Page 23 - Blog - News and Updates

We are often asked questions regarding code readers, scanners and diagnostic tools.

There are a massive range of devices out there and it can be daunting as to what is the best choice.

We will attempt to answer some common questions and give some advice on what might be best for you.
 

What's the difference between a code reader and a scanner?

Both of these are colloquial terms, and are used somewhat interchangeably. Typically a "code reader" might refer to a more basic machine and a "scanner" might be more advanced. Neither of these are really an industry term or have a specific technical definition.

Basic generic OBD2 readers available for somewhere around £50GBP ($70USD) or less will usually give you codes relating to engine issues, but won't give information relating to all the other systems of the car.

Advanced diagnostic tools for workshop use (frequently around £5000GBP/$7000USD) will often allow you to interrogate, diagnose and reprogram most modules within most vehicles.

Say for

Once you’ve got the car you’ve been researching, test driving and dreaming of - you can start thinking about making it your own. After all, you’ll be spending plenty of time in your vehicle, so you might as well increase the power, body kit and the like. While the aftermarket car parts industry is booming, and can significantly increase the look of your car; some aftermarket products can reduce the value.

Car upgrades and aftermarket modifications are subjective. You might think your spoilers are fantastic, others may not. Dealers know that and, if at some point you are looking to trade in your car, too many car modifications can substantially reduce the value of your car. With that in mind, we’re sharing some tips on car performance and the mods that are worth the money.

Audio

When it comes to long journeys and spending plenty of time in the vehicle, you won’t find better car upgrades than a good audio system. If there’s one thing that can increase the value of your car, it’s great speakers.

When it comes to car modifications, car engine tuning is up there with the biggest and best. The process of altering the ECU signal to inject more fuel into the cylinders is popular - especially as you are guaranteed more torque and power. However, when it comes to the best diesel tuning box and chips for petrol vehicles, there’s a whole load of misleading information available.

To put it all in simple terms, we’re answering the most frequently asked questions about car tuner parts. After this, you’ll know all about our car upgrades.

01. Is it safe?

This is one of the most important questions; one all car performance shops should be able to give you a reliable answer. Put simply, yes. Installing a car tuning box will not affect the safety of the vehicle, or those who drive it. Our petrol and diesel tuning boxes undergo thorough and rigorous testing, and we record the results using our rolling road.

It’s also important to note that car tuner parts are also road legal, and you’ll not be

Here is the first of three upcoming Abarth Dyno runs.
This one is the Abarth 695 Biposto 190PS. This is a great car and we are able to produce impressive results using our 3 Channel Pro Petrol Unit.

Stock
Power: 185PS (183bhp; 136kW)
Torque: 273Nm

For some, the car that rolls off the assembly line just doesn’t deliver on speed. That never-ending quest for the top speed is something most of us can’t shake. However, the big question is where to start with your car performance. Every make and model will have different engine performance capabilities and require specific modifications. Luckily, we’re going through the ins and outs of improving car performance and the aftermarket car parts that will significantly increase speed.

What determines car performance?

Your car’s speed is determined by a number of factors, such as electronic car parts, weight, energy efficiency and performance. However, the two most important factors you can use to improve engine performance is air and fuel. Both of these factors are critical for propelling your vehicle and the more air and fuel, the more power you can get to the engine. Therefore, a lot of performance car parts and aftermarket modifications relate to air and fuel.

With that in mind, we’re

For as long as cars have existed, car modifications have been huge business. Most vehicles leave the factory equipped for the average driver’s expectations. Since the 60s and the aftermarket modifications to the Minis to the ‘Fast & Furious’ era; we have updated the styles and followed the trends throughout the years. With that in mind, we’re sharing the history behind performance car parts and, of course, custom car parts UK.

1960s car modifications

The sixties were a big year for cars - particularly the Mini. In fact, it was the most successful decade for the model. Another reason this car was so popular was the ease for engine tuning, especially as the mechanics for the Mini were relatively simple - enabling drivers to ‘pull’ their cars apart and build them up to sportier models.

Racing was also gaining fast popularity in the 60s, meaning more people were looking to customise their car to achieve the sporty performance and look. To replicate the racing cars, people souped up their

Modified cars can often be a huge benefit to their owners - particularly if the car modification improves torque performance and fuel economy. Likewise, it also means you don’t have to add any car modifications yourself, which can save a lot of time and money. However, you do need to consider a number of factors when looking into performance parts for cars and whether you should buy a modified car. Modifications can affect the overall cost, but also the reliability, raw performance and value.

Advantages of buying a modified car

Performance parts for cars can substantially enhance the driving experience, handling and power of your vehicle. The one main benefit to car tuning and looking into the services for car modification companies is that they’ll improve the speed and torque performance. Internal car modifications - such as engine tuning - will rarely have a negative effect on the car’s value. When properly installed, they can provide years of decent driving and even improve your fuel

When it comes to getting modified car parts, you may be wondering about insurance and your warranty. While it’s commonly believed that all performance tuners for cars and other modifications void your warranty and cause your premiums to dramatically increase, this isn’t always the case. Today, there are a number of modified car parts that will not affect your premiums or warranty - particularly if they are temporary exterior and interior car mods.

Modified car insurance: is it easy?

In simple terms, you can get modified car insurance. As a general rule of thumb, modified car parts fall into two categories; engine tuning to enhance vehicle performance and power, and styling mods. Permanent car tuning parts and mods must be declared to your insurers, especially if you do need financial protection at some point. If you do end up in trouble and haven’t declared the performance tuners for cars, for example, you could invalidate your insurance, costing you more in the very near future.

When

When it comes to modifying your car, there are plenty of options. The car modification industry is growing rapidly, substantially boosting the economy. Add to that, it can seriously enhance the power and the driving experience, so it’s no wonder car mods are increasingly popular. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before pimping your ride; namely, car modification laws.

Exhausts

Exhausts are one of the more popular mods, with plenty of petrolheads updating their exhaust systems. However, be aware of the car exhaust laws before you go ahead. Big-bore exhausts are not legal on UK roads due to the excessive noise and emissions, particularly as the UK government are clamping down on the CO2 emissions.

Most brand-new exhaust systems are effective at increasing the engine performance, but just remember those car exhaust laws. If you do want to go loud but live in an urban area, we recommend putting exhaust silencers in place if you do upgrade your exhaust.

Engine tuning

Torque and power are only proportional at the same point in the rev range. For any given engine, the quoted torque and power outputs are peak values, ie the highest torque value and the highest power value regardless of RPM. 

I have annotated a dyno graph of a 1.7 CRDi below, just as an example.

The blue solid line is the torque curve with the Bluespark box fitted, the blue dashed line is the power curve with the Bluespark box fitted.

The red solid and dashed lines are stock torque and power respectively.

The green circle highlights the point of peak power, and the orange circle highlights the point of peak torque:
 

I could (if I wished) make a file that would give identical gains to the above prior to 2500RPM, tailing off to zero gains (matching back to the red lines) by 3000RPM. That would give the same peak torque gain and zero peak power gain. 

Conversely I could make a file that was exactly as the stock (red dotted) plot is, with a gradual increase from 3000RPM