Fleet diesel tuning, Bay of Plenty and Waikato
Cut The Diesel Line Without Taking A Unit Off The Road
- Fuel is a fleet's second biggest cost after wages, and the largest line you can still move.
- Done at your yard, between jobs or overnight. Nothing comes off the road.
- Three vehicles or more and the per vehicle rate drops.
- One visit, one invoice.
- 4.9 stars from 100+ Google reviews
- 17+ years' mechanical experience, and Dave does every job himself
- He comes to you, so no unit is delivered or collected
- Family owned, registered in New Zealand since 2023
- 4.9 from 100+ Google reviews
- 17+ years' mechanical experience
- Travel included
Get a price for your vehicle
Make, model, year and rego. Dave comes back with a price and a straight answer on whether it is worth doing.
4.9
Stars from 100+ Google reviews
17+ years
Mechanical experience, one man, every job
3 or more
Fleet rate, per vehicle price drops
Nil
Units off the road
The line you can still move
You have squeezed everything else
You already know the number. Fuel sits behind wages and ahead of nearly everything else the operation pays for, and it is the one big line you can still do something about.
Then there is the other half of it. A unit drops into limp mode partway through a job, and the conversation that follows is never really about the repair bill. It is about the driver standing around, the run sheet that had to be redone and the customer who was told a time. EGR and DPF faults cost more in lost hours than they do in parts.
And the usual fix asks for the same thing every time. Drop it off, leave it with us, collect it tomorrow. Multiply that by the number of vehicles you run.
- Fuel is usually a fleet's second biggest cost after wages
- Fuel savings of around 15 to 20 percent are possible, depending on the vehicle and how it is driven
- EGR and DPF faults put vehicles into limp mode mid job
- Every drop off day is a vehicle, a driver and a run sheet you do not get back
The lights that start the phone call. An EGR or DPF fault will drop a unit into limp mode partway through a job, and the repair is rarely the expensive part of that day.
What is actually different here
He comes to the yard, and the map is written for your vehicle
Nothing has to be delivered or collected: no drop off, no courtesy car, no day off the tools. Dave works on the vehicle where it sits, whether that is a yard, a farm race or a worksite.
The second difference is what gets written to the ECU. A generic file was written for one example of that engine somewhere else in the world, in conditions that had nothing to do with yours. Every map Dave writes comes from that vehicle’s own live data, after a full inspection, and it is road tested before he leaves.
He has been paid to repair the results of the other approach: failed injectors, cooked turbos, transmission problems.
- He comes to you. No drop off, no courtesy car, no day off the tools
- No generic files, ever. Every map is written from that vehicle's own live data
- Full inspection before anything is modified
- The original ECU file is backed up and kept, per vehicle, so the software tune can be restored
- A written record of exactly what changed, for your records and your insurer
- He talks people out of spending money. Several of his reviews are from people he told not to bother
Laptop on the guard, at the customer’s place. 17+ years’ mechanical experience, and every vehicle handled by Dave himself rather than passed to a subcontractor.
Estimated gains
What these engines can make
Estimated gains for common models, not measured dyno results. Utes, a wagon and a light truck. What your own units can safely make gets confirmed before anything is booked, not after.
| Vehicle | Year | Estimated after tuning |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux 2.8 1GD | 2021 | 250 hp / 650 Nm |
| Toyota Fortuner 2.8 1GD | 2023 | 250 hp / 650 Nm |
| Toyota Hilux 3.0 1KD, turbo and injectors | 2010 | 260 hp / 610 Nm |
| VW Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI | 2022 | 320 hp / 680 Nm |
| Ford Ranger PX2 3.2 | 2018 | 240 hp / 580 Nm |
| Mazda BT-50 3.2 | 2014 | 240 hp / 580 Nm |
| Mazda BT-50 3.0 4JJ3 | 2021 | +60 hp / +140 Nm |
| Nissan Navara 2.3 bi-turbo | 2021 | 215 hp / 510 Nm |
| Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 | No year on record | 300 hp / 700 Nm |
| Hino Dutro 4.0 | 2012 | +30 percent torque |
These are estimated gains, not measured dyno results. Actual results depend on the vehicle and its engine condition, as well as fuel and what hardware is fitted. Dave will tell you what your specific vehicle can safely make before you commit a cent.
Factory maps leave headroom because manufacturers have to cover the worst fuel and the worst climate on the planet. Dave works inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take.
Nothing gets written to an ECU before the vehicle has been scanned and inspected. The $195 diagnostic call out buys a full fault code scan, live data and an honest answer on whether tuning helps, and it is credited back if you book a tune.
Tell Dave what you are driving and he will give you a straight answer, including if the answer is that it is not worth doing.
Published Google reviews
People who have already had it done
4.9 stars from 100+ Google reviews. These are published and they are named, including a two truck job done on site without the owner leaving home.
"Good knowledge and actually told me if there was any issues. Even better I didn’t have to leave home, he came to me and got a great combo deal for 2 trucks. All in all, great experience"
Apiata Maaka, two work trucks
"Dave tuned my 3.2 Ranger, made a massive improvement. I went for both engine and trans tune. Ute runs way way stronger up hills and towing. Fuel burn has reduced by approx 2 litre/100 k. Great bang for the $$ spent, highly recommend Dave"
John Ryan, Ford Ranger 3.2
"Dave is awesome, extremely knowledgeable. I called on Monday with big issue with my px1 ranger, he was at my house within the hour to have a look and then came back first thing Tuesday morning ready to go and had everything sorted in a few hours! EGR delete and tune with a bunch of extras"
Michael Vandervlerk, Ford Ranger PX1
"Dave recently did some work on my px3 ranger. An EGR delete, performance tune and transmission tune. It’s like a totally different vehicle. Definitely recommend if your thinking about getting it done give Dave a call. He will sort you out."
Tim Cooper, Ford Ranger PX3
The choice you are actually making
Drop off and a generic file, against on site and a custom map
| What is at stake | Drop off and a generic file | Dave, at your yard |
|---|---|---|
| Where the work happens | The vehicle is dropped off somewhere for the day | At your yard, farm race or worksite, on the vehicle where it sits |
| What the fleet gives up | A unit and a driver for a day, per vehicle, plus the delivery and collection runs | Nothing comes off the road. Work is done between jobs or overnight |
| What is written to the ECU | A file written for one example of that engine somewhere else in the world, in conditions that had nothing to do with yours | A map written from that vehicle's own live data, road tested before he leaves |
| Before the map goes on | Flashed in without anyone driving the vehicle | Full inspection, fault code scan and live data first |
| When it goes wrong | Failed injectors, cooked turbos and transmission problems, which Dave has been paid to repair | Work stays inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take |
| What you are left holding | A cheaper invoice on the day | The factory file backed up and kept, plus a written record of exactly what changed |
A cheap tune is usually a generic file bought off a database and flashed in without anyone driving the vehicle. That is the version Dave has been paid to repair.
Tell Dave what you are driving and he will give you a straight answer, including if the answer is that it is not worth doing.
How a fleet rollout runs
Six steps, and every vehicle keeps working
You do not have to commit the whole fleet at once. Start with one or two units, get your own numbers off them, then roll the rest through in the order the operation can spare them.
1. A phone call, not a quote form
How many units, what they are, what they do each week and where the yard is. Dave will tell you which of your vehicles are worth doing and which are not. If a vehicle is not a good candidate he says so before any money changes hands.
2. Diagnostic call out, $195
Dave comes to you, runs a full fault code scan and reads live data on the units you are unsure about, and gives an honest answer on whether tuning helps. The $195 is credited back if you book a tune.
3. A pilot on one or two units
Pick a vehicle whose fuel figures you trust and a driver who will not change how they drive. Run it against the rest of the fleet before you commit the others.
4. Site day, at your yard
Each unit is inspected, its factory file backed up, a custom map written from its own live data, then logged and road tested. A straightforward remap typically takes three to four hours per vehicle, at your yard, so nothing comes off the road.
5. Paperwork, per vehicle
A written report of exactly what changed on each unit, for the vehicle file and for your insurer. NZ insurers treat anything beyond factory spec as a modification, and an undeclared one is how claims get declined.
6. One visit, one invoice
Three or more vehicles is quoted as fleet work, with the per vehicle rate dropping as the count goes up. Done on site, one invoice. A $200 deposit secures the booking and comes off the final price.
What is included
The same work on the tenth unit as on the first
Travel inside Bay of Plenty and Waikato is already in the price, so there is no mileage line on the invoice. Te Puke, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hamilton, Cambridge and Matamata are all inside the standard area. He has travelled to Gisborne.
- Full inspection before anything is modified
- A custom map written for that vehicle, from its own live data
- Live data logging and road testing
- The original ECU file backed up and kept safe, so the software tune can be restored
- A written report of exactly what changed
- A straightforward remap typically takes 3 to 4 hours per vehicle
- Travel inside Bay of Plenty and Waikato included
One man, so the answer is consistent across the yard. On a mixed age fleet that matters, because what is available for a 2010 unit is not what is available for a 2023 one.
Tell Dave what you are driving and he will give you a straight answer, including if the answer is that it is not worth doing.
Rates
Fleet rates, and the single vehicle prices behind them
Three or more is quoted as fleet work and the per vehicle rate drops with volume. The single vehicle prices are published here so you can see exactly what that rate is measured against.
Start here, 3 or more vehicles
Fleet, 3 or more
Call
Per vehicle rate drops with volume. Done on site. One invoice, one visit. Quoted once Dave knows the mix of vehicles and where the yard is.
Diagnostic call out
$195
Including GST. Dave comes to you. Full fault code scan and live data, then an honest answer on whether tuning helps. Credited back if you book a tune.
ECU remap
from $1,299
Including GST. A custom map written for your vehicle. Live data logging and road testing, the original ECU file backed up and kept safe, and a written report of exactly what changed. The same price mobile or at the workshop. A straightforward mobile remap typically takes three to four hours.
Remap plus emissions solution
$1,590
Including GST. A custom remap and one emissions software solution, booked together. Software only. Read the WOF and emissions section on this page first.
Emissions solution
Software only
$450 each
Including GST. ECU software for one emissions system. Software only: not a diagnosis, removal or parts package. Which options are open to your vehicle depends on the WOF and emissions section on this page, so this always starts with that conversation.
Hourly rate
$140 an hour
Including GST. Workshop time, modifications and anything a fixed price does not cover.
Deposit. $200 secures a booking and comes off the final price. The final quote is confirmed once Dave knows make, model, year and what is already fitted on each unit. If a vehicle is not a good candidate he says so before any money changes hands.
Prices cover travel within the standard service area and are the same mobile or at the workshop. Performance figures vary by vehicle, condition and fuel. Emissions system modifications may affect WOF compliance and it is the owner’s responsibility to declare modifications to their insurer.
If it is not right for your fleet
The software side is not a one way door
Dave talks people out of spending money. Several of his reviews are from people he told not to bother. If a vehicle is not a good candidate he says so before any money changes hands, and the final quote is only confirmed once he knows make, model, year and what is already fitted.
The factory file is kept
Backed up per vehicle and kept safe, so the software tune on any unit can be restored. Restoring it is straightforward, with a small charge for time and travel if it is done later.
The $195 comes back off the tune
Pay for the call out, get the full fault code scan, the live data and a straight answer on whether tuning helps. Book a tune and the $195 is credited back against it.
A written record for the insurer
A written spec of exactly what changed on each unit, so it can be forwarded. NZ insurers treat anything beyond factory spec as a modification, and an undeclared one is how claims get declined.
Straight answers
What operations managers ask
Factory maps leave headroom because manufacturers have to cover the worst fuel and the worst climate on the planet. Dave works inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take, and he checks the vehicle before he touches the map. The damage stories come from generic files flashed in blind.
A dealer can detect a remap on their diagnostic gear. In practice manufacturers decline the affected components rather than the whole warranty. The original ECU file is backed up, so a unit’s software tune can be restored before a dealer service.
Usually, but only if your right foot behaves the same. More torque low down means fewer downshifts and lower revs at cruise. Savings of around 15 to 20 percent are possible, depending on the vehicle and how it is driven. One customer reported about two litres per 100 km less on a 3.2 Ranger after an engine and transmission tune, which is one customer’s result, not a typical one. If your drivers use the extra power, you will not save fuel.
A cheap tune is usually a generic file bought off a database and flashed in without anyone driving the vehicle. Dave has been paid to repair the results: failed injectors, cooked turbos, transmission problems.
The software tune can. The original ECU file is kept, so the software can be restored to factory. Physical upgrades are a separate job. There is a small charge for time and travel if it is done later.
A straightforward remap typically takes 3 to 4 hours per vehicle, done at your yard. Nothing is delivered and nothing is collected.
Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and travel inside that area is included in the price. Te Puke, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hamilton, Cambridge and Matamata. He has travelled to Gisborne.
WOF, emissions and where your fleet sits
The rule that applies. The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 says at clause 3.2 that a vehicle’s exhaust emissions system or exhaust control equipment must not be modified so as to prevent the vehicle passing the metered test in Schedule 2. That applies to most cars, utes, vans and trucks certified for entry into service in New Zealand on or after 1 May 2008. Removing a DPF, an EGR system or an AdBlue system on a vehicle in that group will normally prevent it passing that test, so the modification is not permitted whether or not anybody spots it. The Rule also defines emissions control equipment as including on-board diagnostics, so the software side is inside the same regime. Clause 5.1 puts a duty on the person doing the work as well as the owner.
A remap on its own. If the emissions hardware stays fitted and the vehicle still passes the visible smoke test, there is no exhaust emissions reason for rejection at WOF. This is the safest path and it is what Dave recommends for most road vehicles.
DPF removal and the WOF. For a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 May 2010 and manufactured from 1 January 1990, removing the DPF is a named reason for rejection at WOF unless you hold written evidence from an entry certifier that it passed a prescribed metered emissions test in that condition. Vehicles first certified for entry before 1 May 2008 sit outside that reason for rejection.
EGR and AdBlue. Neither is named as a reason for rejection in the WOF inspection manual the way the DPF is. That is a point about the inspection, not about clause 3.2, which still applies to in-scope vehicles. The visible smoke test also still applies.
Insurance and certification. Tell your insurer. NZ insurers treat anything beyond factory spec as a modification, and an undeclared one is how claims get declined. Dave gives a written spec of what changed so it can be forwarded. LVV certification is a separate structural and safety regime and is not a route to legitimising emissions equipment removal.
This is general information about New Zealand rules current at the time of writing, not legal advice, and the rules change. Sources: Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 clauses 3.2 and 5.1, and the NZTA in-service WOF inspection manual, exhaust emissions. Dave will walk through your specific vehicle and situation on the phone before any work is booked.
Start with one unit
Have the vehicle list in front of you
Makes, models, years and what each one does in a week. A phone call gets you a straight answer on which of your vehicles are worth doing and which are not. Dave is the one you speak to, and he is the one who will be standing in your yard.
Prefer to talk it through? Ring Dave on 021 656 416. He answers his own phone.
Advanced Tuning Solutions
Unit 1, 2 Ashley Place, Papamoa, Bay of Plenty
Phone 021 656 416
Email bookings@advancedtuningsolutions.co.nz
WhatsApp 021 656 416
Serving Te Puke, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hamilton, Cambridge and Matamata.
A family owned New Zealand business, registered since 2023, with every vehicle handled by Dave himself rather than passed to a subcontractor. 4.9 stars from 100+ Google reviews.
Prices cover travel within the standard service area and are the same mobile or at the workshop. Performance figures vary by vehicle, condition and fuel. Emissions system modifications may affect WOF compliance and it is the owner’s responsibility to declare modifications to their insurer.