How Safe Is Chip Tuning?

If you own a performance vehicle, there is a good chance that you may feel obligated to race it at some point or another. If not, you may want to enhance the vehicle’s performance through chip tuning. This process is pretty beneficial, but some people suggest that it is not worth the trouble. Is this the truth? Should you chip tune your automobile? Within this guide, you’re going to learn all about the pros and cons of ECU remapping.

What Is ECU Remapping?

First and foremost, you should know that vehicle engine remapping is often referred to as chipping. This specific process serves the purpose of making a vehicle much more powerful. This might seem simple enough. Nevertheless, chiptuning is actually more complex than you could ever imagine. Remember that the electronic management system of a vehicle controls the fueling. This specific is run by the engine control unit – ECU.

This is the brain of the engine. When you press the pedal, the engine control unit is going to determine how much fuel and air to mix together. Then, it is going to determine how much to squirt into the cylinder. If you have a turbo, the ECU will also control it. By chipping your vehicle, you will actually be able to alter the way the ECU works. That can provide you with an abundance of benefits in the near future.

How Do You Chip Tune A Vehicle?

Now, you should learn how to chip tune a vehicle. It is actually achieved in several unique ways. The most convenient is to connect a device to the vehicle’s diagnostic port. This will allow you to reflash the ECU’s software. In order to use this method, you will need access to special equipment. This is the quickest and easiest way to tune your automobile. It can generally be completed within an hour or less.

Custom Remap

If you wish to obtain better results, you should opt for a custom remap. The process works similarly, but a different software map will be used. You will not be relying on a one-size-fits-all map. Instead, you will be able to alter the parameters as you see fit. Simultaneously, it is possible for the software to run concurrently with the dynamometer. This will ensure that every aspect of the vehicle can be tweaked through the rev range. This includes the fueling and performance.

Piggyback Devices

Finally, it is possible to utilize piggyback devices to chip your vehicle. These devices will attach to the ECU in one way or another. This is not possible with all vehicles, but it should be a possibility with the mass majority of them. This is really the cheapest way to chip your vehicle. The only downside here is the fact that you’re not going to get great results. In fact, you might not experience any noticeable changes whatsoever. It is generally best to work with a professional. They’ll offer a better option and much better results. Just remember that a professional will cost you most in the end.

Pros And Cons

Now, it is time to delve into the pros and cons of ECU remapping. Is it really worth it to pay for a professional remap file service? The truth of the matter is that the answer depends on you and your unique situation. Some people will agree that it is worth the extra money. Others will decide against it. To help you make your decision, you should refer to the pros and cons provided below.

Turbo Boost

First and foremost, it is important to understand that the results are going to depend heavily on the type of engine you have. If your vehicle is not turbocharged, you’re probably not going to notice any changes. However, turbocharged vehicles will experience a major performance boost after they’ve been chipped. If you’re driving a vehicle with a naturally aspirated engine, you’re probably going to be disappointed with the results. Suffice to say, remapping is not going to be suitable for all vehicles.

Improving Economy

Another good thing that can be achieved from vehicle chipping is improved economics. Pretty much everyone would like to spend less money on gasoline. If you fit into this category, you should definitely speak to your mechanic about remapping. It’ll make a big difference in the long run. As long as you drive the vehicle the same after the remapping, you’ll be able to cut your fuel costs. The amount that you save could make a huge difference in the long run. Just be careful of the increased power. If you push your car to the limits, the economic gains are going to disappear.

Other Benefits

At the end of the day, chipping a vehicle can provide numerous benefits. You’ll be able to improve your vehicle’s horsepower, acceleration, and maximum speed. If you’re interested in enhancing the performance of your vehicle, you’ll definitely want to chip it. It’ll make a big difference in the long run. Still, it is generally a good idea to speak with your doctor in advance. Make sure that it is going to be worth it. Be sure that the risks are going to be minimal. Do this and you’ll be glad that you chipped your automobile.

The Cons

Chip tuning is not perfect. You should be very cautious before moving forward. You need to make sure that the pros outweigh the cons. First and foremost, you need to understand that the car’s top speed is limited. This is generally a good thing. It keeps you safe. However, you may want to chip your car for this very reason. This isn’t going to help if your vehicle’s speed is limited. Another thing to note is that the software might be terrible. That could result in your gains disappearing pretty quickly.

If you’re going to get your vehicle chipped, you need to make sure that you choose a reputable mechanic. Finally, you should realize that a bad remapping is possible. This could defeat the purpose and it might even lead to even bigger problems. It could cause damage to your vehicle’s transmission or engine. You need to be very cautious when attempting to get your vehicle chipped.

Be Safe

You need to make sure that you choose a company safely. You should never hire someone on Craigslist to chip your vehicle. This will likely result in terrible, unsatisfactory results. At the same time, it could actually do more problems. You need to be very cautious about it. Do not get your vehicle chipped until you’re working with a reputable mechanic. This will ensure satisfactory results with much fewer risks.

Conclusion

The truth of the matter is that vehicle chipping is not perfect. Nevertheless, it can be great as long as you’re safe and do your research ahead of time. Make sure that you work with a good mechanic. Choose someone who has plenty of experience in this line of work. It is also pertinent to make sure that they’re using tried and tested chip tuning files. As long as you do your research and make sure that they’re reputable, there is a good chance that you’ll be happy with the end results. If you rush the decision, you’re going to regret it.