When car enthusiasts start talking about their vehicles and vehicle modifications, you can bet it won't be long before the subject of chipping comes up. So what exactly is it? Chipping, or chip tuning, is a method of boosting engine performance. Performance can mean more power, higher torque, better fuel economy, or reduced emissions.
More specifically, the term refers to modifying or replacing the EPROM chip in a vehicle's engine control unit (ECU). The chip stores the software programmes or maps that control the way the engine is managed. Replacing or reprogramming the chip is an effective way to improve engine performance.
The word chipping is a bit outdated because removable EPROM chips are no longer used in the engine control units of new vehicles. Instead, the maps are built right into the ECU Remap my carand can be modified through a vehicle's On Board Diagnostic port, with no need to mess around with physical chips.
But the word is still used to refer to ECU tuning in general, so don't be confused by the terminology. Whether you call it chipping, chip tuning, ECU tuning, or ECU remapping, the concept is the same -- you are tuning the engine by some electronic means.
You might be asking yourself why you would need to chip or remap the ECU in the first place. It's because most vehicles sold to the public have been tuned to limit engine performance, not to optimise it. Sometimes engine de-tuning is done to make the vehicle comply with emissions regulations. It may also be done to protect the engine from damage when it operates in extreme climate conditions.
The point is that your vehicle is probably capable of much more than you realize. Remapping the ECU can safely release formidable amounts of extra torque and power from your engine without overloading the vehicle. And if you've already made changes to the car that affect the combustion system, such as engine, intake, or exhaust modifications, it's a good idea to remap the ECU to account for the modifications. Otherwise, you might not see the full gains in power and performance that you expect.
Are there any risks to chipping your car? Well, before you even think about doing it, you have to make sure the engine and other vehicle components are in good working order. Attempting to boost performance on a poorly maintained car could be disastrous. And of course, whenever someone physically handles the ECU and the EPROM chip, there's the chance of damaging the fragile devices.
Even with newer cars, where the engine control unit is never even touched during the remapping process, there are risks if things aren't done right. An improperly tuned chip or ECU can negatively affect performance and drivability, and can even stress the car into an early breakdown. But you can avoid such dangers by choosing a reputable company to work on your vehicle.
Enough about risk - let's talk about the benefits! After chipping or ECU remapping, the car has higher BHP and additional torque. The engine produces more torque in the lower RPMs, for quicker throttle response and better acceleration. Gear shifts are smoother and faster, power delivery is more even across the entire range, and flat spots are removed. Since fuel is burned more efficiently, you'll probably see reduced fuel consumption with normal driving.
Overall the vehicle is quieter, easier to drive, and more responsive to your commands. The typical ECU remap costs a few hundred pounds, but the upgrade in performance can be remarkable, especially in turbo diesel vehicles. It's almost like driving a new car, but without the monthly loan payments.
If you love cars, there is no end to the ways you can personalise your vehicle - revamp the body, change the tires, renovate the interior, and more. But car enthusiasts frequently get the most joy from modifying a car to boost engine output. Short of investing in an expensive, high-performance vehicle, chipping is the best way to get extra power and enhanced drivability from your car.