takeaflight Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 I was wondering if anyone had fitted this particular unit to their Fiat 2.8jtd and if so any good? [link to eBay removed] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roamer Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 No, I have not fitted such a unit to my van but would like to know from anyone that has done a engine power 'chip' upgrade, what their insurance companies responce was - increase in premium - refuse to cover??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest peter Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 You don't tell the insurance company, they can't tell anyway. If you have a bang and they require an engineers inspection you put back the old chip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Frank Wilkinson Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 I really would not recommend hiding this from your insurers. What if you are in an accident, that may not even be your fault, and you are seriously injured? You could be taken to hospital and be unable to arrange removal of the tuning chip and in the meantime your car is towed away by the insurance company's agent for inspection.The next thing you learn is that your insurance is invalid because you've tuned up your car and hidden it from the insurer.Don't even think about it! Such an action would be illegal and immoral and you'd be continually worried about something going wrong and your deception uncovered.My junior partner bought a Mercedes S Class diesel for tax reasons (lower benefit charge) but wasn't thrilled by the performance, so he had it chipped by a specialist tuning company. (With excellent results I might add!)We informed our insurers who didn't charge us an extra penny and endorsed our fleet policy with the modification. He now drives it with a clear conscience and without worries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest starspirit Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I agree with Frank - honesty is always the best policy with Insurers. Insurance is based of the principle of 'utmost good faith' and in many cases no premium increase is applied for relatively minor modifications as they just appreciate the honesty - and if they don't simply find one who does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Chapman Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Hello Frank and Starspirit, I agree totally with you both. Is this a new regime in being friends together? I checked with my insurers, Safeguard, about fitting a VanAAken smartbox to the Ducato2.3 JTD and they said that they would be quite happy with this and that there would be no additional premium. I was quite surprised until they explained that it is unlikely that a Motor Caravan would be driven any faster and were aware that the mod would improve performance and fuel consumption when fully loaded. They also pointed out the problems with the vehicle manufacturers warranty possibly being voided if the unit was fitted. Good advice and why I will wait until the 2 year warranty is expired. Regards, Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Chapman Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Have just been speaking to Van Aaken about the Smartbox for the Fiat Ducato 2.3 JTD NOT the latest model. The reason for the call was that I picked up from another forum that there is a problem with the Smartbox on some 2.3 JTD's and on most 2006 models. This seems to be related to motorhomes where wiring mods have been carried out. The fault manifests itself as engine cut outs from as little as 300 rpm. Van aaken do not recommend the Smartbox for 2.3JTD engined Motorhomes and say that the box cannot be modified to overcome the problem. This ONLY applies to the 2.3JTD not the 2.0 or 2.8. If you are having problems with this may I suggest you speak directly to Van Aaken. It is a possibility that other tuning boxes may be producing the same or similar problems. If so speak to the manufacturer of the unit. Regards, Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Frank Wilkinson Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Mike Chapman - 2007-03-01 4:17 PM Have just been speaking to Van Aaken about the Smartbox for the Fiat Ducato 2.3 JTD NOT the latest model. The reason for the call was that I picked up from another forum that there is a problem with the Smartbox on some 2.3 JTD's and on most 2006 models. This seems to be related to motorhomes where wiring mods have been carried out. The fault manifests itself as engine cut outs from as little as 300 rpm. Van aaken do not recommend the Smartbox for 2.3JTD engined Motorhomes and say that the box cannot be modified to overcome the problem. This ONLY applies to the 2.3JTD not the 2.0 or 2.8. If you are having problems with this may I suggest you speak directly to Van Aaken. It is a possibility that other tuning boxes may be producing the same or similar problems. If so speak to the manufacturer of the unit. Regards, Mike. Mike, as it happens my partner's car was done by Van Aaken. They came highly recommended and he drove all the way down to Berkshire or somewhere 'darn sarf' to have it fitted. They did it while he waited.His car was under warranty when it was done but Mercedes said that it wouldn't affect the warranty unless it could be proven that the fault was directly attributable to the Smart Box as it's called. It's been two years now since it was done and it's been superb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Miller Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 My 2ltr Nuevo has a VA smart box fitted. The engine runs more quietly and with seemingly extra energy.Not sure i have gained much in fuel economy but i am not a close observer of mpg statistics. Mot was passed with box fitted and examiner commented on the low emisions figure. Current insurer was quite happy with fitting and charged no extra premium. Whilst searching around for comparative quotes at re insurance time the only company that wanted extra premiums because of the Smart Box was Saga.So take care if you are over 50. I am very satisfied with the product. N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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