Offroading Online Magazine Issue 15 | Page 48

Improving Commonrail Diesel Performance Diesel engines run at a high compression ratio and are capable of great economy and astounding power. When it comes to improving the performance of a diesel engine there are many options available. Without a doubt the diesel performance chip is the most popular diesel performance modification available. These diesel chips can work in a number of different ways such as by enhancing injection timing, line pressure, or just by dumping in more fuel. The Injection cycle of a Common Rail Diesel system consists of: 1. The Point that the Injector opens (Start of injection of Fuel:-Timing point) 2. The Fuel Rail Pressure (More load and Revs the higher the pressure. Critical in getting all the fuel delivered for efficiency) 48? Offroading Online Magazine 3. The Point that the injector closes (This is sometimes called injection duration, bulk fuel delivery time (how long the injector stays open) A quality diesel chip can affect signals so as to alter all 3 critical areas, manipulating the injection cycle just like the factory ECU. Some cheaper chips ONLY affect ‘Point 3’ which only alters bulk fuel delivery by keeping injectors open longer. Other simple systems ONLY affect ‘Point 2’ by dramatically increasing fuel rail pressure to unsafe levels and resulting in dangerous heat in the engine as well as poor fuel economy. You don’t have to sacrifice economy to improve diesel performance. The only way to improve performance and economy is by altering both fuel and timing. The by-product of this improved engine efficiency is more power and torque as well as improved economy.