For some drivers, a tuned car is one that has been serviced based on manufacturer specs and runs acceptably well. But many car enthusiasts want something more than a normally tuned car. In their mind, car tuning refers to modifications that enhance vehicle performance and drivability. There are many ways you are able to boost your car's performance, but typically you should begin with tuning the engine such that it delivers more power.
Optimising the fuel combustion process is the main element to getting more horsepower and torque from your engine. Back when cars were designed with carburettor engines, tuning an engine was a mechanical procedure. You had to adjust the spark timing on a mechanical advance until you found the fuel/air mix that produced the most complete burn cycle and led to the most efficient fuel combustion.
But these days, virtually brand new vehicles have fuel injection engines which can be electronically controlled by the ECU (engine control unit). This small computer is central to the fuel combustion process. The software in the ECU controls all aspects of fuel delivery and timing, so modifying the application may be the logical place to begin if you're trying to enhance engine performance.
When you're tuning the engine in a pre-2000 model year car, the only way to change the ECU software is to replace the EPROM chip in the ECU. However, newer vehicles have an ECU with built-in software and no removable chip. For these vehicles, ECU reprogramming -- or ECU remap car, as it's more commonly called -- can be carried out through the On Board Diagnostic port without handling the delicate engine components.
Vehicle manufacturers are often conservative in the way they tune their cars. They program the ECU to limit engine performance to something well below what the automobile is built to handle. Which means modern engines hold an astonishing quantity of untapped potential that's just waiting to be released. Remapping the ECU is a fruitful and safe car tuning method when done properly by an experienced professional -- and the language "skilled professional" can't be overemphasised!
Turbo diesel cars are the very best candidates for ECU remapping. The benefits could be impressive: power gains of up to 35%, fuel savings of up to 20%. In driving terms this implies faster throttle response, better acceleration, fewer gear changes, smoother driving, and extra money in to your pocket. ECU remapping may also be worthwhile for normally aspirated and petrol-fueled cars, but the gains vary and it's far better weigh the benefits on a case-by-case basis.
Once you make performance enhancements to your vehicle, you should advise your insurer of the change. If you fail to achieve this and you obtain into an accident, your insurance might be invalid -- and that's a risk you never want to take. Are you going to have to pay for more to insure the automobile following the modification? Not necessarily. Some companies will insure your modified vehicle for exactly the same premium as the unmodified version. If you're very worried about expense, talk to your agent about the chance of reasonably limited increase before undertaking any modifications.
In the grand scheme of things, car tuning could be a great investment. The sheer pleasure of driving a fully powered, responsive vehicle is worth the cost, many would agree. What's more, car tuning can produce significant fuel savings over the life of one's car. You realize, some drivers justify the cost in this way: you are able to spend a hundred or so quid to remap the ECU in your overall car, or you are able to spend tens and thousands of pounds extra to get a new vehicle. Which option would you want?
Car tuning is a popular method to customize a vehicle to your driving style and your performance expectations. Whether you're craving faster acceleration and more pull from your vehicle, or you simply want better fuel economy, you are able to usually get exactly what you want.