28% More Power! My BT-50 Dyno Tune Experience with Ultimate Diesel Tuning

After spending months upgrading the suspension, adding a snorkel, and setting the BT-50 up for touring, I decided it was time to focus on performance. Carrying a full touring setup means extra weight, and I wanted the BT to handle it with ease — both off-road and on long highway drives.

So I headed down to the Gold Coast to see the team at Ultimate Diesel Tuning for a custom dyno tune and soot clean. Their reputation for tuning 4WDs to suit real-world touring setups made them the perfect choice. My goal was simple: improve power, torque, and responsiveness without compromising reliability — and the results honestly blew me away.

Initial Checks & Consultation:

Before jumping on the dyno, the team carried out a full inspection to make sure the BT-50 was in perfect mechanical condition. There’s no point tuning an engine that isn’t running right to begin with, so they checked everything from filters and sensors to boost lines and fluids.

Once that was done, we had a chat about how I actually use the BT — mainly for off-roading, touring, and towing, with a fair bit of extra weight on board from the canopy, camping gear, and accessories. This step was really important because it helped the team tailor the tune specifically to my setup and driving style, rather than applying a generic performance map.

They explained that every custom tune is built around what the vehicle is used for — whether that’s towing a caravan, tackling sand dunes, or everyday driving — and I loved that level of detail and care before even touching the dyno.

The Custom Dyno Tune Process:

Once all the checks were complete, it was time to roll the BT-50 onto the dyno.

The team connected it to their diagnostic equipment and started by recording the factory power and torque figures — 97 kW of power and 456 Nm of torque.

From there, they began fine-tuning the ECU to optimise fuel delivery, boost pressure, and throttle response, all while keeping reliability front of mind.

What I really liked about Ultimate Diesel Tuning is that everything is done custom to the vehicle — no generic files, no shortcuts.

They continuously test and adjust the tune while monitoring live data from the dyno to make sure the engine is running smoothly and safely.

After several runs and refinements, the final results were impressive:

• Power increase: 97 kW → 124 kW (+28%)

• Torque increase: 456 Nm → 581 Nm (+27%)

The numbers speak for themselves, but the difference in how the BT-50 drives is what really stood out.

How It Feels to Drive Now:

The first time I hit the road after the tune, the difference was immediately noticeable. On the highway, overtaking feels effortless — no more hesitation when I put my foot down, and the BT-50 pulls smoothly even when fully loaded.

Taking it off-road was even more impressive. I tested it on the Stockton Sand Dunes, and the extra power and torque made climbing dunes and powering through soft sand a breeze. There’s no more lag when you punch the accelerator, which makes off-roading so much more fun and confidence-inspiring.

It’s not just about numbers on a dyno — the BT now feels sharper, more responsive, and significantly more capable under load. Whether towing, touring, or hitting a sandy track, the custom dyno tune has transformed the way the BT drives, making every trip more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts:

Getting a custom dyno tune and soot clean with Ultimate Diesel Tuning has been a game-changer for my BT-50.

The process — from the initial mechanical checks to the personalised tuning — was professional, thorough, and tailored exactly to how I use my vehicle.

The results speak for themselves: a 28% increase in power and a 27% boost in torque.

More importantly, I can feel the difference every time I drive. Highway overtakes are smoother, towing feels easier, and off-road adventures — like tackling the Stockton Sand Dunes — are far more responsive and fun.

If you’re running a touring or off-road setup with extra weight, a custom dyno tune is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make. Ultimate Diesel Tuning on the Gold Coast have the expertise, equipment, and attention to detail to deliver results that transform your driving experience — and honestly, it’s hard to go back once you’ve felt what a proper tune can do.

Sarah Rose Foster