Engine tuning
By engine tuning we understand the adjustment brought to engines to yield optimal performance. This performance can either regard the power output or the fuel consumption. The adjustment of the carburetor and the ignition system can be called tuning, as well as significant engine enhancements. The common known engine tune-up is a routine service in which an engine is restored to its optimum performance. Manufacturers recommend tune-ups for the cars to run as expected. You will not need a tune-up for about 160,000 kilometers or 10 years for a modern car.
Engine tuning can be separated into many categories. Below we try to name and explain some of them.
Chip tuning
Chip tuning refers to the modifications brought to the engine management system. The engine can be brought to different performance levels by modifying different settings. This is possible because manufacturers often produce just a few engine types and equip them on many car types. It would be too expensive to produce a new engine for every developed car model. This variety allows engine specialists to modify some settings and adjust the car for the owner’s different needs (such as power or low consumption).
Performance tuning
The modifications are focused on motor sport performance. Many performance tuned cars never compete and are tuned just for show or for the driver’s leisure. In performance tuning, the output power, maximum torque, and responsiveness of the engine are the main concerns. Because such a car must withstand more stress than a mass-production car, the engine must be much stronger. Also, the car must be able to carry additional fuel so that the car will run for long distances with a high consumption level. In particular, if the power is increased, some components need be modified to withstand increased power. These components usually are the transmission, the driveshaft, and other powertrain components. Usually, the owner just wants a bigger power from his engine. This can be achieved by putting more fuel/air mixture into the engine and using air-fuel ratio meters to check the amount. You should note that raising the power output of your car leads to lowering the fuel efficiency.
There are lots of tested methods to increase the power of your car:
- Increasing the engine displacement
- Using multiple or larger carburetors – creates more fuel/air mixture for the engine to burn
- Increasing the size of the engine’s valves - decreases the restriction on the fuel/air mixture entering and the exhaust gases leaving the cylinder
- Using larger bored, smoother, and less contorted intake and exhaust manifolds - helps maintain the velocity of the gases
- Increasing the valve opening height (lift)
- Optimizing the valve timing to improve the burning efficiency – increases the power output in a range of RPM but reduces it in other ranges
- Raising the engine’s compression ratio - leads to a more rapid burn of the fuel
- Forced Induction by adding a turbocharger or supercharger - the fuel/air mixture entering the cylinders is increased
- Adding an oxidizer such as Nitrous Oxide (NOS)
- Reducing losses to friction
- Reducing the overall mass of the “rotating mass” - this improves the throttle response because of the lower inertia
- Changing the tuning characteristics electronically
The level of modifications depends on the performance you want, the money you have to spend, and the characteristics of the engine. If you really want to tune your car for racing, you must be prepared to spend a lot of money. Performance tuning is expensive but will greatly increase the power of your car. Intake, exhaust, and chip upgrades are the first modifications made because these are the cheapest. Also, these components make reasonably general improvements and can even improve fuel economy. The intake, exhaust, and chip upgrades do not affect the engine reliability too much because no moving parts need to be modified. If you plan to performance tune your car even further, these parts essential to take the full advantage of the further upgrades.
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