{"id":1776,"date":"2018-10-18T12:38:51","date_gmt":"2018-10-18T10:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autopartspro.co.uk\/tips-advice\/?p=1776"},"modified":"2018-10-18T12:43:04","modified_gmt":"2018-10-18T10:43:04","slug":"engine-tuning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autopartspro.co.uk\/tips-advice\/engine-tuning-1776","title":{"rendered":"Engine tuning: more power, less consumption, better performance!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Engines of new ex works cars are calibrated for average performance development. If you wish to make your car more efficient and perform better, engine tuning is a sensible measure. There are many possibilities.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Artic temperatures as well as desert heat only rarely occur in Europe and therefore many default settings are superfluous. With these calibrations manufacturers compromise between performance and life span with minimal maintenance. And what is more: they consume performance, which can be returned to the car with professional assistance. Engineers have to consider all potential weather circumstances.<\/em><\/p>\n

Types of tuning<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TypesTuning is not limited to mechanical interventions in the engine<\/em><\/strong> although it all once started there with the retrofitting of turbo boosters<\/em>, compressors<\/em>, nitrous oxide injections<\/em>, etc. Again and again, technical progress created new possibilities for car performance enhancement<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

Nowadays engine tuning essentially stands for alterations in the electronic engine control<\/strong>, being the quickest and easiest way to enhance a car’s performance. Nevertheless, a driver can choose between several tuning modes.<\/p>\n

Available now are the following:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n

\"Chip1. Chip tuning<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Engine2. Engine tuning through modifications<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"uning3. Tuning by adding components to the bodywork<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Two ways of chip tuning<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Chip tuning comprises two different modes of engine performance enhancement: installing an additional control unit as well as the so-called “software optimisation” are known as chip tuning<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

The difference lies in the amount of work and the price. Installation of an additional control unit (ECU)<\/strong> lasts only a few minutes<\/strong><\/em> and expenses start at ca. 300 EUR<\/em>. Software optimisation<\/strong> is a procedure which can only be performed by a garage. It lasts several hours<\/em><\/strong> and starts at ca. 600 EUR<\/em>.<\/p>\n

1.1 The additional ECU: take care!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"additionalThe market of control units is extensive<\/em>. Choosing for branded quality<\/a> is essential. Plenty of oversees manufacturers promise excellent performance for a small price.<\/p>\n

Installation of these cheap control units means considerable risk<\/strong><\/em>. The performance development of these solutions is generally too high and too imprecise. With ECUs from the auction houses on the internet, extensive engine damage<\/a> often is only a matter of time.<\/p>\n

Prices for branded ECUs start at 300 EUR<\/strong><\/em>. Principally they are supplied with a general type approval. Nevertheless, registration for MOT<\/a> approval of performance enhancement measures is mandatory. The car insurer must be notified about the engine modifications as well<\/em>. Otherwise a claim might be partially or totally rejected in case of accident<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Installing additional control units<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"InstallationInstallation of an additional ECU is amazingly simple<\/strong><\/em>. It is connected to the engine cable harness with the supplied cables and plugs \u2013 ready. Performance enhancement is immediately available. Especially the simple installation of these control units make them attractive for DIY tuners.<\/p>\n

1.2 Software optimisation in the garage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"SoftwareSoftware optimisation is more comfortable for the user, though considerably more expensive<\/strong><\/em>. The procedure involves the reprogramming of the available ECU for optimal performance development by a garage. Garages charge heavily for their expertise and work. Count on at least ca. 600 EUR<\/em> for this mode of chip tuning.<\/p>\n

The result is noticeable:<\/strong> a 30 \u2013 35 HP performance enhancement is realistic<\/em>. This additional performance can be used for a sporty driving style. With a normal driving style it can be perceived by the reduced fuel consumption<\/a>. Another advantage<\/strong> is the garage taking over the administrative nuisance<\/a>. Registration in the vehicle documents is part of the service for most service providers.<\/p>\n

2. Extra performance by combination?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Of course it is very enticing to trick the engine into an even higher performance by a combination of both engine tuning measures<\/em><\/strong>. Before you decide to this step, please advise yourself thoroughly.<\/p>\n

An engine performance cannot be limitlessly enhanced. Furthermore, the ex-works settings are tuned to a default performance. If a software optimisation can cause a plus of 30 HP, an additional performance enhancement will require adaptation of the brakes and the suspension<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The essence of things: traditional engine tuning<\/strong><\/h3>\n