Tuning Diesel is an essential upgrade for drivers looking to get more power from their diesel-powered vehicles. The process involves reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU) to make your vehicle more powerful and efficient. It can be performed in many ways, including remapping the ECU or installing a piggyback controller. However, the best option is to go with a reputable diesel performance specialist to ensure your diesel vehicle gets the right tune.
One of the primary goals of Tuning Diesel performance tuning is to unleash higher levels of torque. This allows vehicles to accelerate faster and tackle heavier loads more easily. For example, trucks and SUVs with a more aggressive tune can tow heavy trailers without straining their engines or exhaust systems.
Another major benefit of tuning your diesel engine is better fuel economy. Modern diesel engines have a high-pressure fuel injection system that delivers precise charges of fuel directly into the cylinders. This results in a more complete combustion of the fuel and fewer unburnt hydrocarbons in the exhaust. Tuning your diesel fuel injectors can help improve the efficiency of this process, resulting in more energy being extracted from each drop of fuel.
Increasing your engine power is also good for drivability. A well-tuned diesel engine will deliver more power while maintaining a smooth, logical throttle response and working with the transmission your car uses. The driveability of a diesel vehicle is especially important for those who use their vehicles for towing or hauling.
In addition to the improvements in performance and fuel economy, diesel tuning can also add a little more “thump” to the way your vehicle drives. This is particularly noticeable in the mid-range where many diesels feel a bit sluggish. A custom tune can remedy this by allowing the turbo to spool up sooner and increase transient throttle response.
The biggest danger of diesel tuning is taking things too far. Too much extra boost can strain your engine components and cause them to fail prematurely. The extra load on the engine can even cause a blown head gasket or oil leaks.
In general, the safest way to increase the power of your diesel is with a stage one or two tune on an unmodified vehicle. The reprogramming of the ECU can significantly increase torque and horsepower. However, it is important to note that the more power you make available to your diesel engine, the more stress it can put on other components like the clutch and exhaust system. In extreme cases, you may even need to replace parts before the end of the engine’s life. A reputable tuner will listen to what you want from your vehicle and work within safe limits. They will always look at the whole picture and be able to warn you if they are going too far with your modifications. This will prevent you from wasting money on a tune that will only lead to failure down the road.