Car Tuning Calendar

Other standalone engine management systems are available. These systems replace the factory computer with one that is user programmable.
Poorly executed modifications can have a detrimental effect on performance as well as mechanical and electronic components. An example would be the use of an air compressor such as as a turbocharger to increase the volume of air used in power stroke of the otto cycle. In a typical chemical reaction, the air-fuel ratio must be a minimum of 14:1 (Stoichiometry). If higher ratios are used, higher pressures and temperatures are observed in the cylinders. Depending upon the build of the engine, such operating parameters can lead to premature failure such as warped cylinder heads and walls (temperature related), cracked connecting rods and crankshafts (excessive torque applied), engine seizing and blowouts.
• Suspension tuning
Suspension tuning involves modifying the springs, shock absorbers, swaybars, and other related components of a vehicle. Shorter springs offer greater stiffness and a lower center of gravity at the cost of proper suspension geometry. Stiffer shock absorbers improve the dynamic weight shifting during cornering and normally have shorter internals to stop them from bottoming out when shorter springs are used. Stiffer sway bars reduce body roll during cornering, thus improving the grip that the tires have on the surface by reducing suspension geometry changes caused by roll; this also improves handling response due to faster weight shifting (similar to stiffer springs.) The danger with overly stiff swaybars is the lifing of the inner wheel, which reduces its traction. Loss of traction less likely with softer bars. Other components that are sometimes added are strut bars, which improve the body stiffness and help better maintain the proper suspension geometry during cornering. On some cars certain braces, anti-roll bars, etc., can be retrofitted to base model cars from sports models.