When you think of tuning, you may picture a rumbling engine and an exhaust that is loud and unsettling. While this is certainly possible, this is not the only way to get more power out of your four-wheel drive vehicle. Several different options are available to you, including Remaps, Chips, and Flash tunes. These options are great for getting more horsepower and torque out of your vehicle.
Chips
You may wonder if it’s worth getting performance chips for your 4WD. While it is a popular option to increase your vehicle’s power and towing capacity, it can also cause reliability and efficiency issues. Luckily, some options can be easily installed.
In the past, onboard computers were responsible for the vehicle’s overall health. They controlled various vital functions, including air-fuel ratios, gearing, ignition timing, and more. However, many of these systems weren’t calibrated for optimal performance. Instead, they overcompensated real values to deliver increased performance.
Your engine’s ECU is reprogrammed with a performance chip to improve performance. It allows you to enjoy a higher power output at wide-open throttle, faster acceleration, and better fuel economy.
There are several types of performance chips with different features. Some are designed to increase horsepower, while others are intended to reduce fuel efficiency. Regardless of your needs, a good quality Chip will control boost pressure, injector timing, and the quantity of diesel fuel injected into the engine.
If you’re looking for a simple solution to common fuel economy issues, a plug-and-play 4WD tuning Adelaide kit may be the answer you’ve been searching for. These kits are easy to install and can be programmed to your car’s make, model, and year. A high-quality Chip should be able to re-calibrate for new models.
If you’re looking for more advanced performance, you should consider a more extensive chip. These are designed to add power, reduce drivability, and increase the engine’s horsepower in high-rev conditions.
Several companies offer these chips. For example, the TDI Tuning ECU chip is a UK-based company that has been making tuning boxes for ten years. It offers Stage 1 and Stage 2 models. The chip can be purchased for $895 to $1300.
It’s important to choose a reputable company when purchasing a performance chip. Avoid buying second-hand products. Also, be sure to check reviews for a product.
Chips are designed to communicate with your vehicle’s onboard computer, which allows it to adjust its settings accordingly. It helps to ensure your vehicle’s different components operate smoothly.
Remaps
ECU remaps one of the most popular tuning upgrades for four-wheel drive vehicles. They are designed to improve performance, increase torque, and reduce emissions. However, not all remaps are created equal. Considering the advantages and disadvantages before choosing a remap for your vehicle would be best.
The ECU is the control centre of your car, and it’s the brain of your engine. It controls every aspect of your vehicle, from the fuel flow to the ignition timing. A remap rewrites the manufacturer’s software inside your ECU. It lets you get the most out of your engine while maintaining safety and reliability standards.
If you decide to have your engine remapped, it’s important to choose a trusted company. While a professional remap will preserve your engine’s health, a poorly made remap could damage it.
In addition to increasing your vehicle’s performance, remaps can also increase your fuel economy. However, an ECU can add up to a few thousand dollars. Depending on the level of remapping you want, you can expect to pay as much as $1200.
Unlike chip tuning, which involves altering the hardware of your vehicle, remaps change the software within your ECU. Remaps can also be reversed.
While a remap will increase horsepower and torque, other risks exist. Some remaps can push your engine to its limit, which can damage internal components. Also, it can cause pollution problems. Changing your tune can also void your warranty. So be sure to read all the paperwork before you begin.
Before you commit to a remap, make sure to check with your local vehicle dealer. Ask them about the remap options and how they would affect your warranty. Remapping your vehicle can be as simple as buying a remap or as complicated as installing a new turbo system.
Choosing the right to remap your vehicle depends on various factors, such as your budget and driving habits. An affordable remap can be a light reprogramming for a modest boost in horsepower. On the other hand, a serious remap may require installing a new turbo system or new internal components.
Flash tune
One of the latest trends in the automotive world is ‘flash’ tuning. It is where a tuner modifies the map within the ECU software to optimise the engine for a specific vehicle. The benefits of this are numerous.
A good flash tune allows a tuner to make certain changes to the engine, such as altering the DPF burn rate. It can help improve the car’s fuel economy while giving more power and torque.
There are different types of flash tunes, ranging from those which are removable to those which are reversible. Choosing the right one can ensure you do not damage your vehicle or void your warranty.
Choosing a reputable company with a high level of expertise and experience is important. It will mean that you will receive a well-developed and optimised remap.
The process involves rewriting the EEPROM and internal maps in the engine’s computer. These changes may increase the vehicle’s performance but can also damage the engine. Changing the parameters in the chip can cause a lot of trouble, such as detonation.
‘Chipping’ is a popular way to improve a vehicle’s performance and towing capabilities. Many owners find that a good remap can help them achieve greater horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.
For this reason, it’s vital to use a quality remap. It would be best if you are looking for a company with extensive R & D. They should have a team of experienced and qualified calibration tuners.
As with any other modification, choosing the best option for your vehicle is important. A low-quality alternative can push the limits of your vehicle, and you could end up with a damaged engine or a badly designed fuel tank. However, a high-quality remap will offer maximum reliability and performance while allowing you to recoup part of the cost when you trade in your vehicle.
If you are considering ‘flash’ tuning your vehicle, choosing a reputable company with renowned engineers is best. Ask about the cost of their services, as well as the remap.
Worst-case scenario
The worst-case scenario is that you run a stock ECU on a car that is already tuned for 2WD. If you add 4WD, you can’t extrapolate what gains you can get. For example, you might gain 19 whp from your 2WD ECU tune, but if you add 4WD, you might lose 7.5 percent of that gain. It is because the frictional losses on a 4WD vehicle are twice as much as those of a two-wheel drive. Therefore, the ECU will need more power to compensate for the increased frictional loss.
In this case, you may consider adjusting the performance section settings on your PCM. You can either select a single switch to adjust all parameters or divide the low range ratio to set the parameters in each section.