My perspective on engine tuning...
We've all been very anxious about waiting for some performance upgrades, etc. However, it appears that these cars are very hard to "hack" into for performance tuning.
I've heard a few comments like "...doesn't DCX know we want to modify these cars?...so why didn't they make it easier for us?..." Yes, DCX absolutely does know that we want to mod these things out.
However, they can't make it easy for us for at least two reasons: 1) EPA certification. They have to show that they've done their best at tamper proofing so that any Tom, Rick, and Harry can't change the performance that may potentially make the car not meet the emissions standards. 2) To keep warranty costs under control as much as possible. How many threads have we seen that someone modded their car and broke something, but now they are going back to the dealer for warranty repair? (FYI...I applaud need4speed on this one...he knows that if you play...you pay...I know there are others...but his is the first to come to mind.).
To be totally honest, I'm actually really surprised that EPA isn't harder on these aftermarket tuning companies. My bet is that 90% of the cars with these tuners will pass the sniff test. I know for a fact how they increase the power for the diesel engines, and I know that those changes will not meet emissions regulations.
Let's just say...engine manufacturers are under heavy scrutiny from the EPA. They have to declare everything they are doing to make sure the enigne is meeting emissions regulations. In addition, they have to show how they are tamper proofing the software as well. They also have to declare software part numbers, etc.
Now some may ask...why are these DCX cars harder to tap into than the GM or Ford cars. I don't know if I can answer that. However, I do have a couple of questions (honest questions)...1) Are there tuners readily available for the new V8 mustangs or C6 vettes? 2) If so, how long did it take for them to come out?
Anywho...just keep in mind that anything dealing with the EPA can be very difficult and or take an extremely long time. I hope this helps some.
Keith
We've all been very anxious about waiting for some performance upgrades, etc. However, it appears that these cars are very hard to "hack" into for performance tuning.
I've heard a few comments like "...doesn't DCX know we want to modify these cars?...so why didn't they make it easier for us?..." Yes, DCX absolutely does know that we want to mod these things out.
However, they can't make it easy for us for at least two reasons: 1) EPA certification. They have to show that they've done their best at tamper proofing so that any Tom, Rick, and Harry can't change the performance that may potentially make the car not meet the emissions standards. 2) To keep warranty costs under control as much as possible. How many threads have we seen that someone modded their car and broke something, but now they are going back to the dealer for warranty repair? (FYI...I applaud need4speed on this one...he knows that if you play...you pay...I know there are others...but his is the first to come to mind.).
To be totally honest, I'm actually really surprised that EPA isn't harder on these aftermarket tuning companies. My bet is that 90% of the cars with these tuners will pass the sniff test. I know for a fact how they increase the power for the diesel engines, and I know that those changes will not meet emissions regulations.
Let's just say...engine manufacturers are under heavy scrutiny from the EPA. They have to declare everything they are doing to make sure the enigne is meeting emissions regulations. In addition, they have to show how they are tamper proofing the software as well. They also have to declare software part numbers, etc.
Now some may ask...why are these DCX cars harder to tap into than the GM or Ford cars. I don't know if I can answer that. However, I do have a couple of questions (honest questions)...1) Are there tuners readily available for the new V8 mustangs or C6 vettes? 2) If so, how long did it take for them to come out?
Anywho...just keep in mind that anything dealing with the EPA can be very difficult and or take an extremely long time. I hope this helps some.
Keith
