So now I tow using the Scangauge for boost, fuel usage (the smallest reduction in pressure on the accelerator can sometimes be a significant saving in fuel) & water temp and the EGT to make sure I'm not working paddy too hard, speed comes after those. By that I mean if the temps are OK I can decide to up the speed if I need to if not I take my foot off the go pedal and temps drop.
Intercooler Scoop
I would have to say the stock scoop is not as good as it could be. Nah who am I kidding, it sucks !On a 30+ degree day I would notice anything from a small decrease in performance to checking that the handbrake wasn't on on those 40+ degree days.
I replaced the scoop with a bigger one and oh my did I see a difference on those hot days ! Whilst there was a decrease it was nowhere near what it used to be.
Torque Converter Locking Kit
It was around this time I was thinking of installing a temp gauge for the transmission, the extreme nomad body from Wholesale Auto Transmissions and a torque converter lockup kit.
Well after talking to a couple of guys here I installed Torque Converter Lockup Kit as it was the cheapest mod to do at the time.
This has made a difference to the comfort factor (constant dropping in and out of overdrive gets tedious) and I found the water temp rarely got over 92C when they would more often before. I find that I even use it when I'm not towing so I found it worthwhile to do.
Blocking the EGR
Because of the mixed consensus about blocking the EGR on a CRD I made the the last mod I did. Will it cause problems or not ? Do I need to fit a Dawes & needle valve etc or not ? So I fitted the blocking plate and now I'm watching the boost and so far the ECU is controlling it just fine with it never going over 16psi. At this stage I'm happy with that.
Future mods
Well tranny fluid temp gauge would be nice to see how hard it's working and if need be a new tranny fluid cooler but to be honest, I'm keeping an eye on temps and oil and will decide later.
Nomad Valve Body from Wholesale Automatics, would be nice but to be honest I don't know what it would bring to the party. Without trying one out I just don't know. Maybe one day someone will let me try out theirs
Performance chip (of some kind), dunno. If I was single and plenty of $ sure but right now with the mods I've done, paddy tows fine....having said that a little more power
Manual Locking Hubs, seriously considering those especially for when I'm reversing into tight spots, much better control. Used 4L to get out of a spot with the van the other day, great while on the mud/grass but once the car was on the road (I thought I had disengaged 4WD) and wind up! Not happy Jan, trying to reverse (with the van at an awkward angle) to disengage 4WD
Ultimately are all these mods worth the $ ? I can say for me sorta. Whilst some do improve power/performance, others improve driveabilty/comfort and some reduce the likelihood of a mechanical failure. This is just a short story of what I have done, you need to make your own mind up, take it to the Minister of War um Finance, grovel, beg and oh wait that's just me right ?
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