What is Chip Tuning, and Why You Should Consider It?

What Is Chip Tunning?

Chip tuning may seem complicated, but it becomes very easy to understand for a layman. Simply put, it is all about making technical improvements to enhance your engine’s efficiency. It includes optimising various maps like boost map, fuel amp, and ignition map.

History of Chip Tuning

Giving a look at the origin of chip tuning brings us back to 1968 when Volkswagen introduced the first ever computer-controlled engine and laid the basis of chip tuning.

The term “chip tuning” became more common in the 90’s. At that time, chip tuners meddled with the EPROMs to desolder and rewrite. Well, things have changed over time, and now chip tuners use various methods to boost the efficiency of your engine.

Methods for Chip Tuning

Let’s look at some of the key ways that can help enhance your engine’s performance.

Ignition Timing

Generally, the piston in the compression stroke goes upward before moving, and the cylinder contains a mixture of compressed air and fuel. The sparkplug ignites this mixture when the piston is in the upward position.

Here, one thing is very noteworthy: the timing of the ignition that will make your car dash. Ideally, the spark should ignite the mixture when the piston is upward. This is the right condition that produces maximum force for the engine to move on.

A tuner understands both things clearly and adjusts the ignition of the timing light so that it aptly aligns with the piston movement to give a quick thrust.

Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR)

Another key point in chip tuning is AFR. According to stoichiometric calculations, the accurate air/fuel ratio for gasoline composed entirely of octane is 14.7:1. This is the exact ratio of air and fuel that gives maximum power to the engine. However, it varies from engine to engine. Tuners ensure this ratio is kept at its optimum level to give ultimate power to the engine.