The ECU has become one of the most important elements of performance tuning. With the right ECU programming, you can optimize the performance of your engine. While most may think that slapping an upgraded tuning file is enough to extract maximum performance from your car’s engine, that would be selling the story short. Here are some of the things you need to know before buying tuning files.
What are tuning files?
When explained in the simplest way possible, a tuning file is a file that contains data that manipulates the engine’s performance via its ECU. Also known as an EPROM, these files don’t just contain random figures: they contain specifically calibrated information designed to manipulate how your car’s ECU runs. From horsepower and torque at specific RPMs to fuel efficiency, tuning files can drastically affect just about every element of your engine’s performance.
What goes into tuning files?
Creating tuning files is not as simple as inputting specific values and expecting your motor to run the way you want it in an instant. Developing tuning files take a lot of work. In fact, some of the biggest tuners in the industry take years before they master the right data needed to bring out the best from a particular engine installed in a particular car. There are many things to consider, and a piece of data incorrectly placed can throw the motor’s performance off-balance. It may sound so easy, but creating tuning files is hard work.
So where do you get your tuning files?
There are many companies out there that make tuning files. However, it is a must that you get them only from a reputable source. Even though they are pricier, it is better to go for a file that is made by professionals, with a proven track record in the market. After all, you won’t like to kill your engine because you went for cheap.