Bluespark tuning box for 1.6hdi M59 - is it worth it?

[Shasha127]

Hello
Thinking about a tuning box for my small 75hp 1.6hdi and came across Bluespark boxes, looking at their Pro + Boost module 
https://www.bluesparkautomotive.com/citr...ost#bottom

Does anyone have experience with this brand/ one of their boxes and can elaborate and give hes straight opinion?
Thanks

[mission]

I havent used this particular brand, but I dont like those boxes in general.

Though they can work, it usually leads to annoying check engine lights or weird electrical gremlins.
Also I dont like those "predefined maps" as every engine is unique and can actually run worse on those preset units.

[Sol]

I bought one, but never got round to fitting it cos it's a pig to get to the fuel rail sensor. It's the actual bluespark one you're looking at. I decided after that, to go for a remapped unlocked ECU from hdi-tuning, just not ordered it yet, as I have to pull my ECU serial number to get the exact one. I've seen a lot of folk being initially happy with a box, then after a few months the engine starts acting up. Removing the box resolves the issue so that was enough for me.

[cancunia]

I saw this on the web page & looked at the video:
"IMPORTANT, Installation on this vehicle is considerably more time consuming than most vehicles, please see the below installation guide and video before purchasing one of our tuning boxes."

The video does not look like it's from an M59 engine, so the question is will it work on an M59 as well? I think that Zion has the right approach, get an unlocked ECU from HDi Tuning or somewhere similar, preferably without their sticker on the ECU.

[Sol]

Yeah CC, they use a Focus with the same engine in that video (The 1.6 HDi is also the Ford Duratorq & the Mini SD - exact same engine) but they are all a major pig to get to the fuel rail sensor as it is behind the engine and not accessible from below, it lives in a deep dark recess to which you need to pull the battery, remove the entire steel battery tray, and then you need a left handed contortionist with 3 arms and prehensile bat fingers to get to it. People have retired before getting the plug off the original sensor - having started at the age of 14...

The ECU is easy to get to and a remapped unit is the same price (actually less from HDi-tuning) as the Bluespark HDi tuning box.

Plus when you get rid of the vehicle, put the original ECU back and sell the remapped one. Also if you ever have any problems in the future, the original ECU can be slotted back in virtually in minutes. Once you had gone to the trouble of fitting the tuning box (and make no mistake about how hard it is - even Bluespark quote an hour or more for one of their experienced guys to fit it for you as opposed to 10 mins on another engine model) then you do not want to have to go through all that pain to disconnect the tuning box if it acts up.

The sticker on the ECU lid from HDi-tuning or any other mob, can be removed if they fit one, but its a remapped standard original ECU with a pretty undetectable change to the eye.

[Shasha127]

Thanks for the comments.
The installation including the fuel rail sensor connector doesnt bother me, iv already changed it a few months back and got my way of getting it out (using a hook tool) BUT i sure do not want any problems popping out a few months after putting the box in.
I wouldv got a remap locally but i dont trust no one where i live as nobody realy moding belingo's over here and if they do they will charge an arm on a leg for it.
If a remapped ECU can be purchased from HDI tuning im interested because i cant send mine over there and get it back.
I will get in touch with them and see what is available for my car and app.
Anyone here driving with a remapped ecu from these guys and can elaborate about performance gains and milage differences (good and bad)
Thanks!

[GraemeT]

Hi - running an 110 HDi with a remap to 143 by HDi-Tuning. All has been fine. Torque is good from 1100/1200 rpm. Fuel consumption is unchanged as my right foot has got a tad heavier due to the fact that the car fairly whizzes along - I think if you drove at the same speed/acceleration as before the remap then you'd get a little bit of a better fuel consumption. Performance is good.
For me the best gain is the torque spread.

[Sol]

Sounds good Graeme. I'm definitely getting one from them. I've heard a lot of good things about them but a good recommendation from you personally is really good to hear.

Shasha, they sell on eBay but are cheaper direct.

[Shasha127]

Ordered a remapped ECU from HDI tuning. Will write my impression after ill get it and test ride it. Thanks for the comments.

[cancunia]

Ordered a remapped ECU from HDI tuning. Will write my impression after ill get it and test ride it. Thanks for the comments.

Keep us posted!