I'd like a bit more oomph from my Hilux when getting moving.
If you look at my rig, you'll see that we can be pretty fully loaded when we hit the road. GVM is around 2,800KG, including CT ball weight (right on vehicle capacity). The CT weighs 1,500 KG fully loaded. I also have slightly oversize (31 inch) tyres. I've got Firestone airbags on the rear leaf springs so the vehicle rides nice and level despite the weight.
Once we get moving on the highway, there is no problem. The Hilux handles the weight very
well. Getting moving is the problem, particularly up
hill and off road / in sand.
I'm looking for some 'simple' cost effective ways of getting a bit more get and go into the 'Lux.
Options I am aware of are:
Larger (2 3/4 or 3 inch) exhaust. I'm on the
Gold Coast, so would probably go to
Beaudesert Exhausts for this if I get it done. Likely cost around $1,000 fitted.
Chip. I am aware of the Dtronic, DP Chip and Steinbauer, but there are more. Which is the best? Or are they all much the same? Likely cost around $1,400 to $1,500. The specs from manufacturers web sites would have you believe that the DP chip will give the biggest power and torque improvement. I have no idea if this is correct.
Diesel Gas conversion. This is reported to give very good results. Likely cost is around $2,500 after government rebate. But I'd be adding more weight (gas tanks and gas) and need to find a spot for the gas
tank.
I can't afford them all and suspect the drive train might not handle it anyway if they all do what the manufacturers / salesmen say.
I was originally leaning towards the gas conversion, but more recently leaning towards either or both of the exhaust and chip. Both together would cost around the same as the ga conversion. I also have the option to do one and see if I'm happy, before spending any more money.
So the key questions are:
What do those with knowledge of such things think overall?
Which Chip?
How much of a gain can I expect from a bigger mandrel exhaust?
If I go the way of the exhaust and Chip, which should I get first? Essentially, which will give the biggest bang for my bucks.
Thanks
Norm C