When looking at the different types of car tuning, the industry is full of varying definitions of terminology. Many terms are used inconsistently and interchangeably, which can cause confusion when you’re starting your tuning journey.
This comprehensive guide aims to explain the different types of car tuning, what each involves, and how they can transform your vehicle.
In this ultimate guide to the different types of car tuning, we’ll cover everything from engine tuning and economy remapping, to performance upgrades and suspension improvements.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, a tuning enthusiast or even a professional, this guide is your comprehensive resource.
Car Tuning vs Car Remapping
Before looking into the different types of tunes for cars in depth, it’s important to start with a common misconception: the difference between car tuning and car remapping. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.
What is Car Tuning?
Car tuning is the process of modifying a vehicle’s components or systems to optimise its performance, appearance, or functionality. It includes everything from engine remapping to suspension upgrades.
What is Car Remapping?
Car remapping refers specifically to reprogramming the software in the car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) to adjust parameters like fuel delivery, ignition timing, and turbo boost pressure. The goal is to improve power, torque, or fuel efficiency.
What’s the Difference Between Car Tuning and Car Remapping?
To put it simply: all remapping is car tuning, but not all car tuning is remapping. For example:
- Installing a new exhaust system is car tuning but not remapping.
- Adjusting the ECU to increase engine power is both remapping and tuning.
This distinction is key when choosing the right type of modification for your vehicle.
What are the Different Types of Car Tuning?
The terms used in car tuning are not standardised, so it’s essential to understand what each type involves. Below, we break down the different types of car tuning, their benefits, and what they mean for your car.
1. Engine Tuning
Engine tuning improves a car’s power, efficiency, and responsiveness. It includes mechanical upgrades like turbocharging and software adjustments through ECU remapping.
ECU Remapping / Chip Tuning
ECU remapping, also known as chip tuning, involves modifying the software in the car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit). VIEZU’s ECU remapping services can unlock more power and improve fuel economy.
Learn more about ECU remapping here.
Air Intake Upgrades
Upgrading the air intake system is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve engine performance.
Air intake upgrades involve replacing the air intake system with a high-flow or performance intake that increases the amount of air entering the engine. More air means better combustion, which translates to improved power, throttle response, and even fuel efficiency.
How It Works
Stock air intakes are often restrictive, limiting airflow to ensure quiet operation and cost efficiency.
A performance air intake, such as a cold air intake or ram air system, reduces these restrictions. Cold air intakes, in particular, deliver cooler, denser air to the engine, which results in more oxygen for combustion.
Impact on the Car
- Increased Horsepower and Torque: Expect noticeable gains in power, especially when paired with ECU remapping.
- Faster Throttle Response: Improved airflow reduces lag, making the car feel more responsive.
- Enhanced Engine Sound: A subtle but satisfying induction sound as the engine breathes freely.
- Improved Efficiency: In some cases, optimised airflow can lead to slight improvements in fuel economy.
Terminology variation: This upgrade can sometimes be referred to as induction tuning, cold air tuning, or airflow optimisation.
Turbocharging and Supercharging
Forced induction systems—namely turbochargers and superchargers—are some of the most transformative upgrades in engine tuning. Both systems are designed to increase the amount of air entering the engine, which allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in a significant power boost.
Turbocharging
A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which forces more air into the engine. It’s an efficient way to generate power without increasing engine displacement, making it a popular choice for smaller engines.
Impact on the Car:
- Massive Power Gains: Turbochargers can provide a significant increase in both horsepower and torque, especially in mid-range and high RPMs.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: By recovering energy from exhaust gases, turbos can improve fuel economy (when driven conservatively).
- Customisable Boost: Turbochargers allow for fine-tuning of boost levels, making them adaptable to different performance goals.
Supercharging
A supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine’s crankshaft, providing instant power delivery without the lag associated with turbochargers. This makes it ideal for drivers who want a consistent and immediate boost in power.
Impact on the Car:
- Instant Power Delivery: No lag—superchargers provide immediate throttle response, making them ideal for performance driving.
- Increased Low-End Torque: Improves acceleration and pulling power at lower RPMs.
- Reliable Performance: Superchargers are less heat-sensitive compared to turbochargers, making them a robust option for sustained use.
Turbocharging vs Supercharging
While both systems provide an increase in power, turbochargers are better suited to high-efficiency builds, while superchargers excel where instant response is the highest priority. Some enthusiasts opt for twin-charging, which combines a turbocharger and supercharger for the best of both worlds.
Legal Considerations
Turbocharger and supercharger upgrades are legal in the UK, but emissions regulations must be adhered to. Any modifications should be paired with professional ECU remapping to ensure staying compliant.
Terminology variation: You may also see these upgrades referred to as forced induction tuning or boost system upgrades.
Charge Cooler Upgrades
Charge coolers are essential for managing the temperature of the air entering the engine, particularly in turbocharged or supercharged vehicles.
Hot air reduces engine efficiency, so upgrading to a larger or more efficient charge cooler helps deliver cooler, denser air to the combustion chambers, increasing both power and reliability.
Impact on the Car:
- Improved engine efficiency and power output, especially under heavy load or prolonged high-performance driving.
- Reduced risk of heat soak, which is common in factory-installed intercoolers.
- Greater consistency in power delivery, as the engine runs cooler during demanding conditions.
Some companies may refer to this as intercooler tuning, but charge coolers are particularly popular with forced-induction engines that need additional cooling capacity.
Combining a charge cooler upgrade with ECU remapping ensures maximum power gains.
Supercharger Pulley Upgrades
In supercharged engines, the pulley system controls how fast the supercharger spins. Upgrading to a smaller pulley increases the speed of the supercharger, forcing more air into the engine and significantly boosting horsepower and torque.
This is a cost-effective way to achieve substantial performance gains without extensive engine modifications.
Impact on the Car:
- Noticeable increases in low-end and mid-range torque, improving acceleration.
- Faster throttle response and enhanced overall performance.
- Ideal for cars where the factory supercharger setup is limited.
Supercharger pulley upgrades are often paired with ECU remapping to adjust air-fuel ratios and fully utilise the increased airflow.
Terminology variation: Some tuners refer to this as boost pulley upgrades. Regardless of the name, it’s an effective and proven modification for supercharged engines.
Crank Pulley Upgrades
The crank pulley, also known as the harmonic balancer, drives the car’s auxiliary systems and can also play a role in boosting performance. Lightweight or oversized crank pulleys reduce parasitic drag on the engine, improving power delivery and efficiency.
Impact on the Car:
- Enhanced throttle response and a smoother power curve.
- Freeing up of additional horsepower by reducing the load on the engine.
- Often used in conjunction with supercharger or turbocharger upgrades.
Note: Crank pulley upgrades are especially popular in performance vehicles with high-revving engines, where even small gains in rotational efficiency can have a noticeable impact
Charge Cooler Upgrades
Charge coolers are essential for managing the temperature of the air entering the engine, particularly in turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. Hot air reduces engine efficiency, so upgrading to a larger or more efficient charge cooler helps deliver cooler, denser air to the combustion chambers, increasing both power and reliability.
Impact on the Car:
- Improved engine efficiency and power output, especially under heavy load or prolonged high-performance driving.
- Reduced risk of heat soak, which is common in factory-installed intercoolers.
- Greater consistency in power delivery, as the engine runs cooler during demanding conditions.
Some companies may refer to this as intercooler tuning, but charge coolers are particularly popular with forced-induction engines that need additional cooling capacity. Combining a charge cooler upgrade with ECU remapping ensures maximum power gains.
For more information on charge coolers or related upgrades, speak with VIEZU’s tuning experts.
Supercharger Pulley Upgrades
In supercharged engines, the pulley system controls how fast the supercharger spins. Upgrading to a smaller pulley increases the speed of the supercharger, forcing more air into the engine and significantly boosting horsepower and torque. This is a cost-effective way to achieve substantial performance improvements without extensive engine modifications.
Impact on the Car:
- Noticeable increases in low-end and mid-range torque, improving acceleration.
- Faster throttle response and enhanced overall performance.
- Ideal for cars where the factory supercharger setup is limited.
Supercharger pulley upgrades are often paired with ECU remapping to adjust air-fuel ratios and fully utilise the increased airflow.
Terminology variation: Some tuners refer to this as boost pulley upgrades. Regardless of the name, it’s an effective and proven modification for supercharged engines.
Crank Pulley Upgrades
The crank pulley, also known as the harmonic balancer, drives the car’s auxiliary systems and can also play a role in boosting performance. Lightweight or oversized crank pulleys reduce parasitic drag on the engine, improving power delivery and efficiency.
Impact on the Car:
- Enhanced throttle response and a smoother power curve.
- Freeing up of additional horsepower by reducing the load on the engine.
- Often used in conjunction with supercharger or turbocharger upgrades.
Note: Crank pulley upgrades are especially popular in performance vehicles with high-revving engines, where even small gains in rotational efficiency can have a noticeable impact.
Exhaust System Upgrades
An upgraded exhaust system is one of the most popular modifications for performance tuning. A high-flow exhaust improves the expulsion of exhaust gases from the engine, reducing back pressure and allowing the engine to breathe more freely. This results in improved horsepower, torque, and even sound.
Types of Exhaust Upgrades:
- Cat-back Systems: Replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converter back, improving flow and sound without affecting emissions compliance.
- Axle-back Systems: Replaces only the rear portion of the exhaust system for sound enhancement.
- Downpipes: High-flow downpipes reduce restriction in turbocharged engines, unlocking additional power.
Impact on the Car:
- Increased power and torque, particularly at higher RPMs.
- A more aggressive exhaust note, with options to customise the sound profile.
- Improved efficiency when combined with ECU remapping.
Catalytic Converter Upgrades
The catalytic converter is a critical component in reducing harmful emissions, but it can also create back pressure that limits performance. Upgrading to a high-flow catalytic converter reduces this restriction while maintaining emissions compliance.
Impact on the Car:
- Improved exhaust flow and reduced back pressure.
- A boost in horsepower and torque without compromising emissions standards.
- Retains legal compliance for road use, unlike catalytic converter deletion (which is illegal in the UK).
For motorsport uses, where road legality isn’t a concern, some enthusiasts may choose to bypass the catalytic converter entirely, but VIEZU advises using high-flow catalytic converters for compliance and environmental responsibility.
Terminology variation: Some companies may refer to this as a sports catalytic converter upgrade, which is designed to strike the perfect balance between performance and emissions.
2. Performance Tuning
Performance tuning is all about maximising speed, acceleration, and handling. Whether you’re looking for sharper throttle response or better cornering, performance tuning can take your car to the next level.
Learn more about performance tuning here.
3. Economy Tuning
Economy tuning (or fuel economy tuning) focuses on reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing driveability. VIEZU’s award-winning BlueOptimize™ Tuning is ideal for individual drivers and fleet operators, offering up to 20% fuel savings.
Discover BlueOptimize™ Tuning.
4. Diesel Tuning
Diesel tuning enhances the power and efficiency of diesel engines, often through ECU remapping. It’s a popular choice for both personal and commercial vehicles.
Legal Considerations
While diesel tuning is legal, practices like DPF deletion are prohibited in the UK. VIEZU provides compliant alternatives like DPF cleaning and EGR Ad Blue Delete.
Subsections:
-
DPF Deletion and Tuning
-
-
- DPF deletion removes the diesel particulate filter and disables its function in the ECU. While it restores performance and prevents blockages, it is illegal for road use in the UK. At VIEZU, we only recommend legal alternatives like DPF cleaning for compliant solutions.
-
-
DPF Cleaning and Servicing
-
-
- Regular DPF cleaning prevents blockages that reduce engine performance and lead to expensive repairs. This service restores efficiency and ensures compliance with emissions regulations.
-
-
EGR Ad Blue Delete
-
-
- Deleting the EGR or AdBlue system disables emissions control systems to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. While suitable for off-road use only, VIEZU also offers legal tuning solutions for road vehicles. Learn more about EGR Ad Blue Solutions.
-
-
DTC and Swirl Flap Solutions
-
-
- DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) deletion removes persistent error codes, while swirl flap removal improves engine reliability by eliminating a common point of failure. Both solutions enhance performance but must comply with emissions laws. Learn about DTC solutions.
-
5. Gearbox Tuning
Gearbox tuning, also known as TCU tuning, recalibrates the Transmission Control Unit to improve gear shifts and power delivery. DSG tuning is particularly popular for automatic vehicles.
Learn more about gearbox tuning here.
6. Suspension Upgrades
Suspension tuning enhances handling and ride comfort. Options include:
- Sports Suspension: Lowers the car for improved cornering.
- Air Suspension: Adjustable ride height for versatility.
7. V-Switch Tuning (DIY Tuning)
Within the different types of car tuning, there is DIY tuning. The V-Switch Drive is VIEZU’s home tuning device, allowing you to remap your vehicle at home. It comes pre-loaded with 8 bespoke tunes, each designed for specific driving needs:
V-Switch ‘Classic Me’ Tune
A balanced tune for everyday driving.
V-Switch ‘Eco Me’ Tune
Designed for fuel efficiency, reducing consumption by up to 20%.
V-Switch ‘Fusion Me’ Tune
Combines fuel efficiency with moderate power gains.
V-Switch ‘Excite Me’ Tune
Increases power and throttle response for an exciting drive.
V-Switch ‘Thrill Me’ Tune
Delivers maximum performance for a fun drive setting for Track Day Drivers.
V-Switch ‘Park Me’ Tune
Tailors power output for safe, low-speed parking scenarios.
V-Switch ‘Burble Me’ Tune
Adds a subtle exhaust burble for added flair.
V-Switch ‘Popbang & Stealth Mode’ Tune
Creates pops and bangs in the exhaust for motorsport use only. Note: For off-road use only.
Explore the V-Switch Drive and its features.
Stages of Car Tuning
Car tuning is often divided into stages, which reflect the level of modification involved. Whilst this is not a standardised measure, below is a rough outline of what you are likely to find in the different “Stages” of tuning and certainly what we would describe as the most common definitions:
Stage 1 Tuning
Focuses on ECU remapping and minor upgrades like air filters. Learn more.
Stage 2 Tuning
Includes hardware changes like turbo upgrades and full exhaust systems. Explore Stage 2.
Stage 3 Tuning
Involves high-performance modifications like injectors and intercoolers. Read more.
Stage 4 Tuning
Race-focused upgrades, including engine rebuilds.
Should You Choose a Verified Tuning Company for Different Types of Car Tuning Over DIY Tuning?
Benefits of a Tuning Company
Professional Expertise and Quality Parts
Using a professional tuning company ensures your vehicle is in the hands of trained experts with years of experience. They have access to high-quality parts and advanced tools like Alientech KESS3 and Autotuner, guaranteeing precision and reliability in every tune.
Insurance-Backed Services
Reputable tuning companies like VIEZU offer insurance-backed services, providing peace of mind that all modifications are protected and carried out to the highest standards.
Compliance with Regulations
Professional tuners ensure all modifications comply with local laws and emissions standards. With VIEZU’s ISO 9001:2015-certified processes, you can trust that every tune is legal and roadworthy.
Why Choose VIEZU?
VIEZU has over 15 years of experience with all different types of car tuning, with award-winning services backed by comprehensive support. Learn more about becoming a dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Stages of Tuning Are There?
There are usually considered to be four stages, ranging from ECU remapping to full race car modifications.
What Does Tuning Cost?
Prices at VIEZU start from £250 for ECU remapping.
What Does Tuning Do to a Car?
Tuning can improve performance, efficiency, or handling, depending on the type of upgrade, and the condition of the vehicle.
Is Car Tuning Legal in the UK?
Yes, but all modifications must comply with emissions and safety regulations.
