Diesel tuners are electronic devices that can be installed on a vehicle to improve performance and take the engine to new levels of power. They can increase horsepower and torque, giving drivers the extra push they need to handle difficult terrain or overtake other vehicles on the highway. These modules are available for a range of diesel truck models, and can be customized to fit the needs of different drivers. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of diesel tuners before making a purchase.
Modules – A module typically intersects various sensors such as fuel pressure and manifold pressure, which read an operating parameter and then deliver a different parameter to the ECM/ECM, tricking it into changing settings that favor performance. These modules often come with a monitor that displays the readouts in the cab.
Boosting Diesel Performance: The Role and Benefits of Diesel Tuners
Programmers – A programmer is similar to a tuner, but it plugs into the vehicle’s OBDII port and allows the control module to be completely reprogrammed with a tune that is uploaded via software. The downloaded tune alters several parameters that either boosts or improves performance and fuel economy. Programmers are also usually capable of monitoring several parameters in real-time, and many feature shift-on-the-fly tuning.
It’s important to understand that diesel tuners tamper with emission controls, which can lead to higher emissions and smog production. These modifications can also void the manufacturer warranty. Furthermore, running the engine at high performance levels can put additional strain on components like pistons and turbochargers. These issues can be mitigated with regular maintenance and avoiding overloading the engine.