Q. WHY DO ENGINE TUNING AT ALL?
Driving is so much more than just a practical way of getting from A to B. Cars can be so exciting and if they are set up right, they can give us a real thrill when we are driving. As chip tuners, we are driven by a motoring passion; everyone should have the opportunity to experience the improved acceleration and better driving dynamics that come from engine tuning. That is why RaceChip state of the art electronic tuning is available for almost all vehicle manufacturers and modern Turbo engines.
Q. WHAT EXACTLY IS CHIP TUNING?
Chip tuning is the latest form of electronic engine tuning. A device is installed between the engine’s ECU and the key sensors : Turbo Boost Pressure, Manifold Absolute Pressure and Camshaft – it’s a kind of additional mini – computer, if you like some people say piggy – back computer which improves the parameters set by the manufacturer.
RaceChip tuning modules run with our own proprietary software that is developed to work with each specific engine, so that it optimises the electronic signals to and from the engine. Our R&D team of engineers conducts extensive dyno – assisted testing of the different engines, until the optimum engine tuning result is achieved. RaceChip primarily modifies the signals to the injection system and taps into engine reserves built in by the manufacturer. That way we can make the most of your car’s potential performance.
Our method of engine tuning uses the same principle of electronic enhancement that the manufacturers use to differentiate between models that use the same engine block. For example, almost all current BMW 4 cylinder engines use the same 2 – litre block but have very different outputs thanks to changes in the ECU.
Chip tuning is possible with any forced induction direct injection engine regardless of whether it is a turbocharger or a supercharger doing the intake air compression . That means we can get more performance from almost any Turbo Diesel both common rail and pump – nozzle, Supercharged or Turbo Petrol engine.
Q. HOW MUCH MORE POWER CAN I GET WITH CHIP TUNING?
Significantly more: depending on the engine in your vehicle and the RaceChip model you choose, you can get up to 30% more power and 30% more torque. And our chip tuning always stays well within the reserves built into any engine.
Q. IS THERE A RACECHIP SUITABLE FOR MY VEHICLE?
Almost certainly yes! RaceChip has developed dedicated chip tuning applications with engine – specific software for more than 3,000 models from over 60 manufacturers.
Q. HOW DOES CHIP TUNING DIFFER FROM ECU REMAPPING / OBD TUNING?
Chip tuning via RaceChip power module works without changing the manufacturer hardware and software all the systems protecting the engine remain intact, you can easily install the box yourself, and your vehicle can be restored completely to the factory settings by uninstalling the power module.
OBD on – board diagnostics tuning accesses the manufacturer's settings for the engine management and electronics systems ECU and changes them, usually permanently. Installation generally involves significant cost and cannot be reversed completely without leaving a trace, usually in the flash counter.
ECU tune cannot be transferred to your next vehicle, but RaceChip can, saving you money.
Q. IS RACECHIP ENGINE TUNING GUARANTEED TO BE SAFE?
Yes – it is simple, tested and safe. The gains from RaceChip tuning are always well within the vehicle’s performance reserves. There are no physical changes made to the engine. We only make use of the thermal and mechanical reserves built into every modern production engine.