Chiptuning’s guide

Chiptuning is a process that improves the power of a vehicle. It aims to increase engine performance and increase torque. It is also used in tuning, but also to equip the latest vehicles. What are the advantages ? The answers right away.

The basics of engine remapping

Engines made by car manufacturers can gain power through chiptuning. Engine reprogramming consists of optimizing the performance of a vehicle's electronic unit. This process not only increases the power, but also the torque of the engine. It thus modifies the parameters that define the engine management system.

The role of the electronic control unit is to control the parameters which ensure the proper functioning of the engine of a car. In particular, he manages his performance :

• Turbo pressure;
• Fuel injection quantity;
• Ignition time.

By changing these parameters, chiptuning increases engine efficiency and vehicle performance. Modifications are carried out by an automotive expert. The intervention is carried out at the level of the engine map of the vehicle. Thus, the passage on a power bench is required. To achieve the desired results, the parameter settings must be perfectly defined.

What is the point of chiptuning?

The optimization of the electronic control unit brings many benefits to vehicles, whether it is a gasoline or diesel engine. This technique also has advantages for the driver who benefits from better acceleration. The increase in power can have several purposes, in rally racing, for example, where the performance of the car is paramount. Modifying the engine can increase power at a reasonable cost. It is a state of mind beyond tuning but which allows better results in terms of acceleration, engine efficiency, it allows to increase the torque electronically, in short: improve the performance of all types of vehicles. However, this remains a task to be entrusted exclusively to professionals. A chip or an engine box must be installed by one of the preparers whose job it is, whether your vehicle is old or new generation.

There is also an interest for the individual. Whether he owns a Mercedes, a Ferrari, a motorcycle, a van, gasoline engine or turbo diesel, there is a chip for any type of vehicle. Once again, only a professional like Cb power has the ability to modify the engine through various steps. Management computer, power bench, check of engine parameters, measurement of real power compared to the original engine, etc. Engine reprogramming for an undeniable power increase

Many drivers use chiptuning to optimize the performance of their vehicles. Indeed, the power of the basic motors can be improved thanks to an adapted parameter setting. Chiptuning is used in particular to increase the power of the vehicle by 25 to 30%.

An engine that gains torque

When the modification of the engine management is carried out by a professional, the torque can increase by up to 35%. In addition, its optimization makes it possible to benefit from better accelerations during overtaking.

How does chiptuning work?

For the past fifteen years, car manufacturers have been equipping their vehicles with an electronic box ensuring the control of engine parameters. The engine management system or the Electronic Control Unit guarantees the operation of the engine thanks to several parameters. Reprogramming allows, among other things, to modify instructions related to:

• Boost pressure ;
• Gas pedal position ;
• Fuel amount

Chiptuning thus contributes to the modification of the computer program in order to optimize the performance of the vehicle.

The stages of reprogramming

Optimizing engine management begins with measuring its initial performance. The vehicle must pass on a power bench in order to determine the data of the original programming at the manufacturer. Thus, the measurement of the torque and the original power is carried out. Then, the data is saved so that it can be returned if the vehicle is sold.

The professional proceeds to the modifications of the data and the optimization of the performances according to the engine. The new information is entered into the electronic box with the corresponding parameters. When the data is relocated, the motor power and torque are again measured.

The increase in torque and the optimization of engine power are immediately felt when the driver is behind the wheel. Chiptuning provides more flexibility and promotes, among other things, the recovery of the vehicle. In addition to improving power, this process reduces fuel consumption.

Remapping or additional box ?

Chiptuning works with vehicle models with an injection engine equipped with an electronic box. Some professionals may also use an additional box.

This is a technology that only works on injection diesel engines. Its programming remains the same, regardless of the vehicle model. Its main advantage is that it controls the quantity of fuel injected. However, it can cause problems with the EGR valve, the turbo or even the particle filter. Which differs from reprogramming. Indeed, chiptuning regulates between 15 to 20 parameters. Moreover, it can be customized according to each type of engine to give optimal performance.

Ecotuning remapping

The ecotuning is a specific reprogramming which allows to act on the torque of the vehicle at low revs. In fact, this operation reduces the vehicle's fuel consumption by up to 12%. In addition to the gain in power, it promotes a comfortable ride.

With this process, the driver can reach a certain speed without putting more strain on the engine at high revs. Moreover, electronic optimization does not only increase the power of a vehicle. It also contributes to the preservation of the environment by significantly reducing fuel consumption.

The benefits of going through a professional

The expertise of a motorist is required to ensure chiptuning. This is an operation that requires knowledge of engine mapping. It also requires technologies that make it possible to benefit from a gain in power.

Going through a professional allows you to benefit from a tailor-made adjustment. In addition, it gives you access to equipment from the latest technologies. In addition, it can offer a map that adapts to each brand and any type of engine.

What are the risks of chiptuning?

Chiptuning poses no risk to the engine. Indeed, it is carried out according to the original regime of the manufacturer. Moreover, the first step in reprogramming is to measure the initial performance of the engine. Modifications are thus carried out taking into account the manufacturer's tolerances.

The operation is carried out electronically. The new data is implemented in the computer using specific software. The latter is similar to the one that manufacturers use for the original engine map.

To measure the performance related to the new parameters, it is essential to use a test bench. The driver can thus know the ideal power of the torque and the flow of fuel injected. At the same time, he can see the average pressure of the engine.

What precautions should be taken before carrying out an engine reprogramming?

Car manufacturers are also attentive to the modifications made to their vehicles. Also, it is recommended to preserve the original characteristics of the computer. These can be useful when putting the car up for sale, especially since restoring the parameters makes it possible to benefit from the manufacturer's warranty.

Engine reremap is an operation that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Unless you go on a dyno, it is impossible to know the performance of a car. Finally, you should know that chiptuning helps to comply with the anti-pollution regulations in force. This is possible thanks to the new instructions introduced in the engine map

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