Defender Puma Remap – is it worth it?
Land Rover really changed the game when they released their “puma” version of the defender in 2007. They completely changed the design of the defenders interior running a much more modern dash with completely new electrics and a heater system that works! Even the aircon system was integrated into the current dash not like the older TD5 versions where it was a cumbersome addon, the latest dash also utilised the Can bus system which meant a “normal” dash could be used and not individual clocks so much easier to package.
The first version of the puma ran engines taken directly from the Ford transit and in 2.4 capacity they were very close to the TD5’s 2.5 capacity, Land rover had to adapt the bonnet as the engine wouldn’t fit under the standard aluminium bonnet of the TD5’s and is commonly referred to a as a “puma” bonnet these tend to have the bulge that even older defenders now want. They were also calibrated to make similar bhp and torque but now mated to a MT82 6 speed box coupled to a 1.211 ratio transfer box (Defender td5 were 1.4, discovery td5 were 1.211). Although right from the off they were problematic with early versions of the engines excessively knocking when first starting in the morning (see Land Rovers Technical bulletin number SSM38792 for more information) they were initially received very well and offering some new off-road technology such as the “anti-stall” especially as with the new interior and drive train made it a lot easier to use every day and a much more liveable vehicle although they did still tend to leak haha.
The defenders tdci engine is from the transit and isn’t one of the best engines used by Land Rover but the defender puma remap makes for a huge gain in both torque and bhp allowing you to drive it like a smaller car this means not having to plan overtaking 4 – 8 lengths ahead and being able to overtake comfortable.
There are various levels of tuning commonly referred to as “stages” available for the 2.4 and 2.2 but most customers opt for the Stage 1 this option requires no hardware alterations and is a software only upgrade meaning its relatively straight forward in completing the job. The stage 2 requires a larger intercooler and filter to be fitted to allow for greater boost pressures to be run. The Stage 3 is the all of the other stages but with the extra of a hybrid turbo, ducat and centre box removal (DPF removal is required for use on the 2.2) – Not sure what you want then drop us a call to discuss some options!
In reality no two customers want the same thing from their defender remap so the software is always tailored to how the vehicle responds and what the customer wants we just cap the power/torque it can produce due to hardware limitations. Included in all software variants is the EGR delete/removal and speed limiter removal (tyre rating dependant) if you wish, this service is also available through our dealer network as well as a mobile service.
Have a look in our webshop for the current price of of the remap
https://www.empiretuning.co.uk/product/defender-tdci-remap-2/
So to summarise whether the remap is worth it on your puma, the simple answer is YES definitely
MORE BHP
MORE Torque
MORE MPG
Have a look here to find an authorised dealer near to you
https://www.empiretuning.co.uk/trusted-partners/
Or if you have any questions or want to get booked in then please just drop us an email or call us on 01206 512338
