Review: Pete's box for the 2.6 CRDE Scorpio

Sideways · 9th March 2009, 16:38

Introdcution

The 2.6 Scorpio CRDE is a pleasure to drive. The turbo kicks in at an early 1300 to 1400 rpm, virtually eliminating any kind of lag which is normally associated with most turbo charged vehicles. Although the engine is dated (Pushrod technology), the folks at Mahindra have done a good job with respect to refinement and relaiability. The engine revs smoothly without any hesitation. On the contrary it seems to be in a hurry to get to max revs. The torque available is more than adequate (so I thought), be it on the highway or on the hills.

Yeh Dil Maangey More

However being perfomance enthusiasts theres always that little more that we crave for. Adding a boost controller to increase the boost did cross my mind several times, but I was not sure if the ecu would cope and compensate for the additonal amount of air. I use the Scorpio on a daily basis and I cannot compromise on reliability. I decided to wait until a reliable solution was available.

A ray of Hope

When Pete's Perfomance introduced Digitial Tuning Boxes for diesel vehicles in India, I called Peter to ask if they had anything for the Scorpio. Unfortunately they did not, but Peter promised to keep me updated on any further developments. As promised Peter called and informed me that a team from PSI Technologies, the inventors of the magic BLUE BOX (I wonder what it is with the colour blue, first Viagra, now tuning box !!!), were in India to carry out tests on the Scorpio. A few days later, I was informed that Pete's Performance had officially launched a tuning box for the Scorpio. I decided to wait it out for a little more time before taking the plunge. As I have mentioned before, reliability was of prime importance. However, just like all the other Products Pete's Performance markets, they seemed to have done their homework well. People who had installed the tuning box in their Scorpio's only had good things to say. It was time to make the phone call.

The Magic Blue Box arrives

I was IMPRESSED.

A lot of care has taken overall.

Packaging is of excellent quality. The instruction booklet has clear and precise instructions on installation procedures and the Do's and Dont's. The photgraphic illustration on installation procedure is an added bonus and eliminates any possibility of installing the box in a way it's not meant to be.

The box itself is made of high quality plastic and is supplied with a wiring loom specific to the vehicle in which the box is to be installed. A nice high quality Pete's decal is also included in the box.

Installation

Installation takes about 10 minutes, most of which is spent removing and refitting the engine cover. There are 3 connectors on the wiring loom. The main connecotr goes into the tuning box. The connector on the fuel rail is diconnected and attached to the second connector on the loom and the third connector is attached to the fuel rail in place of the original connector. I used a couple of Tie ups to secure the tuning box to the metal braket which holds the fuse carrier in the engine bay. The heat in the engine bay will not affect the working of the tuning box. However care must be taken to isolate the box from water while washing the engine bay.

Testing Method

I did not use any fancy gizzmos and gadgetery to determine perfomance. A simple stopwatch was used. There is always more margin for error if testing is done with standing starts. The way the clutch is released, and the amount the accelerator is depressed will always vary from run to run. Therefore I decided on testing with a rolling start instead. The method was fairly simple. The vehicle would be slotted into first gear with the speed held at 20 kmph. The stop watch would be started. Gears would be shifted up at the 3000 rpm mark from 1st to 4th. The watch would be stopped when the vehicle reached 100 kmph on 4th gear.

I chose to shift up at 3000 rpm, because this is the most useable rpm in city driving conditions. I have not tested the vehicle on the highway as yet.

An isolated road with a good surface devoid of any other vehicles, human beings and animals (hard to come by, but we found one, never the less) was identified for the test runs.

Note: - Throttle postion for every gear at 100% i.e. pedal to the metal.

Performance

Without the Box - 3 runs - 16.4, 16.3, 16.5 - Average - 16.4 seconds

With the Box - 3 runs - 13.4, 13.2, 13.3 Seconds - Average - 13.3 seconds

Thats more than 3 seconds knocked off - I was freaking out - Unbeleiveable but true.

Conclusion - Go baby Go

The box is worth every cent. Like I mentioned earlier, the jeep is fast as it is, but trust me, the Pete's box gives it that extra punch, and the additonal power and torque is fantastic. You will find yourself down shifting much less often, as the new power is on tap and instantaneous. Even while crusing, when you squeeze the accelerator either to overtake or increase your speed, theres absolutely no hesitation or laziness - Simply awesome.

Theres no overheating or any other negetive effect. If decently driven the jeep will return the same milage if not more (on account of lesser down shifting). I would however recomend using a better engine oil. The oil which the Mahindra service centres use is worse than human faeces (to avoid being infracted I have used language as per board rules, but I hope everyone gets the message)

I am not sure if installation of the box voids the warranty. I haven't bothered to check with the dealership and I don't intend to. I will remove it when the jeep goes for service and re install when it's back.

The box retails for Rs.28,000 inclusive of taxes (printed on the box). Get one today if you have the money, start saving up if you don't.

Please drive safely within the required speed as prescribed under the law.

Happy motoring.

theMAG · 9th March 2009, 16:45

Thats a very scientific review Farhan. Would this new box also work on other non-Euro common-rails in the Indian market?

Ardy · 9th March 2009, 16:45

Good Review ...

Please update the FE figures as well. Did you think about replacing air filters as well?

PS: I have the tuning box on my Octavia which I fitted recently ... The overall FE has really not changed, but the FE on 1st & 2nd gear driving has changed. I have also replaced my air filters with Green Cotton.

jkdas · 9th March 2009, 16:45

Impressive numbers. Thought Mansidea would pick one up sometime back.

And, dont you think better air filter will help? Or one can skip it?

Sideways · 9th March 2009, 16:52

Thanx guys.

@ Maggie - Nope, not as far as I know, but Pete can clarify that better than I can.

@ Ardy - I haven't tested for fuel efficiency. I was travelling and returned only on the weekend. Will test and update. The filter has not been changed. The stock filter is a foam one and I am sticking with it for the moment. Warranty becomes void in the Scorpio if the air filter element is changed - Go figure.

@ J.k. - I am sure it will, but read as above.

rjstyles69 · 9th March 2009, 16:54

Farhan that's something really nice to read straight from the horse's mouth, a very 1st on team-bhp. Great review there !!

kpzen · 9th March 2009, 16:55

Sir,
Congratulations for getting the box! I feel its completely worth it after experiencing it in my Getz for 8000kms.

What filter are u using ?

suman · 9th March 2009, 16:58

Farhan, nice & objective review (as expected

), thanks! Those are impressive numbers. So the 2.6 becomes a real stonker now & outflies the Hawk

Sideways · 9th March 2009, 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by suman

Farhan, nice & objective review (as expected

), thanks! Those are impressive numbers. So the 2.6 becomes a real stonker now & outflies the Hawk

Thanx Suman, it's very different now, in a very nice way. Faster than the MHawk ?, I don't know, but would like to find out.

pulsar56 · 9th March 2009, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sideways

Thanx Suman, it's very different now, in a very nice way. Faster than the MHawk ?, I don't know, but would like to find out.

Nice description there.
Now, I am wondering, what will be the outcome of a pete's box on a mHawk?

ramkya1 · 9th March 2009, 18:25

Sideways,

Great review, objective and exciting. Will wait for more inputs from your experience before I'd take a plunge.

Thanks for sharing,

(Just talked to Ms.Bina @ Pete's, cochin; they are arranging for someone to brief me tomorrow morning @ Ahmedabad on the box; told me its a truly plug & play thing

)

--Ramky
=====

HappyWheels · 9th March 2009, 18:27

Nice review and at 13~ second, man, what a sting!

I would be just a tad concerned about the braking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pulsar56

...Now, I am wondering, what will be the outcome of a pete's box on a mHawk?

Same thought here!

Technocrat · 9th March 2009, 18:42

Congrats Farhan

Btw from what I have heard the actual effect take some time to show up, did you get these figures immediately after installing the box?

Sideways · 9th March 2009, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramkya1

Sideways,

Great review, objective and exciting. Will wait for more inputs from your experience before I'd take a plunge.

Thanks for sharing,

(Just talked to Ms.Bina @ Pete's, cochin; they are arranging for someone to brief me tomorrow morning @ Ahmedabad on the box; told me its a truly plug & play thing

)

--Ramky
=====

Wow, that was quick, trust me Ramky, i have said all I need to say. I am very happy with the product.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyWheels

Nice review and at 13~ second, man, what a sting!

I would be just a tad concerned about the braking.

This is something I need to seriously work on now. After the installing the box, the brakes feel even more inadequate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Congrats Farhan

Btw from what I have heard the actual effect take some time to show up, did you get these figures immediately after installing the box?

No not really. The test was done back to back, with and without the box. I should do another test now to see if the performance has gotten any better. Probably over the weekend sometime.

Cheers.

Jaggu · 9th March 2009, 19:02

A very good review Sideways!

How much has your vehicle run till date (odo reading in total)? Is there different tune/map for Scorp, if so which one are you running?

Last but not the least some info regarding the better oil would be helpful, what is the rating and spec?

9th March 2009, 16:38	#1
Sideways BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Madras - India Posts: 641 Thanked: 32 Times View My Garage	Review: Pete's box for the 2.6 CRDE Scorpio Introdcution The 2.6 Scorpio CRDE is a pleasure to drive. The turbo kicks in at an early 1300 to 1400 rpm, virtually eliminating any kind of lag which is normally associated with most turbo charged vehicles. Although the engine is dated (Pushrod technology), the folks at Mahindra have done a good job with respect to refinement and relaiability. The engine revs smoothly without any hesitation. On the contrary it seems to be in a hurry to get to max revs. The torque available is more than adequate (so I thought), be it on the highway or on the hills. *Yeh Dil Maangey* More However being perfomance enthusiasts theres always that little more that we crave for. Adding a boost controller to increase the boost did cross my mind several times, but I was not sure if the ecu would cope and compensate for the additonal amount of air. I use the Scorpio on a daily basis and I cannot compromise on reliability. I decided to wait until a reliable solution was available. A ray of Hope When Pete's Perfomance introduced Digitial Tuning Boxes for diesel vehicles in India, I called Peter to ask if they had anything for the Scorpio. Unfortunately they did not, but Peter promised to keep me updated on any further developments. As promised Peter called and informed me that a team from PSI Technologies, the inventors of the magic BLUE BOX (I wonder what it is with the colour blue, first Viagra, now tuning box !!!), were in India to carry out tests on the Scorpio. A few days later, I was informed that Pete's Performance had officially launched a tuning box for the Scorpio. I decided to wait it out for a little more time before taking the plunge. As I have mentioned before, reliability was of prime importance. However, just like all the other Products Pete's Performance markets, they seemed to have done their homework well. People who had installed the tuning box in their Scorpio's only had good things to say. It was time to make the phone call. The Magic Blue Box arrives I was IMPRESSED. A lot of care has taken overall. Packaging is of excellent quality. The instruction booklet has clear and precise instructions on installation procedures and the Do's and Dont's. The photgraphic illustration on installation procedure is an added bonus and eliminates any possibility of installing the box in a way it's not meant to be. The box itself is made of high quality plastic and is supplied with a wiring loom specific to the vehicle in which the box is to be installed. A nice high quality Pete's decal is also included in the box. Installation Installation takes about 10 minutes, most of which is spent removing and refitting the engine cover. There are 3 connectors on the wiring loom. The main connecotr goes into the tuning box. The connector on the fuel rail is diconnected and attached to the second connector on the loom and the third connector is attached to the fuel rail in place of the original connector. I used a couple of Tie ups to secure the tuning box to the metal braket which holds the fuse carrier in the engine bay. The heat in the engine bay will not affect the working of the tuning box. However care must be taken to isolate the box from water while washing the engine bay. Testing Method I did not use any fancy gizzmos and gadgetery to determine perfomance. A simple stopwatch was used. There is always more margin for error if testing is done with standing starts. The way the clutch is released, and the amount the accelerator is depressed will always vary from run to run. Therefore I decided on testing with a rolling start instead. The method was fairly simple. The vehicle would be slotted into first gear with the speed held at 20 kmph. The stop watch would be started. Gears would be shifted up at the 3000 rpm mark from 1st to 4th. The watch would be stopped when the vehicle reached 100 kmph on 4th gear. I chose to shift up at 3000 rpm, because this is the most useable rpm in city driving conditions. I have not tested the vehicle on the highway as yet. An isolated road with a good surface devoid of any other vehicles, human beings and animals (hard to come by, but we found one, never the less) was identified for the test runs. Note: - Throttle postion for every gear at 100% i.e. pedal to the metal. Performance Without the Box - 3 runs - 16.4, 16.3, 16.5 - Average - 16.4 seconds With the Box - 3 runs - 13.4, 13.2, 13.3 Seconds - Average - 13.3 seconds Thats more than 3 seconds knocked off - I was freaking out - Unbeleiveable but true. Conclusion - Go baby Go The box is worth every cent. Like I mentioned earlier, the jeep is fast as it is, but trust me, the Pete's box gives it that extra punch, and the additonal power and torque is fantastic. You will find yourself down shifting much less often, as the new power is on tap and instantaneous*. Even while crusing, when you squeeze the accelerator either to overtake or increase your speed, theres absolutely no hesitation or laziness - Simply awesome. Theres no overheating or any other negetive effect. If decently driven the jeep will return the same milage if not more (on account of lesser down shifting). I would however recomend using a better engine oil. The oil which the Mahindra service centres use is worse than human faeces (to avoid being infracted I have used language as per board rules, but I hope everyone gets the message) I am not sure if installation of the box voids the warranty. I haven't bothered to check with the dealership and I don't intend to. I will remove it when the jeep goes for service and re install when it's back. The box retails for Rs.28,000 inclusive of taxes (printed on the box). Get one today if you have the money, start saving up if you don't. Please drive safely within the required speed as prescribed under the law. Happy motoring. Last edited by Sideways : 9th March 2009 at 16:55.*
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:45	#2
theMAG Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 7,219 Thanked: 1,818 Times View My Garage	Thats a very scientific review Farhan. Would this new box also work on other non-Euro common-rails in the Indian market?
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:45	#3
Ardy BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 614 Thanked: 87 Times View My Garage	Good Review ... Please update the FE figures as well. Did you think about replacing air filters as well? PS: I have the tuning box on my Octavia which I fitted recently ... The overall FE has really not changed, but the FE on 1st & 2nd gear driving has changed. I have also replaced my air filters with Green Cotton.
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:45	#4
jkdas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapu Posts: 9,687 Thanked: 1,495 Times View My Garage	Impressive numbers. Thought Mansidea would pick one up sometime back. And, dont you think better air filter will help? Or one can skip it?
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:52	#5
Sideways BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Madras - India Posts: 641 Thanked: 32 Times View My Garage	Thanx guys. @ Maggie - Nope, not as far as I know, but Pete can clarify that better than I can. @ Ardy - I haven't tested for fuel efficiency. I was travelling and returned only on the weekend. Will test and update. The filter has not been changed. The stock filter is a foam one and I am sticking with it for the moment. Warranty becomes void in the Scorpio if the air filter element is changed - Go figure. @ J.k. - I am sure it will, but read as above.
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:54	#6
rjstyles69 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bengalooru.. Posts: 4,344 Thanked: 845 Times View My Garage	Farhan that's something really nice to read straight from the horse's mouth, a very 1st on team-bhp. Great review there !!
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:55	#7
kpzen Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Faridabad Posts: 5,611 Thanked: 1,880 Times View My Garage	Sir, Congratulations for getting the box! I feel its completely worth it after experiencing it in my Getz for 8000kms. What filter are u using ? Last edited by kpzen : 9th March 2009 at 17:01.
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 16:58	#8
suman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kolkata Posts: 4,589 Thanked: 281 Times View My Garage	Farhan, nice & objective review (as expected ), thanks! Those are impressive numbers. So the 2.6 becomes a real stonker now & outflies the Hawk
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 18:25	#11
ramkya1 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Palakkad, Keral Posts: 1,829 Thanked: 434 Times View My Garage	Sideways, Great review, objective and exciting. Will wait for more inputs from your experience before I'd take a plunge. Thanks for sharing, (Just talked to Ms.Bina @ Pete's, cochin; they are arranging for someone to brief me tomorrow morning @ Ahmedabad on the box; told me its a truly plug & play thing ) --Ramky ===== Last edited by ramkya1 : 9th March 2009 at 18:38.
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 18:42	#13
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,815 Thanked: 2,704 Times	Congrats Farhan Btw from what I have heard the actual effect take some time to show up, did you get these figures immediately after installing the box?
	() Thanks

9th March 2009, 19:02	#15
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,398 Thanked: 16,932 Times	A very good review Sideways! How much has your vehicle run till date (odo reading in total)? Is there different tune/map for Scorp, if so which one are you running? Last but not the least some info regarding the better oil would be helpful, what is the rating and spec?
	() Thanks