| Just a few years ago, ECU tuning was unheard of. | | | | programmable unit. This is generally done with |
| Today, it's widely acknowledged that the ECU - the | | | | dedicated race cars. You can modify the existing ECU |
| Electronic Control Unit - is the key to automotive | | | | so it becomes programmable, if the required add-on |
| performance and tuning. This applies to domestics and | | | | boards are available. You can reprogram your stock |
| imports, cars and trucks, and even to the luxury | | | | ECU with replacement chips. Or you can install |
| segment of the market. My own Acura has a | | | | electronic add-on modules that intercept signals to and |
| programmable ECU that allows me to monitor over 40 | | | | from the ECU. |
| sensors and data points in real time. I can tweak and | | | | Tuning via add-on electronic modules has some |
| upload ECU calibrations from a laptop computer | | | | significant advantages. It does not require replacing an |
| connected to the ECU via a USB cable. I still use | | | | expensive ECU. It does not affect the functioning of |
| conventional instruments like a boost display to provide | | | | the stock ECU, which means the software is generally |
| me with important data, but I know that it's really the | | | | invisible to diagnostics equipment. That can be |
| modified ECU that runs the show, making sure that my | | | | important as it may affect manufacturer warranties. |
| supercharged engine gets the proper amount of fuel | | | | Add-on modules are also much easier to install and |
| at the proper ignition advance and cam angle, allowing | | | | replace than daughterboards or entire ECUs. Should |
| the engine in my car to make 70% more power than | | | | you need to quickly remove a module and detune the |
| stock safely, reliably and economically. This is what | | | | car, that can be done in a few minutes. |
| luxury car tuning is all about these days. | | | | Yet another advantage of such control modules is that |
| If you're the owner of an entry-level luxury car or a | | | | they can affect areas other than just performance. |
| full-blown luxury car and seek more performance, you | | | | Depending on the make and model of your car, you |
| probably spend a lot of time with Audi parts, | | | | may be able to customize the functioning of the |
| Volkswagen parts, BMW parts or Mercedes parts. | | | | remote, the power windows, side view mirrors, burglar |
| You know that installing performance headers, hotter | | | | alarm, sunroof, seats, A/C and many other aspects of |
| cams or a free-flow exhaust alone is not enough and | | | | the car. This can make driving safer and more |
| that the ECU must be programmed to take maximum | | | | convenient. These inexpensive control modules may |
| advantage of all those performance car parts. You | | | | also add a variety of additional information on the LCD |
| also know that turbo motors, especially, are capable of | | | | display of your car. |
| delivering a lot of extra power by cranking up the | | | | There are many sources for luxury performance car |
| boost, but that it must be done safely via proper ECU | | | | parts, but only few have truly embraced the new |
| programming. | | | | computer tuning technologies that can add both power |
| There are various ways of ECU tuning. You can | | | | and functionality to your vehicle. |
| replace the stock ECU with a more powerful | | | | |