Polestar vs SuperChips upgrade

[Agro]

I recently fitted a tuning box from TDI Tuning. Traveled almost 1000klms since and quite happy with it so far.

The box has 7 programs that can be manually adjusted on the box, or for an extra cost, remotely via bluetooth.

They claim performance from 254bhp for Level 1 up to 271bhp for Level 7 (technical data sheet attached). I'm a bit skeptical of the high figures they quote but there certainly is a noticeable difference in performance.

Having tried out all the programs I've found the higher ones to be a little over the top for and have settled on Level 3 around town and Level 5 for the open road. Car drives much better; less lag, more responsive, great mid-range performance for overtaking or a quick burst to get you away from trouble, and gear changes "seem" to be a little smoother and quicker. Fuel economy is about the same even though my foot has been a little heavier of late. The geartronic sports mode, although more aggressive, "seems" to be a bit smoother if that makes sense.

One good thing is that I can remove it and have it re-programmed for another car; or sell it if I chose to remove it.

I did look at Polestar but it was ridiculously high priced and my dealer would not budge on the price of $1200. Plus I really don't want to support local dealers who have given me more grief than assistance in the past.

[37 RUBY]

Originally Posted by Agro

I recently fitted a tuning box from TDI Tuning. Traveled almost 1000klms since and quite happy with it so far.

I'd be keen to hear an update from you in 6 months or so after a bit more usage...

What effect was there on your insurance premium?

[Agro]

Originally Posted by 37 RUBY

I'd be keen to hear an update from you in 6 months or so after a bit more usage...

What effect was there on your insurance premium?

G'day Dave,

I was going to wait a while before posting a review but read this thread and couldn't resist. Will write something up in 6-12 months although I'm probably not the best one to do this as I only do about 10,000klms a year.

They tell me they've done plenty of Volvo Diesels but I couldn't find any reviews online for Volvo. There are a number of youtube video reviews on other cars though.

Haven't bothered doing anything about the insurance yet.

[37 RUBY]

Originally Posted by Agro

G'day Dave,

I was going to wait a while before posting a review but read this thread and couldn't resist. Will write something up in 6-12 months although I'm probably not the best one to do this as I only do about 10,000klms a year.

They tell me they've done plenty of Volvo Diesels but I couldn't find any reviews online for Volvo. There are a number of youtube video reviews on other cars though.

Haven't bothered doing anything about the insurance yet.

Hello Roy

Hope your well over there. It's raining here in Blighty

You're turning into the forum tester , first shocks then Vida installation and now engine tuning...what's next?

6-12months review would be good.

My main requirement is more torque when towing so it will great to hear how you go when you've got your trailer attached.

[Agro]

Originally Posted by 37 RUBY

You're turning into the forum tester , first shocks then Vida installation and now engine tuning...what's next?

A regular crash test dummy . Upgrades just about done now, just a couple more things to do.

Would be great if there were more reviews/guidance across the board.

QUOTE=37 RUBY;2676352] My main requirement is more torque when towing so it will great to hear how you go when you've got your trailer attached.[/QUOTE]

Towing will be much improved, I can feel it already but will confirm.

[Gazdkw]

Originally Posted by Adrian888

The increase in power is model/engine specific and some are a darn site more than 10%. And i got my polestar remap from a Volvo dealer for just under £350.... so it can be haggled.

Any way to know prior to doing it what increase your own engine can achieve?

[reggit]

Originally Posted by Gazdkw

Any way to know prior to doing it what increase your own engine can achieve?

Amazing what google turns up 😂

https://engineered.polestar.com/uk/model-selector

[green van man]

My 2nd XC70 D5 is polestared to 190 bhp 470 Nm.
Towing is a dream.

. Hit the loud peddle hard and torque steer will result, worse in the wet obviously.
Have tried Michelin and pirreli tyres, same outcome. Adapt driving style to cope and the smile factor is great.

Did it do more to the gallon, don't be silly, what's the point of 190 horses if they stay in the stable.

In all seriousnes, I did it for the torque and towing, I drive a manual and it is very rare to need the lower 3 gears once moving, even towing a 1650kg caravan.

A mate of mine runs a BMW 5 series, he had that chipped, it has currently been off the road for 6 week's with a suspected ecu fault. Not helped by the high pressure pump feeding swarf throughout the fuel system. So far he is £1400 down rebuilding the fuel system only for the car to turn over but not start still, hence the ecu diagnosis, it's the only thing left.
Deviating from standard is fine while it works and who of us has not been there at some point, however once it stops working the upgrades can throw a lot of spanners into the works. Mate is currently looking at a standard ecu and if that makes it run sell it quick.

Modifying cars is very satisfying, but it must be remembered it can also be very expensive, says the guy who built rally cars as a hobby in his youth.

Paul.

[DAN AT ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.
If anyone ever has any issues with either insurance for either of these conversions then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

[Tatsfield]

Agree with all that you say about damaging engines with foolish re-maps, but in all honesty Superchips offer a very mild tune and have the reputation of being more about smoothing the engine with a little extra power rather than roughening it with a lot. Even so, as I posted earlier, I'd still opt for the Polestar remap if it were within budget. However, if you have to go elsewhere because of cost, Superchip have an engine repair/replacement guarantee that I don't think they have ever had to make good, so their product isn't really much of a risk except in terms of invalidating the Selekt warranty which is well worth preserving as it is the best second hand car warranty you could get.

You won't have any insurance issues with Polestar as it is a Volvo product and Superchip never caused my insurers to raise my premiums in 20 years of running 2+2 coupes with Superchip remaps.