You have a new car and you want to maximize its potential?
That’s what an engine management system is for. Meyers Auto Parts specializes in installing and tuning Engine Control Units (ECU) that manage the oxygen sensor, relays, computer module, and air sensor of your car.
But first things first — here are 5 things you should know about ECUs.
That’s what an engine management system is for. Meyers Auto Parts specializes in installing and tuning Engine Control Units (ECU) that manage the oxygen sensor, relays, computer module, and air sensor of your car.
But first things first — here are 5 things you should know about ECUs.
1. What is an ECU?
Most modern cars come equipped with ECUs. An ECU acts as the car engine’s brains. Using sensors, it can tell the amount of air that enters the engine and controls the fuel injection and the engine timing required for maximum potential and fuel efficiency. ECUs, especially the modern ones, make thousands of adjustment calculations per second, which is critical for optimal engine performance.
2. Why Do You Need to Change the Factory ECU?
The stock ECU that comes with your car is optimized for the default, unmodified engine. Installing simple modifications like aftermarket air intakes changes the performance of your car so the ECU should be adjusted in accordance with the changes. But if you are considering fuel system upgrade, supercharging or turbocharging your engine, or installing cams, the stock ECU will not be able to cope. A mismatched ECU and upgraded engine system can lead to performance degradation and even engine damage.
3. Types of Aftermarket ECUs
There are basically two types of aftermarket ECUs available in the market. The plug-in ECU is used to replace the car’s default computer board and fits the factory case so installation is discreet and neat. This is the preferred type because there are no custom wirings to make. Cars that don’t support a plug-in ECU can be fitted with a standalone type. This needs to be custom-wired to the engine and the sensors so they are flexible because there are more options.
4. ECU Tuning Basics
A new ECU comes with a default programming called the base map made for your car. But even the same engines have slight differences, so fine-tuning the ECU is essential if you want to make the most out of your car. Road tuning is used for the ECU’s cruise areas but for optimal results, dyno tuning is highly recommended.
5. Advantages of Aftermarket ECUs
Most modern cars come equipped with ECUs. An ECU acts as the car engine’s brains. Using sensors, it can tell the amount of air that enters the engine and controls the fuel injection and the engine timing required for maximum potential and fuel efficiency. ECUs, especially the modern ones, make thousands of adjustment calculations per second, which is critical for optimal engine performance.
2. Why Do You Need to Change the Factory ECU?
The stock ECU that comes with your car is optimized for the default, unmodified engine. Installing simple modifications like aftermarket air intakes changes the performance of your car so the ECU should be adjusted in accordance with the changes. But if you are considering fuel system upgrade, supercharging or turbocharging your engine, or installing cams, the stock ECU will not be able to cope. A mismatched ECU and upgraded engine system can lead to performance degradation and even engine damage.
3. Types of Aftermarket ECUs
There are basically two types of aftermarket ECUs available in the market. The plug-in ECU is used to replace the car’s default computer board and fits the factory case so installation is discreet and neat. This is the preferred type because there are no custom wirings to make. Cars that don’t support a plug-in ECU can be fitted with a standalone type. This needs to be custom-wired to the engine and the sensors so they are flexible because there are more options.
4. ECU Tuning Basics
A new ECU comes with a default programming called the base map made for your car. But even the same engines have slight differences, so fine-tuning the ECU is essential if you want to make the most out of your car. Road tuning is used for the ECU’s cruise areas but for optimal results, dyno tuning is highly recommended.
5. Advantages of Aftermarket ECUs
- Uses manifold air pressure or MAP sensor, which is more accurate than airflow meter
- Dual maps for race gas and pump gas
- Flat shifting and launch control
- Multiple boost configurations for more advanced speed control
- Nitrous control