Vehicles have more and more electronically controlled components, from the entertainment center to the engine! Chipping a car, or reprogramming, is a change in the Electronic Injection Center (ECU) that allows it to gain more power.
Thus, with some modifications to the vehicle's software, it is possible to gain several horsepower, save fuel and increase the car's overall performance.
So, keep reading and learn more about automotive chipping!
What does a “chipped” car mean?
Very common in competition vehicles, chip a car This means gaining more power and torque through modifications to the Electronic Injection Center (ECU).
This control unit is linked to several aspects of modern vehicles. As the brain of the car, the ECU controls various engine parameters to ensure that they are working within the criteria established by the automakers.
This way, having the necessary equipment and knowledge, it is possible to change the software settings and “release” more power and torque without changing the mechanical part of the car.
How does it work to chip a car?
To chip a car It is necessary to access the Electronic Injection Center (ECU) and, with the support of specific software, make changes to the parameters.
Thus, the Electronic Control Unit is removed from the engine. Then, connect the part to the computer, which will be accessed by specific software developed especially for reprogramming.
also It is essential that modifications are carried out by a specialist, so that the parameters are configured correctly and avoid damage to the engine.
After the modifications, it is crucial to carry out a battery of tests on equipment called a dynamometer. In it, the vehicle will be able to accelerate without leaving the place. With the help of several sensors, different performance parameters are measured, ensuring the quality of the chipping.
What is Stage 1 and Stage 2?
It is possible to chip a car in two ways, depending on the objective and desired power gains. Also called Stage 1 and Stage 2, the remap can happen:
- Stage 1: reprogramming with changes only to the software, that is, without causing any changes to the vehicle;
- Stage 2: changes to the software and small interventions in the mechanical part to extract maximum performance.
It is worth highlighting that each company that performs this service has different parameters than what they consider Stage 1 and 2. Therefore, it may happen that the performance gains in Stage 1 in one company are not achieved in another.
Are there any risks of chipping a car?
Chipping a car can have some disadvantages. However, most risks occur when reprogramming is not carried out by specialized professionals.
This programming is not simple at all. There are huge tables and complex codes. If the person is not prepared, the software may crash and the module may even need to be completely replaced.
Furthermore, when performance is sought, but without balance and correct calibration, it can lead to an increase in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions — instead of helping to save money and gain performance.
Therefore, chipping a car is just a matter of specialized companies!
What are the advantages of remap?
Perform the remap brings several advantages. For competition vehicles the advantage is obvious: extracting the maximum possible performance from the engine.
However, chipping a passenger car also has its advantages:
Power increase
To overtake more safely, accessing the engine's power reserves is crucial. This way, the vehicle can accelerate with more force and gain speed faster.
Torque gains
Torque defines how quickly the vehicle can leave the starting position, climb hills and start with fewer gear changes.
Therefore, torque is a very important characteristic for driving in urban centers, where the car is constantly needing to start quickly.
Better drivability
Chipping a car will also impact the steering, making it lighter and more comfortable. In serious and capable workshops, chipping is not a mere change of codes in the computer, but a complete analysis of the vehicle to extract perfect performance.
Better engine efficiency
In Brazil, automotive chipping gained strength especially to carry out fuel conversion. The objective was to convert a gasoline car to alcohol, as ethanol at the time cost around R$1,00/liter.
However, the arrival of Flex engines meant that the objective of chipping a car was aimed at gaining power, torque, improving fuel economy.
With a chipped vehicle, the response will be better, that is, less fuel is needed for the vehicle to develop, whether on a hill, when starting off or when overtaking.
Is it worth chipping a car?
Evaluating the risks and advantages, it makes a lot of sense to chip a car, as long as it is done by professionals.
Thus, it is possible to have a better response from the car when starting off and accelerating, which improves drivability and safety, such as when overtaking.
It's also a great way to achieve greater fuel economy and, with current prices, this can make a big difference to your wallet.
In fact, these performance gains can be achieved in other vehicles, so that they are more productive in their functions. See more about this below:
Is it possible to reprogram other vehicles?
Trucks, agricultural and nautical machinery can also be chipped. As remap, these categories can be more productive, for example, an agricultural machine can increase crop productivity and reduce production costs, by saving on diesel!
For trucks, the gains in power and torque generate very noticeable advantages for drivers. For example, there is a better response and development of the engine, enabling:
- Shorter trips;
- Less gear changes and, therefore, less maintenance;
- Fuel economy;
- Less driver wear and tear.
Reprogramming is not just a topic for automotive performance enthusiasts, but also a topic for business owners and fleet managers!
However, whether to chip a passenger car, agricultural machinery, trucks, among others, it is essential to have specialized help. With years of history, more than 20 thousand reprogrammed cars, Strike Brasil is the greatest authority on the subject! Click here and find out more about our service!
