Diesel Performance Chips

First, I would like to explain to you my definition of a Diesel Performance Chip. I consider most all types of electronic devises that replace, reprogram or add to a diesel vehicle's computer control system to enhance performance a Diesel Performance Chip


The types of performance devices include the following

• Chips
  
• Modules
  
• Tuners or Programmers
  

Chips


An actual chip refers to an aftermarket replacement ECM or electronic control module circuit board that requires a complete removal of the vehicles ECM and replacing the circuit board. This is my least favorite of the three. Chips have advantages like being able to have the chip custom flashed for different performance upgrades unique to your vehicle. I have stayed away from this type of device do to the fact that it requires a good deal of time or a mechanic to install one for you.

Modules


The word module, when talking Diesel Performance Chip, refers to a unit that plugs directly into the vehicles wiring harness. These performance upgrades usually install under the hood of the vehicle. When a module is installed, it stays in place until the owner of the vehicle wants to return the car or truck back to the factory tuning. A simple disconnection of the module and reconnection the factory harness and the engine tuning is returned back to stock setting.

Tuners or Programmers


My personal favorite, tuners or programmers refer to a device that has the ability to reprogram the factory circuit board inside the ECM. The reason for two words is that different manufacturers have different names for them. The unit communicates with the onboard computer by connecting to the OBDII port.


The OBDII port is a universal connection found on most all passenger vehicles made after 1995. The port is what a mechanic would plug a diagnostic computer into when the vehicle's check engine light is on or is not running correctly to retrieve DTC's or diagnostic trouble codes.


The nice thing about a tuner is that most of the newer ones have a feature that will check and erase DTC's. Very convenient for when that pesky little light comes on.


To install aftermarket tuning, simply plug the device into the OBDII port and follow the onscreen instructions. The complete process takes about two or three minutes. Once the factory program is saved in the tuner and the performance tuning is uploaded, the unit can be disconnected and stored away for future use.


Most tuners also come with more than one level of programming such as different horse power/torque increases, fuel mileage gains and such. Be sure to read the manufactures specs carefully to make sure you choose one that best suits your needs.

Ok, So How Do They Actually Work?


The simplest way I can explain how Diesel Performance Chips work is they reprogram or replace the factory setting to allow the engine to operate more efficiently. The chips will adjust things like fuel flow rate, timing and transmission shift points.


By adding more fuel to the combustion chamber in a shorter amount of time, the turbo will spool up quicker and build more boost pressure. This will enhance combustion, burn the fuel more completely and get more horse power to the ground.


One might think that by adding more fuel, the engine will actually get worse fuel mileage no matter what. This can be true, depending on driving style, but by giving the engine a quick shot of fuel in the beginning, the boost will build up more quickly. The less time it takes to get the turbocharger spooling up, the quicker the engine will be running at optimal efficiency. Thus reducing fuel consumption overall.


The ignition timing is another critical factor in the tuning programs. The timing on a diesel engine is set by the exact time the fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber. By advancing the timing a bit at higher RPM's under a lighter or no acceleration, the fuel has a split second longer to burn giving a increase in efficiency.


When the timing is retarded a small amount, or closer to top dead center, at lower RPM's and firmer acceleration, the engine will have a better throttle response and more power off the line. Again reducing the turbo lag time and giving an increase in efficiency to the engine.


Last but not least, changing the shift points of the transmission will increase the vehicles efficiency by allowing the engine to rev higher under heavy acceleration and shifting quicker under a lighter engine load. A lower RPM when accelerating very lightly will keep the engine idling along and using less fuel in the long run.


For information on vehicle and manufacturer specific Diesel Performance Chips, please click the link below:


Diesel Performance Chips


Manufacturers of Chips, Modules, Tuners and Programmers include:


Bully Dog, Superchips, Edge, Diablosport, Hypertech