ECU tuning, also known as ECU chip tuning, is a process in which the memory chip in a vehicle’s electronic control unit, i.e., ECU, is changed or modified. This change or modification is done in order to achieve better and superior performance in different aspects like more power, cleaner emissions, better fuel efficiency, and etc. This memory chip is erasable and programmable and hence can be easy to modify, i.e., tune. Tuning is usually done to modify a car and improve its functioning according to the user’s needs.
Usually, a general car is designed to be as economical and as reliable as it can be. Performing ECU tuning may change the design and hence certain functions of your car. This is why; you need to know what ECU tuning is and what comes with it before you decide to invest your money in it.
Following are things you need to know about ECU tuning: –
- When you decide to change the main but basic three performance aspects, i.e., acceleration, turning and deceleration, of your car, make sure you put safety first. You must ensure that the three are balanced in themselves and together and are safe when driving.
- Usually, in vehicles, the cold air intake and performance exhaust systems are more for the purpose of showing off and don’t really work. Also, making the noises made by an engine or an exhaust at less horsepower is also possible if done properly.
- When reprogramming your ECU, you need to make sure that your ECU tuning files and programs are up to mark. A well-tuned ECU is able to understand problems like change in horsepower, etc. very well. A performance-tuned ECU helps a lot and is highly recommended. Also, in automatic transmission automobile or vehicle, you can modify your ECU to shift gears, which makes your automatic transmission even smoother.
- Even in normal cars, ECU can be modified to help with better transmission and higher engine horsepower. These modifications can also be programmed to reduce the time between changing gears, which helps increase acceleration. This is done with the help of a kit called ‘short-shift.’
- The supercharger or turbocharger kits are also upgrading that can be made for your engine. Of course, your engine needs to be strong enough to be able to deal with the perks of this upgrade. This upgrade is quite expensive, but it does give your engine a good kick. You can also get a do it yourself kit and make this upgrade yourself if you are familiar with it.
- A very big and important benefit of ECU chip tuning is the improvement in fuel efficiency that it brings about. Improving fuel efficiency is also called economic remapping, as it is quite beneficial in terms of saving money. In terms of economic use of fuel, ECU chip tuning helps by controlling the amount of air and fuel is mixed and the amount of fuel that needs to be released when driving. With better ECU tuning, you can even go beyond the standard fuel settings and get better and more precise control over the amount of released fuel.
- ECU tuning is also very beneficial to increase your vehicle’s power and the torque of your car. Torque is the force that your car applies to result in rotation. The standard setting is set for an average car driver and hence is at a pretty basic setting. ECU tuning can increase the power of your engine by about 50% and also, tuning helps enhance the torque of your vehicle.
Mentioned above are perks of ECU or chip tuning. Tuning only one or two parts can cause stress to other parts of your car. So, make sure you research tuning from all aspects.
Content Source: Things You Need To Know About ECU Tuning
ECU Tuning and Reprogramming 