How Diesel Tuning Works

By Author: Andrew Gilcrist
Total Articles: 37
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Diesel engines nowadays incorporate a multitude of electronic and computerised components, all of which can be fine-tuned through electronic diesel tuning. Most of the professional companies for diesel tuning in Australia follow this procedure, which involves enhancing the settings within the Engine Control Unit (ECU). To grasp the mechanics of tuning, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the ECU.

The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the process of electronic diesel tuning. 

The Electronic Control Unit serves as the central processing unit of a diesel engine, effectively functioning as its cerebral hub. It diligently monitors all the sensors responsible for regulating the vehicle's performance. By optimising the parameters within the ECU, you can enhance the vehicle's emissions, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.

Within the ECU lie pre-programmed chips reminiscent of those found in desktop computers. These chips utilise data from input sensors and manipulate output components to orchestrate the engine's ...
... various functions. Among the sensors under its watchful gaze are the camshaft and crankshaft sensors.

The car manufacturer initially configures default settings on a programmable memory chip. This chip fetches data from sensors to calculate necessary outputs, such as sparking the ignition coil to initiate engine startup or precisely controlling the quantity of fuel injection.

How Diesel Tuning Works? 

Diesel tuning involves the alteration of the electronic control unit (ECU) in a diesel engine to enhance the engine performance. This enhancement can be accomplished through diverse techniques, such as ECU remapping, the addition of a piggyback controller, or the installation of a standalone controller.

Diesel tuning has the potential to deliver substantial gains in power, alongside improvements in fuel efficiency and throttle responsiveness. Nevertheless, it's crucial to bear in mind that increased power places added strain on your engine components. Therefore, it is paramount to entrust your tuning endeavours to a skilled professional with expertise in this domain.

In the realm of forced induction, there exists a limitation on the extent to which one can enhance cam and valve lift, as well as airflow. This constraint is particularly pronounced in diesel engines, given their restricted rev range, which offers relatively modest returns when employing traditional head tuning methods. Diesel fuel, known for its slow combustion, typically achieves peak Brake Horsepower (BHP) around 4000 rpm, even though these engines can rev beyond 5000 rpm.

The primary avenue for optimising diesel engine performance lies in accelerating the flame front within the combustion chamber faster than the piston crown's movement during the expansion phase of the engine's cycle. Achieving this involves injecting a controlled amount of fuel. Striking the right balance is critical, as excessive fuel injection can result in smoke, soot, and excessive fuel consumption, potentially leading to the clogging of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). For further information on DPF maintenance, refer to our guide on how to clean a DPF.

Augmenting the Brake Mean Effective Pressure (BMEP) by means such as increasing boost pressure can be beneficial. However, this approach is a double-edged sword, as the predominant component of the atmosphere is nitrogen, which, while effective for cooling, remains non-combustible.

The world of diesel engine tuning offers a myriad of possibilities, each with its unique impact beyond merely enhancing your vehicle's power. A successful tuner must carefully consider multiple variables before embarking on the electronic diesel tuning journey.

A basic tuning procedure can yield an impressive up to 30 percent enhancement in both torque and power, yet the performance of stock components remains a limiting factor. Should you aspire to elevate the overall output, your investment should extend to intakes, exhaust systems, heavy-duty clutches, free-flowing intercoolers, and an array of other aftermarket components.

The expertise of a professional tuner is indispensable for executing these modifications to meet your specific requirements. Furthermore, a proficient tuner can furnish you with insights into the optimal settings for your engine. Some engines may benefit from exhaust system adjustments, while others may require a reduction in torque to achieve an enhanced fuel-air mixture.

Andrew Gilcrist is one of the finest car tuners of ATF-Remapping, a leading agency for diesel tuning in Australia. In this article, the author has shared how diesel tuning works to enhance a vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driveability.