A VW T4 1.9TD camper made the journey from Dudley to PP Tuning in Louth for a new stainless steel exhaust and engine tune-up. The job turned out to involve more than expected, with several previous adjustments needing attention before the engine could be properly tuned on the MAHA rolling road.
A New Stainless Steel Exhaust
First on the list was a custom stainless steel exhaust, running from the downpipe back with a single rear exit. Made from Grade 304 stainless steel, the system offers much better resistance to corrosion than the original mild steel pipework.
With everything prepared, fitting took just 15 minutes. PP Tuning also supplies VW T4 single rear exit stainless steel exhaust systems for owners wanting to replace their ageing exhausts.
Previous Adjustments Needed Sorting
With the exhaust fitted, the camper went onto PP Tuning’s MAHA rolling road for its pre-tune checks.
It quickly became apparent that someone had already been adjusting things under the bonnet. The fuel pump security protection had been removed, the turbo actuator had been tampered with, and the engine was idling at over 1,000rpm.
Before any further tuning could take place, these issues needed correcting. Jason brought the idle speed back down, correctly set the actuator and adjusted the throttle cable.
Previous adjustments can make tuning older diesel engines more complicated, particularly when there’s no record of what’s been changed. PP Tuning encountered similar challenges with another VW T4 1.9TD camper that arrived producing just 55bhp.
Six Rolling Road Runs and a Better-Running T4
After approximately six runs on the MAHA rolling road, the engine was running much better, with the final measurements showing 87bhp and 182Nm of torque.
Compared with the original factory figures, that’s a useful increase in both power and torque.
- Original specification: 70bhp and 160Nm
- Final measured output: 87bhp and 182Nm
- Power increase: 17bhp (24%)
- Torque increase: 22Nm (14%)
Volkswagen T4
1.9TDFor a camper, extra torque is particularly useful when climbing hills or carrying the additional weight of camping equipment. Combined with the corrected engine settings, this should make the T4 more pleasant to drive.
Back Home to Dudley
After making the journey home, the customer sent Jason a message thanking him for the work.
This T4 is a good example of why checking an engine’s condition and existing adjustments matters before attempting to improve its performance. There isn’t much point chasing extra power if the engine hasn’t been set up correctly in the first place.
If your VW T4 needs a new exhaust or could benefit from an engine tune-up, contact PP Tuning to discuss your requirements.
VW T4 1.9TD Exhausts, Engine Tuning and Rolling Road Checks
Can a VW T4 1.9TD engine be tuned for more power?
Yes. The VW T4 1.9TD uses a mechanically controlled diesel injection system that can be carefully adjusted to improve power and torque. PP Tuning recently achieved 87bhp and 182Nm on its MAHA rolling road, compared with the original factory figures of 70bhp and 160Nm. Results vary depending on the engine’s condition and previous modifications.
Can you remap a VW T4 1.9TD engine?
The VW T4 1.9TD uses a mechanical diesel injection pump rather than the electronically controlled injection system found on later TDI models. It therefore requires mechanical tuning rather than conventional ECU remapping. Adjustments to the fuel pump and turbo system can improve performance when carried out correctly.
Why is a rolling road test important before tuning a VW T4?
Rolling road testing helps establish how an engine is performing and can reveal problems that need attention before tuning begins. PP Tuning uses its MAHA rolling road to assess performance, check adjustments and measure the final power and torque figures. This is particularly useful on older vehicles where previous modifications may be unknown.
What are the benefits of a stainless steel exhaust on a VW T4 camper?
A custom stainless steel exhaust offers greater resistance to corrosion than traditional mild steel systems, making it a practical upgrade for an older camper. PP Tuning manufactures exhausts using Grade 304 stainless steel, with different configurations and tailpipe options available. A correctly designed system can also improve exhaust flow without making the vehicle unnecessarily noisy.
Will tuning a VW T4 1.9TD make it better at climbing hills?
Increasing engine torque can make a noticeable difference when driving a loaded camper, particularly on hills and during acceleration. The VW T4 1.9TD featured in this article produced 182Nm after tuning, compared with its original factory specification of 160Nm. The improvement in everyday driving will depend on the vehicle’s weight, mechanical condition and how the additional torque is delivered.
