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Atherton · 01-02-2018, 05:39 PM

I'd steer clear of them, they all make big claims but the reality is there's probably no faster way to void you warranty. The argument of better economy doesn't make sense to me- All of these chips basically just dump more fuel into the motor (usually increasing fuel rail pressure and forcing the injector to stay open longer). Basic sense dictates that for any given power increase there's a corrosponding increase in fuel usage. Considering you'll have a DPF on your model there's no way to put a larger exhaust on either (without deleting the DPF which is illegal and will void your warranty). Honestly, if you want something with more power get a 200 series, the reality is that Toyota tune these cars for maximum reliablilty and have invested millions of dollers of R&D into making that motor run well. The claim that a backyard yokel with a fancy box can tune an engine better than teams of mechanical engineers doesn't wash with me. The biggest thing that would scare me with these sorts of things is that it will straight out void warranty and they'll notice it when they service it (assuming you are taking it to them to have that work done). You don't need the hassel in your life of chasing down the chip manufacturer for warranty (good luck with that) after Toyota washes their hands of you when something goes wrong.

Really good youtube vid here from an Aussie Mech. Engineer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9tvln5JUW4

Shmakt · 01-02-2018, 06:18 PM

Fair enough.

Not soo much after power.
Just had people tell me it’s a option and never having had one before (diesel) I’ve ignored anything diesel related up to 1 week ago when I decided to buy one. Lots to learn from what I’m reading elsewhere as well.

Atherton · 01-02-2018, 06:31 PM

Yeah, if you're not after power there's no real reason to consider a chip. That's about the only thing they offer, any claims of economy are just straight out false. Honestly the money you'd save on buying one could be much better spent towards a suspension lift or a good set off offroad tyres for when you do take it bush. Again though, since it is such a new car be aware that any modifications you make may give Toyota a get out of jail free card. A mate of mine had toyota fit a 3 inch exhaust to his 70 series ute (though whatever aftermaket shop they use for that sort of work) and then have them turn around when the clutch started slipping (a common fault on the 70's, the standard cluctch is total garbage) and claim the reason that the clutch had failed was because he'd fitted an exhaust. It might be worth talking to your dealer if you care about warranty and ask them what they will and won't cover with modifying parts- I'd get any corrospondance in writing as well, so then they can't back down later.

CamJam · 01-02-2018, 06:40 PM

Regardless of which way you swing - I'd wait for around a year or so. Get the Mods you may or may not need, and more importantly ensure you iron out any warranty issues first (no car comes out perfect really). Then look at it. I would, however, strongly recommend a Catch Can/ Provent 200 for your Prado diesel. That's the first mod I would suggest to absolutely anyone. But there's plenty on here about it - have a look yourself and google a bit to check it out for yourself.

krypto · 01-02-2018, 06:51 PM

There are a bunch of threads about chips on this forum, along with some very strong opinions on the pros and cons.

The same engine runs in different states of tune in different countries due to a whole bunch of variables including factors such as fuel quality and climate. So there is some room to move, however it also matters a lot on how you get there and how far you push the engine. Ultimately a very personal choice.

I found about 300 threads just by typing Steinbauer in the Pradopoint search bar, however best bet if you can't find them is to use google to search Pradopoint

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