What is “chip tuning” and does the engine need this Hi-Tech procedure?
ECU remapping or chip tuning is a method to extract more power from the engine. In this blog post, we will clarify what this entails and also respond to the question of whether it can be used for additional options.
Remapping/Tuning on the engine/Chip tuning – what is it?
All these terms are used to describe one and the same thing. Modern cars and vans have electronic management systems that control fuel delivery. This system is managed by the car’s “brain” – the ECU (Engine Control Unit). When you press the accelerator pedal, the ECU decides how much fuel and air to mix before it enters the cylinder and gets ignited. Diesel and petrol engines may operate differently, but that’s not so important at the moment. In most cases, the ECU controls the turbo (if equipped).
Chip tuning allows the ECU parameters to be modified, improving the vehicle’s dynamic performance indicators – in some cases, even the engine’s fuel efficiency.
How is engine remapping done?
This is achieved in several ways. We have described for you the key Chip Tuning methods – TUNING…
If chip tuning is allowed, why are manufacturers against it?
This is a frequently asked question. There are several reasons why manufacturers do not offer vehicles (or microbuses) with maximally tuned indicators that are associated with power. The first is that they primarily focus on reliability. Some people maintain their cars regularly, while others do nothing but drive them. There are also different types of fuel, depending on where the vehicle is located.
In an ideal world, everyone would regularly care for their cars, and the fuel quality would be excellent in every location. However, this is not the world we live in. If manufacturers make mistakes regarding reliability and deliver better-equipped cars, there is a high chance they won’t last long in the business. This means that most manufacturers are gradually building a reputation, focusing heavily on reliability and security, which significantly increases the chances of longer-lasting utilization of the cars they produce.
Is additional power good? No, but I’m not competing…
This additional power generated by the engine is not the only benefit of chip tuning. If you want to drive normally, you can optimize your fuel consumption. This depends on the car, but many report greater fuel savings per kilometer following a remap of the engine. So, even if frequent driving and daily trips accumulate significant amounts of kilometers, it may allow you to “earn” money from the process of reduced time. You should also remember that increased throttle pressure on the gas pedal will still consume more fuel, regardless of whether or not you have a remap on the engine.
The other thing is that if you have a microbus and transport a lot of goods, chip tuning can help enhance the proper handling of the transported items. This will provide more power that will further increase the loads, but the driver should also be careful to manage fuel consumption properly given the increased loads.
Should I remap my car?
There are several factors to consider when thinking about remapping your car. First, what kind of engine do you have? The best results are typically achieved with turbo cars, regardless of whether they run on petrol or diesel. Chip tuning on these cars significantly enhances engine performance. In naturally aspirated (NA) engines, the benefits may not be as pronounced. If you have a small NA engine, chip tuning can improve the handling of the car and give it a bit more power for less effort. However, just be sure to assess where you started. The more turbocharged and powerful the engine, the more it can benefit from this remap.
Get the best out of your tuned engine!
If you have a car with a tuned petrol engine, you will need to fuel it with high-octane gasoline to prevent pre-detonation. Pre-detonation can damage the engine! Our advice is that while the high price of high-octane fuel may seem taxing, it will finance the improvements made to the engine.
For some, this is critical, so it’s important to keep this in mind. Not all tuned engines require high-octane fuel. Therefore, check with the person or company that executed the remapping to ensure safety.
Make a technical overview before proceeding with chip tuning!
Chip tuning reveals the weaknesses of your vehicle. For example, if your wiring is not in good condition, it can shorten the lifespan of your car. If the turbo is clogged, it can hinder performance. Thus, it’s a good idea to conduct a proper technical overview before proceeding with any remap. Here’s what you should pay special attention to:
1. Original turbo system.
2. Clean air, oil, and fuel filters.
3. No compromise on oil quality set by the manufacturer.
4. Running parts free from defects and problems.
5. Tight bearings and smooth calibration.
This has been a short overview of what chip tuning entails. Many think that the procedure is exclusively beneficial, but it is most important to assess the pros and cons carefully before making any decisions regarding a remap. I hope this material will help you make a better decision.
If you are ready to pursue chip tuning and are in Varna, then Digittuning Company is your solution. You will be serviced by a team of excellent professionals who offer professional prices! Don’t hesitate to CONTACT US!
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