ECU is the engine electronic control unit, also known as the "driving computer", which specializes in managing fuel supply, ignition, boost value, etc. In order to ensure the stability, durability and energy consumption of the engine, the ECU tuning is generally conservative, so the original ECU generally has room for performance improvement.
The upgrade of the ECU is mainly through the modification of the original factory program, the ignition, fuel supply, boost value, air-fuel ratio, etc., so as to change the output characteristics of the engine.
The forms of modified ECUs are generally divided into:
Plug-in computer. Canning program.
ECU Special.
Replace the computer completely.
1.Plug-in modified ECU: The original ECU signal is changed or replaced by an external computer module to achieve the effect of power increase. Generally, plug-to-plug is used, and there is no need to disassemble and assemble the engine hardware or ECU, and the operation is relatively simple.
Pros:
Easy to install, no need to carry out major modifications, relatively safe and convenient;
There are no changes to the original car parts, and it is relatively easy to restore;
Engine safety and protection are not affected;
Cons:
Unable to exceed the limit set by the original factory, the improvement is limited;
Generally, it only matches the original hardware, and personalized adjustment cannot be carried out after modification;
2.Canned program: by different brands of ECU engineers, according to the corresponding development of different modified hardware, make a good ECU data, the owner installs the corresponding hardware provided by the brand for modification, and then copies the program to the ECU, replacing the original program, you can get the power output effect advertised by the brand.
Although it is a rewrite of the original ECU program, these programs are prefabricated by the brand, just like canning production, so they are also called "canned programs". Brands generally distinguish stages according to the degree of hardware modification, such as first-order, second-order, and third-order, and the corresponding stage of hardware modification is matched with the corresponding computer program, but each brand has a different definition of stage.
Pros:
Because it is shared, the cost is lower than that of special adjustment.
Relatively safe, the improvement is more obvious.
There is no need to debug repeatedly.
Cons:
It is necessary to match the brand's hardware and solutions to achieve the desired results.
It cannot be adjusted according to the vehicle condition, driving habits, oil quality, climate, etc.
It cannot meet individual needs, and the hardware cannot be matched after other changes.
3.Special adjustment program: according to the owner's habits, the existing hardware of the vehicle, the actual working conditions, etc., the ECU program is rewritten by the ECU engineer, usually in the horsepower machine for repeated debugging, and then road test; So as to achieve the most ideal or most suitable horsepower output effect for the owner.
Pros:
Perfectly matched with vehicle hardware configuration, driving habits, and more.
The engine is in better working condition, which is also theoretically good for durability and fuel consumption.
Cons:
The cost is high and the technical difficulty is high.
The requirements for the technician are high, and the experience and skill are emphasized.
There is a risk of damage if not handled properly.
4.Full replacement of computer: full replacement of computer, generally used in racing cars, only control the engine, no other vehicle function control, more professional function, more able to play the limit of the engine.
PS: ECU is the brain that directs the engine to work, a little deviation will lead to engine abnormality and damage, the above is only a list of common situations, there are some hidden risks in modifying ECU, it is recommended to find experienced technology and shops for modification.