2.1TD versus 2.0 HDI (110) and remapping

[Steveo]

Hi Gents

I bought a 2.1TD (Exec) a few months ago, and liked it so much I've bought a much lower mileage 2.0 HDI (Exec).

Trouble is, despite it being quieter and more refined, I don't actually like the HDI as much, which is very disappointing! Apart from a few internal rattles, the 2.1TD seemed to be built better and of tougher materials than the HDI, which feels like it's been built to a price. Is this just my impression, or do others have a similar opinion?

One of my major disappointments is that 2.1TD had noticeably more torque and grunt.

I'm considering reversing the deal (but will have to take a big financial hit in the process), but what I would like to know to help inform this decision, is does anyone know from direct experience whether getting the 2.0 HDI remapped (to 140bhp) will make it noticeably as/more torquey and powerful as the standard 2.1TD?

Many thanks

Steve

[Doggy]

Captain Jack's your man - he's had a remapped 2.1, then a 2.0 HDi exec, then got it mapped too, so should be better placed than most to comment.

I've driven Plod's remapped 110 and can vouch for the fact it's pretty impressive.

There again, you could have got a 2.2

[Bailes1992]

I find my HDi 90 is very flat in comparison to my old 1.9TD.
I am starting to think though that its just because the engine is smoother, it pulls from 40-70mph in 4th like a dream!

Also could very well be the HDi you've bought is abit coked up and needs a good service and a good thrash to clean it out, always works wonders on my HDi!

But I also thought my D8 was much better than my D9 in terms of build quality. It was quiter on the motorway, the dash felt far more solid and the doors used to 'clunk' more than the D9.

[Steveo]

Thanks for your replies Gents

How do I get my query to Captain Jack?

I agree about the dash being better on the D8, and the thunk to the doors.

Cheers

Steve

[Doggy]

How do I get my query to Captain Jack?

Send him a PM

[Welly]

This has been mentioned before on here. You are right, the D8 was constructed of better/thicker materials pretty much all-round.

The D9's body panels dent easily and the interior is a bit flimsy here and there. One good example is the air con which keeps working well on the D8 but craps out early on the D9. Maybe they were trying to keep the overall weight down or maybe it was purely for financial competition.

I used to drive a 2.1 in a 605 STDT and the power was different, came 'on boost' well and hurled you towards 4000 revs. The HDi is very subtle and is best used between 1500 and 2800 rpm's. It's best not to try pushing a HDi and just let it do its thing for you - if you glance at the speedo you'll see you're making much better progress than it feels

Cap'n Jack had his remapped by Derv Doctor and it was pushing about 140bhp I think with excellent results, there's no dodgy clutch/dmf to worry about either.

[Steveo]

Thanks Welly

I was partly influenced towards getting the HDI by thye Wikipedia article which has proved to be lies on just about every count, describing the D9 as being better made, better looking, more powerful and with better plastics internally -I'd say all are quite the opposite.

Cheers

Steve

[Doggy]

I was going to mention technique too, but not having driven a 110 other than a couple of test drives, welly's experience is clearly more relevant.

FWIW the HDi 90 in my previous Xsara responded best to loads of throttle, quick up-changes and a maximum of 3000 RPM. Made a big difference.

[Steveo]

Thanks Doggy, I'll give that a try.

Cheers

Steve

[scotty73]

Different engines need a change of driving style, my old xsara 1.9td (no idea what bhp) like doggys if you put it through its paces would push me back in my seat.. no mods or anything.... My 110hdi is a different kettle of fish and feels like it needs a remap (hint hint) .... Drive it right though and that speedo goes and the mpg goes

Prefer driving my 110 though.

[Steveo]

Thanks Scotty :-)

Steve

[scotty73]

Thanks Scotty :-)

Steve

Have you hit 4000rpm in second in it yet? then you'll see it fly ... i'm in no way endorsing that mind i've only done it twice through 2nd and 3rd gear.

[plod]

Quality of the rempa will make a difference as well

The previous owner had the one done on my car, but he's a good mate of mine, and he said, first time round, he was dissapointed, and took it back, and they remodelled the map, and now, it pulls from 1400rpm and just keeps going

[Steveo]

Thanks Guys.

No, I haven't tried 4000rpm in any gears I think... sounds like a recipe for a big bang!! I guess in comparing it with the 2.1TD, it's that low revs grunt without thrashing it it has that I miss...

Cheers

Steve

[Captain Jack]

For forum members' benefit, here's my reply to Steve:

When I went to the 110 HDI, it did seem slower than the 2.1TD. However, it's a different beast and the power delivery is different - it's more progressive than the punchy 2.1TD (as Welly says) - so you need to work through the gears differently and not do the pedal-to-the-metal approach. It's not actually much slower, unless there is something really wrong with it.

When remapped, the engine is different beast. Very quick and responsive. Once you have this done, you won't regret it. My 2.1TD was also remapped to 140bhp and the remapped HDI 110 seems quicker than the remapped 2.1TD.

I wouldn't reverse the deal as it's a really nice engine. It hasn't given me any reliability issues in the 3.5 years that I've had it... but then neither did the 2.1TD in the 5 years I've had it. Remap it, service it and you'll never look back!