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The Value Of Vehicle Computer Chip Adjustments

For a modern automobile, computer-controlled goes hand in hand with horsepower. In earlier years, a few carburetor adjustments would translate into a performance boost. However, since the advent of electronic fuel injection and other technological advancements, systems under the hood of your vehicle are increasingly controlled by computers. As a result, aftermarket computer chips have been developed that enable even a technophobe to modify their vehicle.

Upgrades: How and Why

While there may be a variety of upgrade manufacturers, including JET Performance, Superchips, etc., they all work on the same principles. First, a programmer module, otherwise known as a tuner, is connected to the car computer via the ALDA connector. Note that this connector type is only present on vehicles manufactured on or after 1996. After the connection is made, the tuner pulls in the VIN and all other configuration data. Once that data is analyzed, the tuner presents the user with a settings menu.

Upgrades are not necessary for motorists, but the activity isn’t limited to the car junkie or performance enthusiast. When the car leaves the factory, the control unit is programmed according to an “average driver” profile. For drivers who need the acceleration and power to successfully tackle a freeway on-ramp day after day, or those faced with steep inclines on a routine basis, module tuning can be valuable.

Common Adjustments

There are literally dozens of parameters available on a typical computer tuner, but among them, five settings can significantly change your vehicle’s driving performance. First, the “top speed limiter” determines your car’s maximum speed. When using high-performance tires, this should be adjusted in order to match the specified ratings.

The “rev limiter” determines the maximum rpm (revolutions per minute) value the engine can withstand. By increasing this setting, also known as widening the powerband, your car can deliver more emergency power. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to avoid an erratic driver or claim your spot on the freeway.

“Shift points” are speed and rpm markers that determine when an automatic transmission switches gears. By tweaking these points it is possible to improve acceleration, which is vital for quick passing or avoiding accidents.

Speedometer and odometer corrections are useful for tire size compensation. Cars are programmed at the factory for stock tire sizes, but for those who have installed larger tires or changed 4×4 gear ratios, the speedometer and odometer are no longer accurate.

The most important setting on a tuner concerns the gas and air mixture. These adjustments can result in additional horsepower, torque, and better fuel economy, but drastic changes can be harmful to your engine. In addition, personal driving habits can play a big role in the fuel mix configuration.

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