Understanding how tuning is achieved on modern vehicles is important. A computer, typically called an ECU, ECM, or PCM, controls modern vehicle engines. This is a computer that is responsible for the control of the engine, how it operates along with monitoring the status of many vital conditions such as temperatures and pressures. In short, the ECU is essentially the brain for your vehicle’s engine.
Tuning or calibrating a modern fuel injected vehicle consists of modifying and adjusting software parameters within the vehicles ECU. What is Performance Tuning? The objective for tuning can vary, such as increasing the engines output, drivability, or to accommodate aftermarket and upgraded components. High flow intake systems, exhaust headers, larger fuel injectors, or increasing boost pressures all require tuning. There are many reasons modern engines require tuning, and it is important to understand that these systems are extremely sensitive.
When is Tuning Required?
Modern ECU systems and engine sensors are complex, so it’s crucial to correctly adjust the software managing your vehicle’s ECU and engine. Any modifications to the powertrain—like intake, exhaust, or fuel systems—require monitoring adjustments to ensure optimal performance and engine safety. While some “drop-in” parts, such as specific cold air intakes, might not need calibration as they adhere to factory specs, other modifications like intake systems, camshafts, exhausts, fuel systems, and induction systems demand precise tuning to function correctly and safely.
What are the Benefits of Performance Tuning?
Tuning can provide many benefits ranging from performance increase (horsepower & torque), drivability, throttle response, shifting (automatic & DCT transmissions), and adjustments to engine accessories such as radiator fan control along with gear/tire ratio changes. Along with performance, tuning can also increase the overall efficiency of the engine, in some cases increasing MPG.
How does Tuning Improve Performance?
It is important to note that many vehicles roll out of the manufacture with untapped potential within the factory tuning. The potential at which tuning can help varies depending on the vehicle platform. Factory force inducted vehicles (turbo or supercharged) will always possess the most performance benefit from tuning. Tuning can also greatly benefit naturally aspirated vehicles in many ways outside of just increasing power. The objective of performance tuning is often centered around increasing horsepower and torque. Improvements to various other variables are also possible. These variables include the drivability of the vehicle such as the throttle response, shifting, RPM limits and much more. Final tuning is performed on our Dynojet 224XLC dyno
Increasing power through tuned software revolves around modification to air/fuel ratios, ignition timing and torque limiters. Tuning a forced inducted vehicle, specifically turbo applications can include increasing boost pressure through various adjustments. At APA Custom Shop we utilize industry leading diagnostic and data logging components to ensure everything is calibrated safely.
Is Tuning Safe for my Vehicle?
A proper performance tune can provide complete reliability without taking from the engine’s health or longevity. This requires proper calibration utilizing the correct tools and methods to get things dialed in. Modern engines have failsafe systems like knock sensors, torque limiters, and temperature cutoffs. At APA Custom Shop, we always retain factory monitoring systems. This ensures the factory ECU controls adjustments during mechanical issues. It keeps the engine safe. APA Custom Shop chooses HP Tuners for their calibration software provider.
Things to Know When Choosing Performance Parts
This is one of the most important topics when considering modifying your vehicle’s engine. Choose aftermarket components that fit your specific engine, horsepower goals, and drivability. Consult your tuner when selecting upgrades to ensure you spend money on the right parts. This ensures compatibility with tested products and aligns with your vehicle’s specific platform. Awareness of this important topic will ensure the best experience, performance, and drivability.
Different Types of Tuning
When considering tuning or modifying the software on your vehicle it is important to understand the differences between tuning platforms. Common types include ‘flash,’ ‘canned,’ ‘dyno,’ and ‘pro’ tuning. Let’s break down the differences –
Flash Tuning / Canned Tuning:
This method is most popular for online tuning that can be applied from home. Though beneficial, it is not tailored to your vehicle’s specifics. Flash/canned tuning consists of a tuned file that was created for a similar vehicle at a previous time and likely different conditions. These tunes may be specific a different climate, fuel grade, or elevation.
Dyno Tuning / Pro Tuning:
Dyno and pro tuning provide finely adjusted, vehicle-specific service. This tuning offers optimal power, safety, and drivability. Pro tuning is available in various ways, including remotely. A proper remote tune with the right calibrator can excel. The end user must log vehicle data and test software during remote tuning.
In-house dyno & pro tuning will provide a complete service start to finish. Drop the vehicle off, pick it up tuned and you’re ready to go. A proper, thorough pro tune will consist of both dyno and road tuning. This will ensure optimized engine performance and power, along with the best drivability at all throttle positions and various speeds.
What About Tuning that Comes with Supercharger or Turbo Kits?
Aftermarket companies often provide software for their products. Canned software doesn’t accommodate other vehicle modifications like headers, cams, or fuel upgrades. This limitation leaves potential performance gains unrealized. In addition, it can also create engine safety concerns when the canned tune is on a higher octane fuel.
At APA, pro-tuning superchargers yields considerable power gains. We test canned files against our tuned calibration. Pro tuning not only improves performance but also enhances engine safety. Canned files often mismatch fuel types and other factors. This can jeopardize engine reliability and performance.
Call or Book your Appointment Today and see what APA Custom Shop can do for you with Performance Tuning Service!
