Engine tuning
On modern engines equipped with electronic ignition and fuel injection, some or all of these tasks are automated but they still require initial calibration of the controls.
In seeking this balance, many factories firmware do not prioritise power or torque, which means it is possible to increase the performance of the engine by remapping the ECU.
Once adjusted, the edited file is written back to the ECU with the same tools used for the initial reading, after which the engine is tested for performance, smoke levels, and any problems.
In races, the engine must be strong enough to withstand the additional stress placed upon it and the automobile must carry sufficient fuel, so it is often far stronger and has higher performance than the mass-produced design on which it may be based.
Ways to increase power include: The choice of modification depends on the degree of performance enhancement desired, budget, and the characteristics of the engine to be modified.
An overhauled engine is one that has been removed, disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary and tested using factory service manual approved procedures.
High-quality rebuilds will include cylinder honing and typically adjust for standard wear by installing as necessary marginally larger bearings, rings, and other similar wear-prone components, new valve springs and guides, lapping valve seats, and otherwise bringing an engine reasonably close to manufacturer specifications.
In spite of that definition, the term is often colloquially used for pursuing better-than-factory tolerances and performance, possibly with custom specifications (as for racing).
Blueprinted components allow for a more exact balancing of reciprocating parts and rotating assemblies so less power is lost through excessive engine vibrations and other mechanical inefficiencies.
When feasible, as with a factory-sponsored race team, blueprinting is performed on components removed from the production line before normal balancing and finishing.
Over-machined, under-cast, and deficiently manufactured parts are rejected, and only those either exactly meeting specifications or allowing removal of excess material are selected.
Modern engine tuning was spawned by the combination of racing advances, the hands-on post-war hot-rod movement, and then-advanced electronics and technologies developed during World War II.
The 'Igniscope' electronic ignition tester was produced by English Electric during the 1940s, originally as 'type UED' for military use during World War II.
[8] The Igniscope was capable of diagnosing latent and actual faults in both coil and magneto ignition systems, including poor battery supply bonding, points and condenser problems, distributor failure and spark-plug gap.
The UED manual includes the spark plug firing order of tanks and cars used by the British armed forces.
