Tuning

All modern vehicles have their own Electronic Control Units (ECUs), which are essentially their brains. We are experts at tuning standard ECUs, allowing us to take your driving experience to the next level.

We do this by carefully tweaking your vehicle’s original settings to bring out previously hidden power, improve its efficiency, and make it more responsive. We can get the best out of your vehicle thanks to our substantial expertise in this area.

Turbo Tuning NA Tuning Supercharged Tuning
Turbo Tuning
Turbocharged Tuning

Turbocharging has been transformative since it first started to appear on mass-produced vehicles in the 1970s, because it allows for small engines to produce power levels far in excess of comparably-sized naturally aspirated engines. The key to getting the most out of a turbocharged vehicle is to calibrate its ECU correctly. Having adequate cooling and ensuring efficient airflow is also crucial, and this can be ensured by installing intercoolers to cool a turbocharger’s pressurised air, as well as efficient exhaust systems to reduce backpressure. Although the installation of larger turbochargers and strengthening engine components is inevitable as tuning progresses, the key is to strike a balance – precise software tuning with appropriate hardware modifications is the way to go.

Stage 1

Stage 1 ECU tuning consists of unlocking your turbocharged vehicle’s potential without swapping out any of its hardware. This initial tuning stage is about making software adjustments within your vehicle’s ECU to tweak parameters such as fuel mapping, boost pressure and ignition timing. Essentially, we aim to optimise the performance of your engine with its existing setup. Doing this leads to quicker throttle response, improved power distribution and all-round better performance.

Stage 1+

Stage 1+ ECU tuning sits between minor software adjustments and adding specific performance-enhancing parts to your vehicle. At this level, we focus on improving how an engine breathes by adding a high-flow cold air intake system so the engine receives cooler and denser air. This upgrade, combined with some clever software, will result in your vehicle’s engine responding more eagerly and running more efficiently. You can think of Stage 1+ as an introduction to mixing and matching vehicle software and hardware modifications to boost performance while ensuring smooth running and reliability.

Stage 2

Stage 2 ECU calibration is all about striking the right balance between performance and efficiency. Central to this stage is the integration of a performance-optimized exhaust system, engineered to minimize backpressure and enhance airflow. This not only allows the engine to breathe more freely but also promotes efficient power delivery. Complementing this is the addition of a cutting-edge intercooler, a critical component in ensuring that turbocharged systems maintain optimal air temperatures for consistent and reliable power output. The combination of these two upgrades — the exhaust system and intercooler — with an ECU calibration defines the essence of Stage 2, offering drivers a tangible boost in performance.

Stage 3

Stage 3 ECU calibration represents the pinnacle of performance optimization, targeting enthusiasts seeking the upper echelons of power and efficiency. At this stage, we delve deeper into the engine’s potential by integrating a hybrid turbo. This sophisticated component offers superior boost characteristics and efficiency, elevating power output to remarkable levels. Accompanying a turbo upgrade, in most cases, is the introduction of a high-flow fuel pump, ensuring the engine receives the fuel volume necessary to support the increased power demands. Complementing these core upgrades, enhancements like a premium exhaust system and a top-tier intercooler further fine-tune the vehicle’s performance profile. Stage 3 is where advanced engineering meets raw power, designed for those who desire the utmost from their vehicle.

Stage 4

Stage 4 ECU calibration is where advanced engineering converges with a passion for unmatched performance. Tailored for enthusiasts who’ve ventured into the realms of significant hardware modifications, this stage is designed to harness the capabilities of a lower compression engine. Such a transformation allows for increased boost levels without compromising engine integrity, promising substantial power gains. Accompanying this, the integration of performance-optimized camshafts fine-tunes valve timing and lift, unlocking an entirely new dimension of power and torque across the RPM range. With these profound hardware changes, the Stage 4 software calibration meticulously refines every parameter, ensuring harmony, responsiveness, and sheer driving exhilaration. It’s an uncompromising pursuit of performance, reserved for those truly committed to pushing the boundaries.

NA Tuning
NA Tuning

Naturally Aspirated (NA) engines rely purely on atmospheric pressure for their air intake, without the need for turbochargers or superchargers. At Motorsport and Performance, our expertise in tuning NA engines is focused on optimizing this inherent simplicity to maximize performance. Through precise adjustments and a deep understanding of engine dynamics, we enhance power, efficiency, and throttle response. Choose us for a reliable and noticeable improvement in your NA engine’s performance.

Stage 1 NA Tuning (Software Only)

Stage 1 tuning for naturally aspirated engines centers on optimizing the existing software settings of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). By adjusting parameters like ignition timing, air-fuel mixtures, and throttle response, this foundational step aims to improve the engine’s overall efficiency and responsiveness. It’s a straightforward approach that seeks to maximize the performance of the stock hardware without introducing any additional components. Drivers can expect a smoother driving experience, with subtle yet noticeable gains in power and drivability.

Stage 2 NA Tuning (Cold Air Intake)

Stage 2 in the world of naturally aspirated tuning integrates the cold air intake system. By drawing in cooler, external air, the engine benefits from a denser oxygen supply, crucial for efficient combustion. The addition of this system also minimizes heat-soak issues commonly associated with stock intake systems that reside in the engine bay. In essence, the engine receives a more consistent airflow, leading to better combustion efficiency. Drivers can typically expect a more immediate throttle response, a tangible increase in mid-range performance, and even potential fuel efficiency improvements under certain driving conditions.

Stage 3 NA Tuning (Exhaust)

For Stage 3, the emphasis is squarely on the vehicle’s exhaust system. A performance-aligned exhaust not only reduces backpressure but also enhances the expulsion of hot gases from the engine. In doing so, the engine can breathe and operate more freely, often leading to improved horsepower and torque figures. Additionally, while the primary goal is performance optimization, a secondary benefit of such an exhaust system is the change in auditory experience. A well-tuned exhaust can offer a deeper, more resonant tone, without being overly loud, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Stage 4 NA Tuning (Intake Manifold)

Stage 4 introduces adjustments to the intake manifold, a component that plays a pivotal role in directing air to the engine’s cylinders. A performance-enhanced intake manifold is engineered to provide a more even distribution of air, ensuring that each cylinder receives an optimized volume for combustion. This attention to air distribution leads to more balanced combustion events. The outcome? Drivers can anticipate smoother acceleration, fewer flat spots in the power band, and an overall improvement in the engine’s mid-range performance, where most daily driving occurs.

Stage 5 NA Tuning (Cams)

The fifth stage in the tuning journey delves into one of the engine’s core components: the camshafts. By swapping or adjusting the stock cams for performance-oriented ones, there’s a direct influence on the engine’s valve operation – both in timing and lift. This means that the intervals and duration the valves open and close are altered, optimizing the intake of air and fuel and the expulsion of exhaust gases. The result of this intricate change is often profound, with the engine showcasing heightened responsiveness, a broader power range, and a more linear power delivery, making both spirited and everyday driving more engaging.

Supercharged Tuning
Supercharged Tuning stages

Supercharged engines make use of a belt-driven compressor to enhance the volume of the air charge, allowing for increased power generation. At Motorsport and Performance, our in-depth knowledge of these systems stems from years of hands-on experience. We apply this accumulated knowledge to systematically optimize each component and process in a supercharged setup.

Stage 1: ECU Calibration

The first stage zeroes in on the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). With careful calibration, we adjust the ECU to harmonize with the distinct dynamics of the supercharger. This encompasses optimizing fuel-to-air ratios, precise tuning of ignition timing, and defining boost pressure maps. The outcome is a discernible bump in horsepower and torque, coupled with improved fuel efficiency and drivability.

Stage 2: Pulley Adjustments

The pulley system is instrumental in dictating the supercharger’s rotational speed and, by extension, its boost levels. During Stage 2, we determine the optimal pulley size to control the speed of the supercharger. Adjusting to a smaller pulley diameter can elevate the supercharger’s rotational speed, yielding higher boost levels. Some vehicle platforms provide flexibility for multiple adjustments, with the focus being on achieving optimal boost while upholding engine integrity.

Stage 3: Exhaust Flow Optimization

With a supercharged setup, the volume of exhaust gases produced is augmented. Stage 3 concentrates on refining the exhaust system to cater to this increase. The prime objective is to diminish backpressure to ensure the effective release of exhaust gases. This includes choosing the appropriate diameter, material, and design for exhaust components, which, in turn, optimizes engine output.

Stage 4: Camshaft Profiling

Camshafts, central to the engine’s breathing characteristics, demand attention in supercharged configurations. In Stage 4, we modify or select camshafts with optimal lift, duration, and timing profiles. These modifications ensure they operate in sync with the supercharger’s output, enhancing the engine’s volumetric efficiency.

Stage 5: Engine Component Upgrades

The culmination of our tuning process revolves around reinforcing the engine’s core components. Recognizing the augmented stress a supercharger places on the engine, we recommend and implement upgrades for parts like pistons, rods, and bearings. Additionally, we amplify the cooling system’s capabilities to manage the surplus heat. Each component is meticulously chosen or modified to ensure the engine’s longevity and performance remain consistent.