
    @audilad9 4 года назад +12

    Great video Ryan, been wanting to see the proof of this for years.

  • @perpetualintellectual2026
    @perpetualintellectual2026 2 года назад +1

    I'm so happy I looked for this video I'm collecting a g11 730d tomorrow and my tdi box has just arrived!

  • @Maga28DS
    @Maga28DS 4 года назад +3

    Excellent video and explanation. good job! congrats, keep up the sharing of some tips and knowledge

  • @usernumber1869
    @usernumber1869 4 года назад +1

    Interesting... I've ran DTUK boxes on all 3 of my brand new BMW 530/330/335, all in all, thousands of miles over probably 7 years? No faults, no dramas, and increased performance. Mind, I'm not the type of toucher to dyno my car and whinge if it didn't get exactly what the website said. But I could clearly feel it drove different with increased performance. Took them off for servicing and warranty work & put them back on afterwards.
    Did I just get lucky?
    Or did I just make sure I put the right box on the right car?

    • @ryanp6138
      @ryanp6138 4 года назад +1

      Sometimes I'm sure they work better than others!

  • @TarmanYoloSwag
    @TarmanYoloSwag 3 года назад +6

    I've developed a "Chip" for my own car (Mazda 2.2D skyactive). Attenuates boost and rail pressure signals based on cam speed. BT Android app to edit the tables in real time. I didn't care for sourcing connectors and just hardwired it in. BOM cost is around £20 without connectors, It's insane that these sell for >£300.

  • @justherefox7
    @justherefox7 Год назад +1

    If people were to use a tuning box would bluespark automative be a good one to use?

  • @FourRingsAuto
    @FourRingsAuto 4 года назад +4

    Great video again Team Darkside! Looking forward to the next video. Would you ever think about creating your own piggyback or tuning box that would allow you to do remote tuning or similar worldwide? Chosen resellers workshops logging pre and post tune for R&R.
    Also, just a suggestion for another video, what about a video explaining darkside's beginning up until now? Explaining where you came from professionally, the family side of it with SRS, and your technical backgrounds. Maybe a quick overview of the present team? A look at staff projects? I'm guessing you and your brothers were vw or audi technicians or apprentices originally? I think it would be good to show more of who you guys are, more than just "Reet then Ryan" (nothing wrong with you Ryan!).
    Cheers again guys!

  • @MrDelcol
    @MrDelcol 4 года назад +1

    So glad I follow you guys.
    I had convinced myself to go for a dtuk box over a remap. As their figures for my 17 plate octavia tdi vrs looked very impressive claiming 240 bhp and 500flb over stock.
    I was always a bit sceptical on their claims.
    But your video has just saved me 600 quid buying their box and pedal box.
    I'm going to have to research remaps for my mk3 vrs now

    • @ryanp6138
      @ryanp6138 4 года назад +2

      No need to research, just come here!

    • @MrDelcol
      @MrDelcol 4 года назад

      I would if I was nearer to you,

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  4 года назад +1

      @@MrDelcol Search Powergate on our site!

  • @_lawsy4057
    @_lawsy4057 4 года назад +3

    I had a DTUK FSR + box on my MK3 octavia VRS and this caused two of my injectors to pop and high pressure fuel pump to break. A nice £1500 bill followed. Never get a tuning box for your car, I have a proper stage 1 remap now and trust me you will never look back 👍

    • @brendansteen4360
      @brendansteen4360 2 года назад

      I also had a dtuk box on my 2.0 tdi passat. Did two injectors and HP pump also!

  • @magoo47
    @magoo47 3 года назад +2

    Great Video and totally agree always a custom tune over any piggyback.
    However when your car can't be tuned (2020 Bmw M340i - locked DME), these boxes are your only option

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  3 года назад +1

      They will be unlocked within a few months!

    • @Trevski220
      @Trevski220 2 года назад

      Do you run a piggyback on your M340i? As these are still not tuneable without sending away the DME to Russia I’m considering a piggyback so would welcome any input you may have?

  • @Martymartinio
    @Martymartinio 4 года назад +6

    When I had my 3rd gen Cooper S, I had a race chip installed on it (Cant remember the exact model, maybe ultimate, but it was the one with the most gains and had 3 leads). I regret not doing a dyno before and after as I know it definitely made a difference in my case. I was able to keep up with a stock same gen JCW, I know they were definitely putting their foot down. I don't know if these work better depending on the car. Do they work better diesel vs petrol? No idea. Even though I had a good result, I wouldn't buy another one as the results just seem too random across the board. At least with a remap you are are getting the most you can with your cars setup, rather than a one size fits all approach.

  • @neilbowness6074
    @neilbowness6074 3 года назад +1

    Did you try the multiple different setting on the units that you could change power

  • @MarkMc-66
    @MarkMc-66 6 месяцев назад +5

    Tuning boxes - Snake oil

  • @mikemontague6024
    @mikemontague6024 9 месяцев назад +1

    What is the cost of custom remap at yours ive got a cr150 a3 with gtd turbo turbo what sort of figures should i hope for also got a set of 184 injectors laying around to put in it

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  9 месяцев назад

      Drop us an email to sales@darksidedevelopments.co.uk with reg/vin and we can give you a full breakdown of costs including labour and figures to expect

  • @BkSMedia
    @BkSMedia 4 года назад +7

    Loving the lab coat Ryan! Informative video, nice to see you respectfully calling out other companies and giving them a chance to explain potential errors. Good work! 👍

  • @lloydb248
    @lloydb248 3 года назад +2

    Interesting... I was thinking about the RaceChip for my A4 B8.5 Quattro but understanding that they are just increasing pressure to the injection it seems pointless... Looks like it might be back to thinking about the REVO or APR
    I appreciate your interest in running these tests...

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  3 года назад

      We can send a tune remotely, search Powergate on our site.

    • @pascalhayek9858
      @pascalhayek9858 3 года назад +1

      What you say is not true. The turbo boost, the ignition timing and the air fuel ratio are also adjusted.

  • @colingroves335
    @colingroves335 4 года назад +3

    Very interesting video to watch in lockdown, top work.

  • @eltmedia
    @eltmedia 4 года назад +1

    This needs to go viral amongst the community. Problem is people with the boxes will claim misuse by dark side. I trust the legitimacy of it though

    • @DarksideDevelopments
      @DarksideDevelopments  4 года назад

      i'll do the test with the men who own the company next to me, but we have to do it live :)