SAC's "Lekker Ou Jan" is a sterker Isuzu

Published Aug 22, 2016

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Meet "Lekker Ou Jan", he is Steve's Auto Clinic's latest creation and although this oukie didn't get an action hero name like the tuning firm's previous two creations, namely the Mission Impossible Amarok and Ford Texas Walker Ranger, he has been pumping some serious iron.

This Unichip performance upgrade claims to liberate a significant power and torque boost from Isuzu's 3-litre D-Teq turbodiesel engine, while also reducing consumption. While the standard engine produces 130kW and 380Nm, the "Lekker Ou Jan" conversion claims to boost power by 30 to 40kW, offering "up to" 170kW, while torque is boosted to around 490Nm.

While many plug-and-play chips that simply increase the fuel pressure without taking the coolant temperature or boost pressure into account, the SAC team programmed the flagship Unichip Q4 to simultaneously monitor and control multiple aspects of the engine. Boost and fuel pressure, for instance, are precisely controlled by means of a timer control. The system also monitors engine temperature to ensure that it keeps its cool under all conditions.

The SAC conversion isn't just about power, however, as the driver is able to choose between numerous performance maps via a Power Switch. In addition to 'max power' mode, there's also one that optimises fuel economy (by up to 15 percent depending on driving style and conditions, SAC claims) and a '4x4 and Towing' setting that places the emphasis on low-down torque.

Furthermore, SAC offers a throttle boost option that claims to offer smoother acceleration by eliminating the 'flat spot' that some Isuzu owners have complained about.

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