Engine tuning: more power, less consumption, better performance!

The engines of the new factory vehicles are calibrated for medium power development. If you want to make your car more efficient and perform better, engine tuning is the smart thing to do. There are many possibilities.

Arctic temperatures, like desert heat, are rare in Europe, so many of the default settings are redundant. With these calibrations, manufacturers make a compromise between performance and service life with minimal maintenance. And what's more: they consume performance that can be returned to the car with professional help. Engineers must take into account all possible weather conditions.

Types of tuning

Tuning is not limited to mechanical interventions in the engine, although it all started there with retrofitting of turbo boosters , compressors , nitrous oxide injection etc . Time and time again, advances in technology have created new opportunities for improving vehicle performance .

Currently, engine tuning essentially means changes to the electronic engine management. , which is the fastest and easiest way to improve vehicle performance. However, the driver can choose between several setting modes.

The following are currently available:

1. Chip tuning 2. Engine tuning by modifications 3. Tuning by adding components to the body

Two ways of chip tuning

Chip tuning includes two different modes of improving engine performance: the installation of an additional control unit, as well as the so-called "software optimization", known as chip tuning .

The difference lies in the amount of work and price. Installing an optional control unit (ECU) takes only A couple of minutes, and the costs start approx. 300 euro . Software optimization is a procedure that only a workshop can perform. It lasts several hours and begins approx. 600 euros .

1.1 Additional ECU: take care!

The market for control units is vast . It is important to choose branded quality. Many foreign manufacturers promise excellent performance at a low price.

Installing these cheap control boxes comes with a significant risk . The performance development of these solutions tends to be too high and too inaccurate. With ECUs auctioned online, serious engine damage is often only a matter of time.

Prices for branded ECUs start from 300 euros . Basically they come with a general type approval. However, registration for MoT approval of performance improvement measures is mandatory. The insurance company must also be notified of the engine modification. . Otherwise, the claim may be partially or completely rejected. in case of an accident .

Installation of additional control units

Installing an additional ECU is surprisingly easy . It's connected to the engine's wiring harness with the included cables and connectors, and you're done. The performance boost is available immediately. The particularly simple installation of these control units makes them attractive to home tuners.

1.2 Software optimization in the garage

Software optimization is more user-friendly, but significantly more expensive . The procedure includes reprogramming the existing ECU for optimal performance development in the garage. Garages charge a lot of money for their experience and work. Count on at least approx. 600 euros for this chip tuning mode.

The result is noticeable: 30-35 hp performance improvement is quite real . This additional performance can be used for a sporty driving style. With a normal driving style, this can be seen in the reduced fuel consumption. Another advantage is that the garage takes on administrative inconvenience. Registration on transport documents is part of the service for most service providers.

2. Additional performance through combination?

Of course, it is very tempting to trick the engine to become even more efficient by combining both measures of engine tuning. . Before you decide to take this step, please carefully consult with yourself.

Engine performance cannot be improved indefinitely. In addition, the factory settings are set to default performance. If software optimization can deliver 30hp plus, then brake and suspension adaptations will be needed to further improve performance. .

The essence of things: traditional engine tuning

• The engine needs three things to run: air, fuel and ignition . Air is needed because it contains oxygen, which burns the fuel in the combustion chambers. The more air in the combustion chambers, the more efficient the combustion. Previously, turbochargers and compressors were upgraded for this.

• This is no longer an option for all modern engines. . The only way to improve the air supply in modern engines is to install air filter with high capacity, having a larger surface, allowing more air to enter the combustion chamber, potentially increasing performance.
• No miracles can be expected from these measures. . Typically, the effect is to improve the sound of the engine and slightly improve the reaction time of the accelerator pedal. . For better performance due to high capacity air filter, additional airbox installation . Improves air flow, additionally cooling it. This installation must be carried out in a professional garage.

3. High performance isn't everything

Improving engine performance isn't the only way to improve your car's performance. . Just as engine performance is important in terms of driving style and fuel consumption, two additional factors come into play: the weight и aerodynamics .

A lighter car drives less mass . Already the first extra kilogram will serve to reduce fuel consumption and increase maneuverability.

• Several options for weight loss are available, although they are often very expensive: carbon fiber hood, fenders or even doors and trunk lids can reduce vehicle weight by up to 40%. . These components are handcrafted and therefore, correspondingly, expensive.

• The interior offers additional options to reduce unnecessary ballast: replacing the spare tire with a repair kit, removing the rear seat, and replacing the front seats with lighter sports seats will reduce the weight by about 100%. 100 kg. However, an empty interior has an annoying side effect: it makes more noise.

• A measure of performance improvement that has fallen a bit out of fashion is car body tuning. The traditional lowering of the vehicle reduces air resistance. If the car is additionally equipped with front, rear and side spoilers, which improve traction and reduce air resistance, this will become noticeable in driving performance.

These measures also apply: registration, registration, registration, because otherwise the next inspection will be very expensive!

Performance or eco-tuning?

Someone wants more performance, someone wants to save fuel. The specified engine tuning measures are equally suitable for achieving these goals. However, branded ecotuning a lot of nonsense is offered.

We warn you in advance: no additional device, super oil or fuel additive will in any way reduce fuel consumption.

Therefore: beware of magnets, anti-tuberculosis pills, additives and everything that surfs the Internet promising miracles .

A balanced set-up, combined with an economical driving style and a measurable weight reduction, offer the best possibilities for an environmentally optimized driving experience.

Breaking point: nitric oxide

Changed requirements for vehicle engines . A few years ago, maximum performance with minimum weight was the goal of all engine development. At present time emission factor important as ever.

This imposes restrictions on modernization: the higher the engine power, the hotter the combustion . However, hotter combustion generates more nitric oxide . Therefore, excessive adjustment may result in a driving ban. In addition, hot exhaust gases do not contribute to exhaust gas cleaning. . The ultra-thin layer of platinum in the catalytic converter suffers especially from this.

Consequently: engine tuning is great, but it should always be within what is reasonably practicable. In this way, you can ultimately benefit from an optimal savings effect.