How to improve car performance through engine ecu tuning - By: Felicity Lightbody

ECU stands for Engine Control Unit. Every modern vehicle comes with an ECU installed to assist and monitor the function of a vehicle's engine. These factory units, however, can be very difficult to tune up. They are based on software that is engineered by the manufacturer. This software is uniquely coded and well- encrypted. Modification to your original manufacturer engine- control systems through software modification may be illegal. It is generally reserved only for factory testing, factory- certified repair technicians, and agents.

There are, instead, aftermarket units for this purpose. Popular ECU tuning modules can be relatively simple to install, as they are compatible with most vehicle computer systems. They are basically plug- and- play. However, installation should be left to an experienced technician.

The way these units function is very simple. They communicate with your vehicle's main computer control unit in a basic way and can override and modify factory settings to improve performance. ECU tuning will almost always result in a decrease in fuel mileage. The basic way that these units soup- up your car or truck is to plot peak torque output and improve shift points. This creates a quicker acceleration. Also, a quality ECU can increase the duration of output from the fuel injectors in the engine. This makes for a richer fuel- air mixture (which will most definitely decrease fuel mileage), and increases the engine's power, or torque, output. This process can also be charted very precisely (some aftermarket units even come with an LCD readout that creates a visual graph) to accommodate various engine modes, and to adjust most optimally for different RPMs to constantly produce the most power from the engine.

The most common of these ECU tuning modules do everything themselves, and it is up to the user simply to select a pre- programmed mode. If this method is desired to increase the performance of an automobile, the best thing to do is to choose the best unit based on reviews and word- of mouth. There are many different aftermarket units available, and many of them have specific applications, such as professional racing. Some units are only for certain vehicles. An ECU should be installed by a qualified technician that has experience installing that specific unit into that specific vehicle. This will ensure a satisfactory experience.

About the Author

Felicity is a avid car enthusiast. Felicity works for a car performance specialist who offer a ecu tuning service in Yorkshire, UK. Spitfire Performance also offer ECU chip tuning and forced induction kits. For more information, please visit their site, Spitfire Performance

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