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C is frequently f appro l ached by purveyors for truck deficiencies.They range from

23rd June 2005, Page 64
23rd June 2005
Page 64
Page 64, 23rd June 2005 — C is frequently f appro l ached by purveyors for truck deficiencies.They range from
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those which are immediately thrown into the file marked "snake oil" to those which sound reasonably plausible. We have always maintained a policy of only publicising those products and processes which are proven to work to our satisfaction; something few have achieved.

Now we've decided to set some clear ground rules by setting up a test procedure based at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire.This allows us to carry out repeatable -before-and-after" evaluation.

With laps of the challenging hill route and constant speed running on the high-speed bowl, we can obtain meaningful figures quickly and in consistent weather conditions.

Fuel consumption and performance improvements can be verified, where relevant we will also carry out dynamometer testing.

A second scheme in the pipeline will see products placed with working fleets and monitored in a statistically meaningful process.

The first contender for Millbrook testing is Superchips' electronic tuning process. Buckingham-based Superchips was one of the pioneers of chip tuning for racing and road cars and bikes;it has now turned its attention to CVs.

Tuning up

Applications currently include Renault, Scania and Volvo, with claimed power increases from 20-100hp. Unlike some systems which use plug-in modules to intercept and modify signals between the ECU and the fuel pump, Superchips reprograms the ECU with a laptop computer connected via the diagnostic port.

For our test, Superchips agent Milton Keynes Traction provided a well used Volvo FH12 420.A late problem with the planned test trailer meant the test had to be carried out at 28 tonnes GCW. rather than the 40 tormes we had intendecl.The planned upgrade was for an extra 60hp, to 480hp. Minimal preparation was needed at MiLlbrook. Fitting the VDO fuel measuring box took no more than 15 minutes, which included removing the fuse board and identifying the correct CAN-bus connection (which was, inevitably, slightly different to the example in our instructions).After a couple of laps of the hill section of the route, to re-acquaint ourselves with the terrain and to thoroughly warm the driveline, we were ready to roll.

Control run

The first run was with the standard engine tune, and we were pleasantly surprised by the way the Volvo stormed up the hills. Fuel and time readings were taken at three points on each lap: the start and the bottom and top of the steepest (6.7%) hill.

For the sake of consistency we used the same speed on all of the "no load" sections and 40mph on the hill route. With five hill laps completed we

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People: Milton Keynes
Locations: Buckingham

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