Digi-Tec Stage 2 & 3 Smart ForTwo Remap Upgrade

In the last issue of smartimes I reviewed the smarts-R-us re map and the Digi-tec stage 1 re map, both being a software program flashed to adjust the ECU settings of the smarts engine management system. With the Digi-tec stage 1 re map resident on my smart it seemed sensible to review the stage 2 and 3 options also available.

The original turbo inlet pipe above showing how restricted the connection to the turbo is as standard

The stage 2 modification is a wider replacement turbo inlet pipe that delivers the air from the air filter box to the turbo itself, and a software program to tell the engine and turbo to use the extra air. The stage 3 modification is a software re calibration of the speedo and a replacement dial set increasing the readable range from 85 to 120 m.p.h. [pay]

The original pipe removed, the new wider metal pipe is installed along with the additional flex pipe to connect to the air intake

The work involved took one and a half hours and gave me the opportunity to see how easy it was to remove the rear panel set and access the rear section of the engine compartment. The components were installed and the software upgraded, and over the next few days as the car learnt the reprogramming, the improvements in the lower gear range were obvious. However the total rev range appeared to be restricted. I contacted JB and the programs were re flashed.

The speedo removed and calibrated by reprogramming the chip

Again allowing a week to let the ECU learn I began to see improvements.

My expectations were high but after discussing top speeds and performance with JB it was clear I was not going to be hitting the 120 m.p.h marked on the new speedo. In fact the stage 2 has not increased overall top speed from the stage 1 re map of 97 m.p.h, what it has done is slightly lower the rev point that the turbo kicks in and increased the torques then generated.

The re-calibrated speedo dial display shows a max of 120 m.p.h.

Conclusion

The stage 2 provides torque at lower rev’s providing a positive pull away from standing. A more positive and torques ride making the car feel sportier than with just the stage 1 re-map. Gear change has improved further, with smoother positive action. The delivery of the torque is refined and controlled making the driving experience very powerful but controlled. Since first drafting this article the car has had further time to adjust, we have experienced cold weather and I have added a Michalak air intake. This has improved the driving experiences to the point that I cannot wait to drive the car at any opportunity and for any distance.

I was hoping for increased top speed, but in all fairness the car is very fast already and the low and mid range performance is really the best benefit to most drivers and this is provided by the stage 2. The stage 3 simply allows you to be aware of your actual speed. With all re maps the top speed is beyond that indicated on the standard speedo. It is best if you can see your actual speed and judge for braking.

The stage 3 was tested with a GPS and found to be displaying 3.6 M.P.H. over the GPS reading. This variation is consistent with the standard smart speedo. These stage 2 and 3 modifications are relative to what you want from your smart. As a combination they are an excellent package that provide true positive benefit over the Digi-tec stage 1 re map alone.

 

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S2Massive [/pay]

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