What Is the Right EFI Tuner?
A tuning which is also known as Dyno Tuning or engine tuning, is the process of altering stock computer and ultimately how a vehicle runs. This is done after adjusting the car’s stock configuration.
For example, if a car has a turbo kit installed that was unequipped with one from the factory, you need to do tuning to make sure the vehicle runs safely and correctly again.
But how can you make the tuning right?
We discuss that in this article.
We would also talk about why tuning is essential, when you should opt for the suitable EFI tuner, and how to start the process. All this information would help you to be on the right path. So, let’s look at them.
Why Is Tuning Necessary?
Stock engine computers are tuned to operate a car with the original setup. After you make any adjustments to stock configurations, the computer operating system’s several parameters should be modified too, such as ignition (or timing) maps and fuel for that specific setup.
It is the most crucial step of car modification. EFI tuner brings everything together by getting the installed performance parts to perform at their best safely.
This is done on a case-by-case basis and specific to each setup. Reliability and performance are two essential products of a good tune. Once the tune is done, the vehicle becomes ready to undergo what it was built for.
This process makes sure the vehicle performs without any hiccups or hesitations and can counter more spirited driving with zero concerns for instant repercussions.
Why Should You Go for EFI Tuning?
You should go for an EFI tuner when you make any adjustments that will change the amount of fuel or air passing through an engine.
Such modifications can have a prolonged negative impact if the tuning is done improperly. If you have recently modified, or installed any of the following, go for tuning quickly:
● Turbocharger
● Higher compression pistons
● Nitrous
● Larger fuel injectors
● Intake Tube
● Larger camshafts
● Supercharger
● Ported cylinder head
● Exhaust
● Header
How Should You Get Started with Tuning?
To tune your car, you have to equip it with a compatible Engine Management System (EMS). The four most common methods and systems are:
● Standalone stock engine control unit (ECU)
● The modified stock engine control unit
● Piggy-back tuning systems
● Flashing the stock ECU
Standalone Stock Engine Control Unit
It is a direct replacement of the factory ECU. A standalone ECU administers all the functionalities that the OEM ECU did earlier. However, it frequently adds more features or controls that the OEM ECU couldn’t offer.
Standalone systems often offer absolute control over engine tuning but come with significant expenses associated with them.
Examples: MoTeC, FAST XFI, AEM EMS, PowerFC, Haltech.
Modified Stock Engine Control Unit
A modified stock ECU is eeprom “chip” based. Therefore, a custom tune can be performed using a real-time programmer by replacing the eeprom chip on the ECU board.
Such stock ECU enables direct control over all the factory ECU functions. This helps achieve excellent fuel economy, performance, and overall running efficiency.
Examples: KPro and Hondata S300.
Piggy-back Tuning Systems
A piggy-back tuning system uses the factory engine control unit but keeps a track of specific engine parameters from the factory ECU and sends an amended ignition or injector output to attain the target ignition or fuel/air value.
Piggy-back tuning systems can sometimes have unstable running conditions. It could be because of “tricking” the factory engine control unit into performing something it was not devised to do.
Examples: AEM F/IC, Emanage, Split Second.
Flashing the Stock Engine Control Unit
Many brand new vehicles can flash through the factory OBD-II scan port. For example, flash tuning an engine control unit gives direct control over all functions similar to a modified stock engine control unit. But it doesn’t require modification or removal of the engine control unit.
ECU flashing is most of the time the preferred choice for tuning newer vehicles. Because it can help retain the emissions functionality and expenses.
Examples: Hondata FlashPro, COBB Access PORT, and open source tuning software.
So, do you have any questions about the EFI tuner? Please feel free to leave your comments below.