Tuning a car enhances the car’s performance with different tuning methods like ECU tuning, Dyno tuning, suspension tuning, etc. Moreover, you can tune your car to your expectations like getting a high top speed, smooth acceleration, better torque handling, etc.
Car tuning these days is more common than it was years ago. This is because it is more popular now and it got you thinking about what exactly tuning does to your car.
So, what does tuning a car do?
Now, let’s dive deep into our discussion of car tuning and what it does for your vehicle.
What Does Tuning a Car Do
Tuning a car improves its performance in terms of HP, torque, acceleration, top speed, and fuel economy. However, you must go for a specific tune-up for your desired performance. For example, adding a turbo will boost power whereas bodyshell tuning will not.
Improved Fuel Economy
An engine that is not performing optimally to manufacturers’ specifications, will waste a lot of fuel without adding much power. Contrary to that, a tuned-up engine won’t waste that much fuel and give you enough power for your money.
Installing new engine equipment or ECU reflash will give you better fuel economy than before. However, remember a more powerful engine uses more fuel. So a tuned-up car might burn more fuel but at the same time, you will get a lot of power from it.
High HP And Torque
One of the major reasons for a tune-up is to get more torque and HP output from your engine. When you install a turbo or supercharger, you are boosting the intake pressure of your engine cylinder. So this forced-induced engine produces a lot more power than before.
Similarly, if you just got your engine cammed by changing the cam components, you will get a significant boost as well. Check this out to find out how much a stock 5.3 engine handles boost. Most vehicle owners don’t want HP only, they want high torque output as well.
Torque means pulling power and you need more torque when driving in lower gears and carrying heavy weights. For pickup trucks and trucks, torque output is extremely important. You can improve your torque output by up to 20 lb-ft with an ECU tune-up.
Smooth Acceleration
When you are cruising on the highway you need an instant gearshift with smooth acceleration. An engine and suspension tune-up will provide you with better handling and steering response.
The high torque delivery discussed above will facilitate a smooth journey without engine jerking, stalling, and engine misfiring. Better acceleration performance means you will be able to get to your top speed in a shorter time.
High-Top Speed
A tuned-up car will give you a higher top speed which is very satisfying for the driver. Imagine achieving a race car-like top speed with your passenger vehicle. This can happen if you get your engine tuned.
Faster turbo spooling time in a tuned car leads to high top speed since more air is being pushed inside the engine cylinders. Your car will respond faster when you push the accelerator pedal after a tune-up.
So, Does Tuning A Car Make It Faster?
Yes, tuning a car does make it significantly faster. However, you need to get specific tunings done to make your car faster.
Increased Resale Value
Vehicle resale value decreases the moment you get it out of the dealership. So it’s wise to get a tune-up if you want to elevate your resale value. If you could show that your stock car performs like a sports car with some tune-ups done, the price will be higher.
What does Tuning a Car Mean
Car tuning means upgrading your car either by software updates or hardware upgrades like installing a turbocharger.
Car tuning for every car is different. What type of tuning you should do depends on your car’s make, model, and capability to handle boost.
Car Tuning: A Brief Guide
Elevating your car’s performance is done through four basic types of tuning. They are engine tuning, suspension tuning, body tuning, and interior tuning. Now, let’s get into each type of tuning and see what it improves in your car.
Engine Tuning
Engine tuning refers to a tune-up where you are improving your engine performance by different methods. There are many ways to tune your engine. First, ECU, or electronic control unit tuning. ECU is the main computer that controls all electronic functions in a car.
So, What is ECU tuning?
It is the process of adjusting the settings of ECU in order to improve its performance. ECU tuning can be done through software changes (reflashing), or by physically modifying the ECU hardware.
By adjusting fuel injection, ignition timing, and turbo boost settings, it is possible to increase horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. Different types of ECU tuning exist such as ECU reflash and piggyback ECU tuning.
Then there is dyno tuning where you hook up your car with a dynamometer. So you are wondering, What does dyno tuning do?
Dyno tuning measures the performance of your car to see if it’s running optimally. If it’s not running optimally then the Engine management system adjusts the settings accordingly.
The hardware changes in engine tuning refer to slightly enlarging the bore of the engine cylinder, adding a turbocharger/supercharger, and putting a performance chipset in your ECU. All of these upgrades contribute to more HP, torque, top speed, and airflow into the engine.
Suspension Tuning
Suspension tuning is done to get better handling, ride comfort, and appearance of your car. There are several ways to do suspension tuning like adjusting the ride height, installing coil overs, and upgrading sway bars.
Also, you could do camber and caster tuning as well as the toe tuning and dampening tuning of your suspension system. Adjusting camber and toe can elevate a vehicle’s handling and steering response.
Tuning the caster improves a vehicle’s stability, steering response, and high-speed handling. Damping tuning refers to adjusting the stiffness of the shocks, and struts in a vehicle’s suspension system. It improves the handling, comfort, and stability of your vehicle.
Suspension tuning is more common on race tracks than on regular passenger vehicles.
So, what does suspension tuning do?
Suspension tuning enhances vehicle stability, steering response, high-speed handling, and ride comfort.
Body Tuning
Body tuning is performed to get a better appearance and aerodynamic performance. It ranges from car paint to replacing parts with body kits. It is the process of modifying the structure or design of a vehicle’s body.
Body tuning includes adding spoilers, diffusers, air dams, and other aerodynamic components to improve downforce and reduce drag. Removing unnecessary weight and using carbon fiber to replace heavier components are parts of body tuning.
So in terms of vehicle performance, What does body tuning do?
Body tuning improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics and appearance, and reduces drag. It ensures better handling on the road and elevates safety.
Interior Tuning
Interior tuning includes upgrades like installing new floor mats, adding new seats, replacing the steering wheel, upgrading the audio systems, adding lighting, and more.
The Interior tuning is done mainly for comfort and appearance.
Installing new safety equipment are also part of the interior tuning like a roll cage and fire extinguishers. Adding LED lights, halo lights, etc. also part of interior tuning.
Things To Consider Before Tuning
Needless to say, tuning a car is not all sunshine and smiles. You must consider the following things before tuning your car.
- Warranty: Tuning a car might void warranty dispensing on the manufacturer and your dealership. If it voids your warranty you have to spend money on repairs or replacements.
- Legal issues: Some states have strict laws regarding car tuning for safety and emission reasons. It can be hard to register your vehicle in those areas so check local laws and regulations before making any modifications.
- Safety concerns: Car tuning needs to be done by an expert mechanic and if it’s not done properly it will cause significant safety issues. Consequently, the car will fail safety inspection.
- Reliability issues: Since tuned engines are more powerful they are subjected to increased wear and tear of engine components. This can cause reliability issues.
Drawbacks Of Tuning A Car
As with everything else in life, car tuning is not all sunshine. There are some disadvantages of tuning a vehicle. Here we will discuss them in detail.
Fuel Consumption
A turbocharger or supercharger increases the amount of air that the engine takes in. This allows for more fuel to be burned, which can increase fuel consumption. This is especially true if the engine is tuned for maximum power, rather than fuel efficiency.
To reduce fuel consumption, use a smaller turbo or supercharger, a wastegate, and a more efficient intercooler.
Higher Emission
Research shows that in specific cases turbocharging leads to lower emissions than naturally aspirated engines. However, there will be a slight increase in smoke percentage.
But, generally, an engine tuned up for performance, burns more fuel than a stock engine. This will eventually lead to more burned fuel and associated emissions.
Risks of Wrong Tuning
Engine modifications to boost performance need to be performed by an experienced mechanic. We don’t recommend you do it yourself since emission and safety regulations are at play here.
A lot of things could go wrong boosting your engine, and you need the foresight of an expert.
Boosting an engine involves making changes to the internal components and systems that can have a significant impact on the engine’s performance and overall health. Improperly boosting an engine can cause damage and decrease the engine’s lifespan.
Time and Cost
The time and cost of tuning depend on a lot of factors like what are you installing, labor cost, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Tune A Car?
The time needed for car tuning depends on the type of tuning you are doing. It varies and the duration can be from a few hours to even a few days.
Here you can find the time needed for each type of car tuning.
How Much Does It Cost to Tune A Car?
ECU tuning can cost from $50 to $700 depending on the complexity. Dyno tuning costs $125 per hour. For suspension tuning, the price varies. For example, the cost can vary from $800 to $4000 for a Ford Mustang.
For body tuning and interior tuning, the price differs depending on what you are installing and the quality of replacement parts.
The total cost of adding a turbo can be from $500 to $5000. This cost includes the parts price and labor price. After getting a turbo you need to tune it as well. That is also covered by this price.
Now you may ask, is a car tune-up worth it?
It is worth getting a car tune-up since you are getting way more enhancement for your money than you are investing in it. Check your car owner’s manual and don’t skip the tuning schedule.
How Often To Tune-Up Your Car?
Older cars with traditional ignition systems need a tune-up every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or yearly. However new cars with electronic ignition and new fuel injection system can go up to 25,000 to 100,000 without a serious tune-up.
Signs Your Car Needs A Tune-Up
There are some signs that show your car is in dire need of a tune-up. Follow your car manufacturer’s engine maintenance schedule and observe the odometer reading carefully.
When it’s time for engine maintenance, get a tune-up if you have these symptoms.
- Engine starting is not smooth
- Engine stalling when driving on the road
- Reduced fuel economy
- Loss of HP
Check to see if your data matches the manufacturer’s specifications. If not then, it’s time to get a tune-up. If your steering response and handling performance are poor, get a suspension tuning with the engine tuning.
Now you might be wondering, What happens if I don’t get a tune-up?
If you don’t get a tune-up then, your car will not perform to its capacity and economically.
Body tuning and interior tuning depend on the owner’s taste and affordability. However, do consult your tuner about these and see how much performance enhancement you would get.
How Long Does A Car Tune Last?
The lifespan of a car tune-up can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the make and model of the vehicle, driving habits, and the quality of the parts used. You should get your car tuned every two years.
However, take a look at your owner’s manual to know the exact timeline for your car tune-up. Reflashing the ECU or ECU tuning is not permanent and it can be reversed back to stock settings anytime.
FAQs
Can You Tune A Turbo?
Yes, you can tune a turbo. But you have to make sure the intake air is cold for optimal performance. You can do this by adding a radiator, intercooler, oil cooler, wastegate, and blow-off valves.
Can All Cars Be Tuned?
Yes, any car running on an internal combustion engine and having an ECU system can be tuned. Nowadays, most cars on the road have an internal combustion engine together with an ECU. So, practically all cars can be tuned.
What Are The Easiest Cars to Tune?
There are few cars that are ranked top in the car tuning list. Toyota Supra, BMW 3 series and Volkswagen golf are the top three cars for tuning. Other popular cars to mod are the chevy camaro, ford mustang, and Jeep Wrangler.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, this article answered “what does tuning a car do?” in a complete manner. Now you can get a tune-up and enjoy superior hp and torque output without buying a new car. Usually, car tuning won’t harm your vehicle if it’s done properly.
