Car manufacturers must adhere to a complicated set of requirements
when designing engines, their control systems and performance
output. There is a fine balance made between reliability,
performance and driving style. Cars must remain reliable
should their owners neglect them by using poor quality fuel,
infrequent or poor servicing or use in harsh extreme environments.
They must also satisfy the demands of a wide range of driving
styles to suit everyone who may wish to purchase the car.
Engines must also meet strict emission regulations in terms
of exhaust and noise pollution.
For these reasons car manufacturers built in 'safety net'
by slightly over-engineering components to ensure their
cars remain durable and reliable. Fuel injection systems
are also designed to provide a compromise between all critical
factors.
Electronic Engine Tuning
The majority of turbo diesel cars have their fuelling settings
relatively lean to provide an optimal balance of fuel economy
and performance. Where a car is fitted with electronic injection,
it is possible to further increase performance by remapping
or reprogramming the engines electronic management systems,
engine control unit (ECU) or chip. This alters the cars
onboard 'computer' which electronically controls fuel injection
and ignitions systems, delivering and burning fuel.
This exploits some of the available 'slack' built into
the engine and electronic systems to provide more power.
This must however be balanced by improved engine care, frequent
servicing and filling with a sufficient quality grade of
fuel.
Mechanical Fuel Pump Tuning
Many older turbo diesel cars fitted with a mechanical fuel
pump can be tuned by any competent mechanic. Adjustments
to the maximum fuel settings and boost compensator to increase
fuelling. Turbo boost can often also be improved over standard
although care must be taken not to over stress either the
turbocharger or engine.
Consult a recognised professional before attempting
any form of diesel engine tuning and beware that any modification
would normally void any vehicle warranty.
Increasing engine performance will result in a higher operating
temperature and higher power output. This will ultimately
shorten the life of the any engine, requiring shorter service
intervals to properly maintain the engine.