How to Tune-up a Diesel Car for Enhanced Performance

by Andrew Gilcrist Highly passionate about cars, car modifications an

The process of tuning a petrol and diesel engine is quite similar. Remapping or tuning a diesel or a petrol car offers the same benefits - improved vehicle performance, more torque and power, and greater fuel efficiency. Here’s an article that shares how diesel tuning in Australia is performed to boost the vehicle’s potential and overall performance.  

 

Modern diesel engines have made significant strides in performance and efficiency, competing effectively with petrol engines. Technologies like common-rail and direct-injection turbo diesel have enabled diesel engines to achieve lightning-fast acceleration, exceptional fuel efficiency, and impressive torque for improved drivability. This has led to a growing interest in enhancing the performance of diesel engines, challenging the notion that performance upgrades are exclusive to petrol engines.

 

Here are some ways to get more Power from your Diesel Engine:

 

Power Chips and Boxes:

Installing a power chip or box is a straightforward process, often plug-and-play, that can take as little as five minutes. These devices adjust certain control parameters of electronically controlled diesel engines, significantly improving their performance. Adding a better intake filter and a free-flowing exhaust can further enhance the results.

 

Turbo-charging:

Diesel engines' high compression ratios necessitate stronger components than those in petrol engines, making it easier to install and upgrade turbos on diesel. Turbo-charging a diesel engine requires increasing fuel pressure on the fuel pump to meet the engine's demand for air and fuel.

 

Tweaking Fuel Pumps:

Tuning the fuel pump can provide more power, but this may come at the expense of fuel efficiency. Many diesel engines use fuel pumps manufactured by Bosch, which are commonly modified to improve performance.

 

Improved Inhaling:

More air (and therefore more oxygen) leads to more power. Turbo-charged diesel engines benefit from cool air, and RAM intakes and performance-grade filters can noticeably improve their intake characteristics.

 

Improved Exhaling:

A free-flowing exhaust allows for a smooth discharge of exhaust gases and results in improved performance. It also reduces turbo back-pressure, benefiting the engine's efficiency.

 

LPG Fumigation:

Similar to NOS injection in petrol engines, LPG fumigation introduces propane into the air intake of a diesel engine. It acts as a fuel additive, aiding combustion and providing a small amount of fast-burning fuel. LPG kits for diesel engines are similar to those used in petrol cars, with the key difference being that they are boost-referenced instead of vacuum-referenced. Properly installed LPG fumigation systems can result in a better-running diesel engine. 

 

Power Limits on a Turbodiesel Car Engine:

In turbodiesel engines, the considerations are quite similar to those made for turbo-petrol engines, but there is a significant difference - Diesel engines have a limited maximum RPM, usually around 5000 RPM. Consequently, when aiming to increase the power of a turbodiesel engine, it becomes necessary to focus on factors other than RPM, such as the engine torque value and supercharging values. This entails manipulating the turbocharger and boosting the engine's torque output.

 

To enable efficient combustion of a high amount of diesel fuel, the engine requires high turbo pressures. However, turbodiesel engines face mechanical limitations rather than speed-related issues, as their components in reciprocating motion, including pistons, connecting rods, and valves, can handle speeds lower than 6000 RPM.

 

Robustness requirements are essential for handling high boost pressures in engines. This involves sizing pistons, which endure significant thermal stress in the piston crown, especially in indirect injection engines with common-rail systems as the combustion chamber. Additionally, components like connecting rods, crankshafts, bearings, and plugs must be reliable. The turbocharger, a crucial device generating boost pressure, must withstand extreme temperatures from exhaust gases, rotating at up to 200,000 rpm.

 

It's essential to note that while these modifications can significantly improve the performance of diesel engines, they may also impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Therefore, it's crucial to strike a balance between performance upgrades and maintaining the engine's overall efficiency and longevity. Always consult with knowledgeable professionals and use reputable products when considering such modifications.

 

Andrew Gilcrist is a professional car tuner associated with a leading company for diesel tuning in Australia, ATF-Remapping. The author has shared the article to let you know how a diesel car is tuned for better performance and greater fuel efficiency.

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Created on Jul 21st 2023 06:39. Viewed 123 times.

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