Diesel engines have come a long way in recent years. No longer known as the noisy, smelly, and smoky petrol alternatives, modern turbocharged diesel engines offer unparalleled torque and power, making them a popular choice for all types of drivers.
Despite the improvements diesel engines have undergone these past few decades, many diesel drivers find themselves disappointed with the power and torque outputs that stock-standard diesel engines provide – and why many are turning to simple and effective performance enhancement options like ECU remapping.
Here are five reasons to remap your ECU!
First Things First – What is an ECU?
Modern turbocharged diesel engines have an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which contains a processor that receives information from various sensors throughout the engine. The ECU reads information such as engine temperature, oxygen content within exhaust gases, and many other parameters. This information helps the ECU control a variety of engine functions, like supplying the right amount of fuel at the right times, ensuring the vehicle’s fuel consumption, overall performance, and emissions are regulated.
This component is crucial to the power outputs of your engine and regulates its performance – which is what makes remapping your ECU so impactful! There are a number of phenomenal benefits to be gained from ECU remapping, such as…
Remapping Your ECU Provides More Torque
Torque is an important element of turbocharged diesel engines. Known for their superior torque outputs, diesel engines that are turbocharged benefit the most from ECU remapping, reaching exponential gains and delivering better acceleration and throttle response. More torque means better acceleration and shorter in-gear times, which can make overtaking in everyday driving situations far safer and quicker.
Read More: Turbochargers: Performance Turbos vs Standard Turbos
Remapping Your ECU Gives You More Horsepower
Horsepower is the product of torque and RPM (revolutions per minute), and ultimately defines the rate at which an engine can reach its top speed. Vehicle manufacturers are known to intentionally de-tune the engines of their cars to accommodate all types of driving styles, resulting in lower horsepower values, but ECU remapping can remove these limitations and help the engine perform closer to its true capabilities.
By tuning your ECU, you widen the power band within your engine, resulting in a more linear delivery of power and a vehicle that is far more enjoyable to drive!
Remove Flat Spots with ECU Tuning
Are you happy with the power in your turbocharged diesel engine, but frustrated by the delivery of said power? ECU remapping may be the solution you need! Remapping the ECU removes annoying flat spots and enables access to more power at lower revs, providing a much smoother driving experience.
Read More: How to Boost Your Turbo Diesel’s Power
Smoother Driving, Greater Fuel Economy
Tuning your ECU can significantly impact the fuel economy of your engine – if you drive sensibly! More torque produced at all RPMs means that you won’t have to use as much throttle to get up to and maintain a certain speed. This means that the engine does not have to work as hard, and a reduced load on the engine alleviates the amount of fuel needed to operate.
It’s important to remember that this is based on regular driving practises. If you drive with a ‘heavy’ foot after ECU remapping, you may see your fuel economy worsen as you are putting all the extra power and torque to work!
ECU Remapping is a Mechanically Safe Upgrade Option
When carried out by experienced professionals like the team at Just Autos, ECU remapping is a safe mechanical upgrade option that can be significantly more affordable than performance part upgrades. For many performance and diesel enthusiasts, it can serve as a fantastic, results-proven, and highly affordable option to achieve better power and performance outputs from their diesel vehicle.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Performance Upgrades for Your Needs
Remap Your Engine Control Unit Today!
Any mechanical enhancements or alterations done to the functionality of your engine should always be carried out by an experienced, trained professional. Entrust your diesel to the diesel performance experts at Just Autos, based in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. Our team eats, sleeps, and breathes diesel engines, and can help you achieve greater performance from your 4×4, UTE or SUV.
Call us today to book your vehicle in or stop by our workshop for a preliminary discussion on how best we can help you.