A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP: STEINBAUER Module + Exhaust
As we all know; the addition of a Steinbauer Power Module, or simply a �Box� as we affectionately call it, improves the power and torque of the diesel engine it is fitted to. We expect 20% from passenger cars, 4WD�s, and trucks, and as much as 25% from agricultural or industrial machines. But the degree of increase varies from vehicle to vehicle, machine to machine, model to model. With the use of a Dynamometer we can accurately measure the results and sometimes we find out that some are more willing to step up to the challenge than others. Invariably the degree of increase we can safely achieve is dependent on the design of the engine AND importantly the ancillary components such as Turbocharger, and exhaust system. In this article we will see how important this is.
In 1957 Toyota first released their Land Cruiser 4WD vehicle in Australia. It was a vehicle designed to compete with Land Rover and Jeep as a serious off road vehicle. Though short on creature comforts it proved itself to be a capable performer and became an icon in the decades that followed. The name Land Cruiser is now used on various models including SUV�s, but today�s incantation of the original design is known as the 70 Series. It is powered by a 4.5 Litre turbocharged V8 diesel engine with 151kW (202hp) and 430Nm. See Fig. 1.
The 70 series� SUV cousin, the 200 series, has the same engine, but has 195kW (261hp) and 650Nm, almost 30% more output than the same engine in the 70. Sure, there are some differences such as a second turbocharger, but the base engine is the same. So with this in mind it is logical to ask; why can�t we achieve the same or similar output from the 70 engine. Why not indeed....
Adding a Steinbauer module (Box) to a 70 series will achieve the expected 20% improvement, but this is still short of the output of the 200 series. Increasing the settings of the Steinbauer map improves results to a point, but there is a limiting factor - it�s the exhaust. Toyota engineers appear to have forgotten to upgrade the exhaust system when they upgraded the engine in the 70 series. It is just 2 �� (57mm) in diameter, and due to the press bends it is even smaller; around 2� (50mm). This is a serious restriction to flow and is what holds back the engine from achieving greater heights. Changing the stock exhaust to a 3� (75mm) mandrel bend system from the turbo back allows the freedom to breath. Partnering a Steinbauer Box with a good exhaust allows the engine in the 70 to achieve the same power as the 200 series and beyond.
Refer to the Dyno graph in fig.2; (remember; the output is at the wheels, not engine flywheel) The results on this graph are self explanatory, but it�s clear to see the success of matching a Box with the Exhaust on this vehicle. The increases from standard are 40% and better at any RPM. Clearly, this is a great combination, a winning partnership of Box & Exhaust on this vehicle.
Not all diesel vehicles will achieve the results which are achieved with the Land Cruiser 70, in fact I know of no other vehicle with results quite as this. It does however, highlight that the Box can only offer premium results if the engine is up to the task.
Words by Andrew Bourne. Diesel Care Australia.
