Chip tuning refers to modifying an erasable programmable read only memory chip in an automobile’s or other vehicle’s ECU (electronic control unit) to get better performance, whether it be more power, cleaner emissions, or better Fuel efficiency. This makes use of the engine manufacturer to usually use a conservative electronic control unit map to allow for individual engine variations as well as infrequent servicing and poor-quality fuel. Vehicles with a remapped ECU may be extra sensitive to fuel quality and service schedules.
In the 1980s and 1990s this was done with early engine computers. Today, the word chip tuning can be misleading, as people will often use it to describe ECU tuning that does not involve swapping the chip. Currently ECU can be tuned by simply updating their software through a standard interface, such as On Board Diagnostics. This procedure is commonly referred to as engine or electronic control unit tuning. Electronic control units are a quite recent addition to the automobile, having first appeared in the late 1970s.
Now a days technology advanced, so did the electronics that go into cars. The electronic control unit in a modern automobile, together with highly developed engine technology, makes it possible to control many aspects of the engine’s operation, such as spark timing and fuel injection. The electronic control unit may also control electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire), poppet valve timing, boost control, ABS (Anti-lock braking system), the automatic transmission, speed governor (if equipped), and the Electronic Stability Control system.
Performance gains are realized by adjusting the ignition timing advance. Different timing might result in improved performance. However, to handle with advanced timing, one must run high-octane gasoline to avoid pre-ignition detonation or pinging. Manufacturers design for a exact timing and this may limit performance accordingly.
In addition, changing fuel maps to coincide with the stoichiometric ratio for gasoline combustion may also understand performance increase. Most manufacturers tune for optimum emissions and fuel economy purposes which can limit performance.
Turbo fitted Cars can have the requested and allowable boost levels raised; these applications usually have the most effect if the turbo fitted is a low pressure turbo which leaves the most room for improvement.
One more reason to change the electronic control unit map is if there are engine, intake, or exhaust modifications to the car. These “bolt-on” modifications alter the way that the engine flows, often causing the air to fuel ratio to change. Without re-mapping the fuel tables, some of the performance gains from the modifications may not be realized.
A badly tuned ECU can result in decreased performance, driveability, and may even cause engine damage.
The most ordinary way to “upgrade” ECU is using either plug in modules as mentioned above or using a specialist tuner who will use an On Board Diagnostics Flash tool. These devices normally plug into the diagnostic port although in a number of cases the reprogramming is done directly on the circuit board. Maps are supplied by tuners.
Substitute to modifying the on-board chip is adding up an external device, often known as a tuning box. The abilities of the outside devices generally reflect on-board chip modifications, with the benefit that they can be easily removed to restore the vehicle to standard. Adding an external tuning box is usually only possible on modern engines with external management ports.
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