Whenever car enthusiasts start off discussing their vehicles and vehicle modifications, you are able to bet it will not be long before the topic of chipping shows up. So what exactly is it? Chipping, or chip tuning, is a technique of maximizing engine overall performance. Performance can mean additional power, higher torque, better fuel economy, or reduced emissions.

More specifically, the term means modifying or swapping the EPROM chip in a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). The chip stores the software programs or maps that regulate how a engine is managed. Replacing or reprogramming the chip is an effective technique to improve engine performance.

The term chipping is a bit out of date since easily-removed EPROM chips are no longer utilized in the engine control units of recent vehicles. Instead, the maps are built right into the ECU and can be altered via the vehicle’s On Board Diagnostic port, without having to mess around with physical chips.

Nevertheless the phrase is still used to talk about ECU tuning generally, so you shouldn’t be confused because of the lingo. Regardless of whether you refer to it as chipping, chip tuning, ECU tuning, or ECU remapping, the idea is the same – you are tuning the engine by some electronic means.

You might be wanting to know the reasons you would need to chip or remap the ECU from the outset. It is because the majority of motor vehicles sold to the public have already been tuned to cap engine performance, not to optimize it. Occasionally engine de-tuning is conducted to make your vehicle conform to emissions regulations. It might even be implemented to protect the engine from harm when it operates in severe climate.

The point is that your vehicle is probably capable of even more than you realize. Remapping the ECU can without danger release formidable levels of extra torque and power from the engine without overloading your vehicle. And if you’ve already made alterations to the car or truck that affect the combustion system, such as engine, intake, or exhaust modifications, it’s wise to remap the ECU to account for the alterations. Otherwise, you might not see the full gains in power and performance you expect.

Any kind of risks to chipping your car? Well, before you even consider doing it, you have to make sure the engine and other vehicle components are in good working order. Attempting to boost overall performance on a poorly maintained car could be catastrophic. Not to mention, whenever someone actually handles the ECU and the EPROM chip, there’s potential risk of harming the vulnerable devices.

Even with newer cars, where the engine control unit is never even handled during the remapping procedure, there are dangers if things aren’t done properly. An erroneously tuned chip or ECU can detrimentally affect performance and drivability, and can even stress the car into an early breakdown. Nevertheless , you can avoid such potential risks by choosing a recommended business to work on the car or truck.

More than enough about risk – let’s discuss the huge benefits! After chipping or ECU remapping, the vehicle has greater BHP and additional torque. The engine generates more torque in the lower RPMs, for faster throttle response and greater acceleration. Gear shifts are smoother and speedier, power delivery is more even over the entire range, and flat spots are eliminated. Since fuel is burned more effectively, it’s likely you’ll see lessened fuel consumption with regular driving.

Overall the vehicle is quieter, simpler to drive, and more responsive to your commands. The normal ECU remap costs a few hundred pounds, but the improvement in overall performance is usually remarkable, particularly in turbo diesel automobiles. It’s nearly like driving a brand new car, but without the monthly loan repayments.

If you love cars, there is absolutely no end to the methods for you to personalise your vehicle – revamp the body, change the tyres, refurbish the inside, and more. But car buffs often get the most enjoyment from modifying a car to improve engine output. Short of committing to an expensive, high-performance automobile, chipping is the best way to get extra power and enhanced drivability out of your car.