How is more power, higher torque, less fuel consumption all this and a lot more is achievable by chip tuning only?
Electronics in vehicle technology
Since the 80s, electronics in automotive engineering has become increasingly significant. Initially simple functions were controlled by the ECUs and the electronics only seldom intervened actively in controlling operations. In the meantime nearly all functions in a vehicle are controlled or electronically supervised through software. In this connection the motor management of a vehicle is one of the most significant fields.
Motor management
Increasing demands in power, fuel consumption,, exhaust emissions and driving behavior of todays engines involve an increasing complexity in terms of hardware and software in the motor management. In this connection the Engine Control Unit (ECU) forms the core. Hence, in the ECU suitable terminal values for the current working conditions are determined from various input values. Thus for example the engine speed, air mass, air intake temperature / fuel temperature and of course also the accelerator position are taken into account. In terms of chip tuning mainly power relevant factors such as e.g. injected fuel quantity, boost pressure, ignition timing and point of injection time are modified depending on the engine type (Petrol or Diesel).
More power and torque
With regards to their mechanical construction, most engines were designed for a wide power spectrum. Thus, when a modification of the ECU’s software is carried out in a responsible way, the components’ durability and the vehicle’s suitability for daily use can be maintained despite the increased efficiency and higher torque.
Development of a power upgrade
During pre-selection of the engine types destined to be modified, the vehicles individual criteria are assessed in the first instance. As every vehicle type shows small but detailed differences the standard data are collected individually prior to development. Subsequently the various engine characteristics and data are newly matched in detail on the dynamometer test bench with the engine out of the car. In this environment the standard safety mechanisms of the motor management (e.g. maximum admissible boost pressure, overheating protection, knock control system...) are fully maintained. In a practical test drive the driving behaviour is checked and if necessary a precise adjustment of the data version will be carried out. If all required specifications are fulfilled, the power upgrade will be granted technical release and be included in the ABT product range.
