DIESEL TUNING
The Dynamics of Diesel Tuning
Diesel tuning or diesel remapping refers to improving the performance of a diesel vehicle. The amount of extra performance you gain depends on your vehicle and when it was manufactured.
Diesel engines is very common throughout the world. More so, diesel engines have become very popular in South Africa.
“Diesel engines com-bust the fuel-air mix by putting it under pressure. These engines burn fuel at a slower rate than petrol engines, and offer a higher torque at the same time, which means they have a bit more kick than a petrol engine – typically the reason why you’ll see more diesel-based farm and construction vehicles than their petrol-based counterparts. That, and the fact that diesel is cheaper than petrol.”
Diesel tuning in the older model vehicles (pre 2000) requires the physical modification of engine parts. This as a result boosts the automobile’s power. Prior to Ecu-remapping, most individual workshops add on, high pressure fuel injectors, in hope to increase the diesel powered engine. The common myth is more fuel equals more horsepower. However, this is not always the case, and this process can become quiet pricey. The extra horsepower gain does not really equate to the money spent to gain this increase.
With the rise of modern technology Ecu’s combined with the High speed CAN communication modules, increasing your diesel powered vehicle has become much easier on ones pocket. One can now add on a “Chip” or even better, upgrade the software on ones Ecu via the OBD port. This can be done by a professional who has a good insight on diesel engines, as well as the development of Software files that can be “Flashed onto the Ecu”. Much like upgrading ones app on a mobile telephone.
Diesel tuning benefits include most notably power output (which can be up to 30%), reduction in fuel economy, increased throttle response and also how the vehicle handles on the road (or wherever it is driven).
But just as with petrol engines that have their chips tuned, there are some considerations which should be taken into account with diesel tuning: to increase a parameter in one part of the engine, another part will have to make due with a little less. And while you may be saving money on fuel, you’ll be spending more money on maintenance and services because diesel tuned engines have to be serviced regularly. Your vehicle will also be more fussy – low quality fuel won’t be tolerated.
That being said, diesel tuning is perfect for individuals who need more power out of their vehicles to achieve a specific aim, or who operate the vehicle in an area where a tuned ECU chip will make for better driving. And since modern diesel tuning relies on electronics, you’re free to change the settings of your car whenever it is necessary at a relatively constant cost.