A custom tune is a performance modification to your car’s computer system. It alters the air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and other engine parameters to eke out more power from your engine. Custom tunes are available for both turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, and can be fine-tuned to work with aftermarket parts like exhaust systems, intake kits, or intercoolers.
While many people think of custom tuning as something only done to high-performance cars, the reality is that any car with a computerized engine management system can be tuned. In fact, even some older cars with carburetors can be fitted with aftermarket electronic control units (ECUs) that allow for custom tuning.
The benefits of custom tuning are twofold: first, it allows you to get more power out of your engine without making any physical changes; and second, it lets you tailor the car’s performance characteristics to your own driving style. For example, if you want more low-end torque for easier launches at the drag strip, a tuner can help you achieve that goal without sacrificing top-end power. Or if you live in an area with hilly roads and lots of stop-and-go traffic, a tuner can adjust the shift points in your transmission so that your car is always in the right gear – which not only improves performance but also saves fuel.
Custom tuning is not without its risks, however. If done improperly, it can damage your engine or void your warranty. That’s why it’s important to have it done by a reputable tuner who knows what they’re doing. But if you do decide to go down this route, the rewards can be great – both in terms of increased performance and driving enjoyment