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More power in the vehicle: tuning for enthusiasts
Vehicle tuning: How can we make a vehicle even better, even faster, even more reliable, sportier and with a better sound?
These are probably the favourite topics among tuning enthusiasts like us. Fortunately, we can do something to enhance the performance of any car. And here we’ll let you know what that is.
What is vehicle tuning?
Unlike engine tuning, vehicle tuning covers anything that changes the performance, appearance, sound and even driving characteristics of a vehicle (for the better, of course). And this naturally applies not just to cars, but to trucks and motorcycles as well. In its widest sense, the word ‘tuning’ covers a huge number of measures, far beyond its narrow and more literal meaning. Here are some broad examples:
- Aerodynamic modifications and attachments, such as spoilers
- Exterior modifications: bumpers, headlight bezels, radiator grille, etc.
- Sound: flap exhaust, active sound system, sports cat or building your own exhaust.
- Increased engine displacement
- Modifications to the chassis, lowering, etc.
- Different rims and tyres
- Interior tuning: higher quality materials, sports seats, lights, etc.
- Audio tuning: complex HiFi systems
- Retrofitting a turbocharger or compressor
- Changes to the software: chip tuning
- Visual modifications such as paint, etc.
From this long list, you can see that the term ‘vehicle tuning’ is indeed extremely wide-ranging. People will mention completely different things, depending on whom you ask. For example, we are less interested in visual modifications than in what’s going on under the bonnet.
Why do we tune vehicles?
The reasons for vehicle tuning are many and varied, and people will have different goals in mind. Some will tune a car because they prefer a sporty sound and want to feel like they’re on the race track when they step on the gas. Others simply want a better performance so that they can reduce their fuel consumption. Yet others are just curious to see whether they can get 1000 PS (735 kW) out of their engine. But here are even more reasons:
- Lower consumption saves money
- A more reliable and longer-lasting engine
- Higher efficiency
- Lower emissions
- A sporty look and sound
- A big smile on your face!
Of course, some people just can’t understand why you wouldn’t simply buy a new car that’s more powerful or with sportier looks. But all the reasons for tuning have one undeniable advantage in common: Vehicle tuning gives you individuality. It’s about a lot more than more performance. You can configure your car entirely according to your needs, preferences and desires. You can express yourself. And then there are of course obvious reasons, such as the fact that it’s simply enjoyable if your engine responds as quickly as if the accelerator was an extension of your leg. Or if you have that throaty V8 sound in your ears if you just touch the gas. And the goosebumps you get when you imagine all the perfectly harmonised components under your bonnet. Ultimately, it’s mostly about pure enjoyment.
How does vehicle tuning work?
How you now go about your vehicle tuning also depends on what you want to achieve. If you only want to change the appearance a bit, maybe all you need is a visit to a body shop. If you’re thinking of an extensive tuning project the BAR-TEK way, it’s something else entirely. That’s why it’s a good idea to mull a few things over first:
- What exactly do I want from tuning?
- What’s my goal?
- What’s my budget?
- What’s the status quo?
- Do I have the right vehicle for my project?
- What will I do myself, what will I leave to the experts?
- What regulations must I look out for? (MOT, etc.)
- Should everything be done in one go, or in stages?
These questions show you just how very individual tuning is. Every engine and every situation is different. So is each person’s goal and the route they take to get there. Therefore, there cannot be one guide for all – some reflection is always needed in advance, so that you can decide on the right tuning strategy for you. And this may include different tuning methods.
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Different tuning methods at BAR-TEK®
To give you an overview of what methods can be considered for vehicle tuning, we’ve listed some below that we can do for you. As mentioned above, there are several methods that go far beyond engine optimisation.
Chip tuning – Software optimisation
Things generally start here, with chip tuning. We adapt the software so that all parameters fit your actual needs. There’s always a lot of scope for improvement on the factory version. Quite simply, this is because vehicles are built so that they will run as well as possible in all possible conditions. But if you don’t happen to be driving in the heat of Dubai or through the icy wastes of Siberia, it makes sense to remap your ECU, i.e. change the engine characteristics. There is so much potential here that a performance boost of up to 40% is achievable. However, chip tuning is also of interest if you’d like to reduce your fuel consumption.
Mechanical tuning by performance upgrades
When we’re thinking about more performance, we quickly get to a point where we want to upgrade the existing components. Because once you reach a certain horsepower, higher torque and boost pressure, the standard parts can no longer keep up. And that’s when performance upgrades are called for: a bigger turbocharger, optimised intercoolers, upgraded fuel pump, and so on. This also applies to tuning parts such as pistons and con-rods, of course. Remember: as soon as we install additional components or upgrade existing ones, we also have to adapt the software, i.e. do chip tuning. This is the only way we can make sure that everything is perfectly harmonised and performance will actually improve.
Increasing the flow: Optimising the intake and exhaust
The smooth running of your engine stands and falls with the flow rate. This applies to both fuel and air. That’s why modifying the exhaust system and intake manifold are important steps for optimisation.
Inside the intake manifold, the blow-off valve and sports air filter provide good opportunities for our optimisation, for example.
With exhaust tuning (using a flap exhaust, for instance), we can give you the advantage of a much sportier sound. However, caution is always advised here if you want your car to be road-legal. Parts to help with exhaust system optimisation include the downpipe, exhaust manifold and sports cat. Alternatively, you can of course build the exhaust system yourself.
Reboring cylinders: Increasing engine displacement for more performance
If we increase the piston stroke, we also talk about enhancing the engine displacement, or reboring the cylinder. Now things really get beefed up, because the rebore naturally enables us to install larger pistons. This in turn means more fuel-air mixture is burned, so we achieve more power and increased torque at all revs. Now it’s even more important to adapt all the necessary components in line with this increased performance, especially the con-rods.
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Of course, you don’t have to do everything step by step – you can get a ready and functioning system consisting of perfectly harmonised components: our racing engines. These are designed for people aiming for horsepower of 1000 or more. And they are always built to LAST. We naturally want you to have fun for a long time to come!
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Many different approaches to tuning
If you would like to tune your car, not only are there different methods, there are also several approaches you can take. One option is to bring your car to us. We measure everything on our test rig and then do all we can to optimise everything according to your wishes. Thanks to our many years of experience, including in the supreme discipline of motorsport, we can tackle any project one hundred percent. You can also find an overview of our services here.
Alternatively, you can do it yourself. But this only makes sense if you know what you’re doing. You will find all the parts you need in our shop. In addition, we can provide you with all kinds of useful information, tips and tricks and, of course, complete tuning guides. What’s more, you can also contact us and ask us your questions. A combination of both options is of course also possible: do some yourself and, if something is beyond you, we’ll take care of it.
Get in touch with the pros
We look forward to getting started on your project. Just send us a chat message!
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His first car was a Polo Mk1 with a 40 Weber twin carburetor and 129 PS (95 kW). His second was an Audi 50. Today Bartek tunes Lamborghinis to 1000 PS (735 kW). Even as a young boy, Bartek disassembled vehicles and put everything back together better. He wrote his high school diploma with oil on his fingers. The trained automotive mechanic with a focus on engines and gearboxes was determined to go into motorsports. In his 10 years in Formal 1, he supervised 73 races, including as engine mechanic for Ralf Schumacher at Toyota. Since 2010, he has dedicated himself fully to his company BAR-TEK® and helps his customers to bring VW and Audi engines to peak performance.
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