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Funkster



Member Since: 02 Mar 2016
Location: London
Posts: 32

United Kingdom 
What's this? Van Aaken Smartbox!?
So I worked out where the battery is on my new defender and then wondered what secrets might be lurking in the parallel box under the driver's seat...
Turns out it did have a surprise there:


Click image to enlarge


I presume that most of this is standard TD5 tech but I suspect that the Van Aaken box is an aftermarket addition of some sort.
Can anyone tell me what it does?
Google is not providing v much info!
Thanks
Miles
Post #550420 22nd Jul 2016 11:28am
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

United Kingdom 
It does what it says on the box!!

Unplug it and go for a drive.... see if you can tell the difference Thumbs Up
Post #550422 22nd Jul 2016 11:55am
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dorsetsmith



Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: South West
Posts: 4554

you find that it has been wired in red plug of ECU if you unplug my not start


Click image to enlarge

uk agents Van Aaken
http://www.crdtechnology.com/tag/van-aaken-diesel-smart-box/
Post #550431 22nd Jul 2016 12:17pm
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Cupboard



Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 2971

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 HT Corris Grey
That's a cheap and cheerful/nasty way of getting more power from the engine. Like a remap in outcome but much more crude and with the potential for more things to go wrong.
Post #550435 22nd Jul 2016 12:26pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

United Kingdom 
It's the same as the old 'Twisted' boxes, you could unplug them and you'll still be able to drive as normal..just slower.
Post #550453 22nd Jul 2016 1:19pm
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Funkster



Member Since: 02 Mar 2016
Location: London
Posts: 32

United Kingdom 
dorsetsmith wrote:
you find that it has been wired in red plug of ECU if you unplug my not start


Click image to enlarge

uk agents Van Aaken
http://www.crdtechnology.com/tag/van-aaken-diesel-smart-box/


Thanks for the Guided Tour!
Post #550454 22nd Jul 2016 1:19pm
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Leviathan



Member Since: 24 Oct 2015
Location: Staffs
Posts: 248

United Kingdom 
I wouldnt trust it.
Probably made by the company of the villain on the left in this picture, on MARS!!

[URL=]
Click image to enlarge
[/URL]

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated Mr. Green
Post #550479 22nd Jul 2016 3:49pm
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Funkster



Member Since: 02 Mar 2016
Location: London
Posts: 32

United Kingdom 
I'd be more worried if it was designed by the guy on the right!


Click image to enlarge


Laughing
Post #550480 22nd Jul 2016 3:58pm
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dorsetsmith



Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: South West
Posts: 4554


Click image to enlarge
Post #550486 22nd Jul 2016 4:54pm
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Disco_Mikey



Member Since: 16 Nov 2014
Location: Dundee
Posts: 531

Scotland 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Keswick Green
When you understand how "Tuning Boxes" work, you will soon remove it Wink
Post #550499 22nd Jul 2016 6:19pm
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couplands



Member Since: 31 Aug 2011
Location: Peak District & Cornwall
Posts: 1826

United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 HT Oslo Blue
I've got the same box on my TD5. It's been on for 13 years and I haven't had any issues with it.

Sadly, whoever fitted it connected it with those loathsome click lock connectors. I've thought about taking it off and getting a proper remap, but I'd want to replace the damaged wiring loom. Not sure how easy that would be.

Cheers

Simon
Post #550557 23rd Jul 2016 6:22am
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couplands



Member Since: 31 Aug 2011
Location: Peak District & Cornwall
Posts: 1826

United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 HT Oslo Blue
Cupboard wrote:
That's a cheap and cheerful/nasty way of getting more power from the engine. Like a remap in outcome but much more crude and with the potential for more things to go wrong.


Is there any direct experience of what goes wrong or what damage these boxes cause..?

Cheers

Simon
Post #550560 23rd Jul 2016 6:25am
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Disco_Mikey



Member Since: 16 Nov 2014
Location: Dundee
Posts: 531

Scotland 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Keswick Green
All they do is ramp up the fuel pressure on CR engines, and inject more fuel.

Not a problem in itself, if it can introduce extra air to cope with the extra fuel. If it can't, the EGTs start to increase, which can result in melted pistons...
Post #550635 23rd Jul 2016 1:32pm
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Funkster



Member Since: 02 Mar 2016
Location: London
Posts: 32

United Kingdom 
So she's going in for a service and a few minor leak-busting tweaks tomorrow.
What to do with the magic box?!
A. Leave it as it is. The performance seems great and so why worry?
B. Remove the box. The thought of melting my new toy does not appeal!
C. Throw the box in the village pond... If it floats it be witchcraft!
Post #551480 26th Jul 2016 10:24pm
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taazzukcb



Member Since: 30 Aug 2013
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 663

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Mine had a Van Aaken box on when I bought it. Was on it for near enough 60-70,000 miles I'm lead to believe by previous owner.

Mine came off when I got all the nice bits added with a remap to suit.

The early generation boxes all came with the scotch locks. Later ones had a pre-made loom once the plugs where readily available.
Post #551545 27th Jul 2016 10:01am
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