Vehicle Tuning

The tuning process requires adjusting mapping in the ECU, such as boost, ignition timing, fuel, cam timing etc in all rpm and load points. The dyno is very useful for this as you can isolate and hold the vehicle at certain rpm/load to perfect the tune at any given point, something impossible to do on the road. We also have diagnostics equipment connected to the vehicle to we can measure what the engine is doing to give us a better understanding of how changes in the map effect performance.

As the vehicles ECU is constantly changing how it runs the engine based on sensors such as airflow meters, O2 sensors, temp sensors and knock sensors, when a vehicle is modified with parts such as downpipes, intercoolers, turbo’s, intakes, it can have a huge effect on how the ECU operates and can through a tune off course, so tuning the ECU is in our opinion the most important part of the modification process.

Factory ECU vs Aftermarket ECU tuning is pretty similar with the only exception is that OEM ecu tuning is limited to what the tuning software is able to let you change, where an aftermarket ECU is basically a mapped out ECU with all required options and additional features that are more suited towards Motorsport. The process of tuning both is the same with a little more work required for aftermarket ECU’s as you are starting from scratch unlike a factory ECU that has already had countless hours tuned at the factory.

OEM ECU Tuning

OEM ECU tuning refers to tuning factory vehicle ECU’s. Torque Performance Developments over the years has a range of tuning and diagnosis tools to suit a range of factory ECU’s for tuning.

Our process of tuning a factory ECU is first to put the vehicle on our dynomometer to get a base line (factory power figure) from the vehicle. This gives us a starting point to see where power and torque is made through out the rpm range (not just maximum power) so that any changes we are about to make can be compared to this base line to check for performance gains.

From there we then read the factory file off the ECU and store it in a secure back up so we can always put back to factory, most of the time we are able to read the ECU file through the diagnostic port however some ECU’s need to be removed and opened up however this is rare these days and if we do need to, its a non-evasive process in an anti static laboratory environment.

A full sweep final dyno run is then done to get the overall power gains everywhere and a dyno graph is saved showing this final run compared to the base run. If possible, a final test drive is done with data logging to check how the vehicle operates on the road in normal driving situations.

Diesel Tuning

Diesel engines are known to make torque, so this is our main focus when we are looking to improve the tune diesel vehicles. By improving torque through remapping will improved towing, improve fuel consumption, and mean less gear changes for comfortable driving. This service is similar to our re-flash service with the exception of vehicle's that have been modified where a custom tune may be required. 

• Developed and tested in-house with Torque Performance Developments leading edge, 4WD link-able "rolling road" dyno, specificly for New Zealand fuels and conditions

• Up to 20% improvement in Fuel Economy (depending on vehicle & driving style)

• Improved throttle response for a smoother driving experience

• Suitable for both manual & automatic transmissions and for vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter

• Improved low rev range Torque, which is ideal for towing

• Programmed specifically for your car, ute, van, motorhome etc.

• Free 3 year to revert back to factory from the date of tuning.

• 14 Day Money Back Guarantee if not satisfied.

We also offer service's to remove problematic features of select passenger vehicles such as such as AdBlue etc, where they are faulty and where replacement cost outweigh the value of the vehicle. DPF removal is unfortunately no longer an option as this now a WOF requirement to have it operating if fitted to a vehicle.

Aftermarket ECU Tuning

Aftermarket ECU’s are used in vehicle builds where the factory ECU is unable to be tuned or the limits of the factory ECU are exceeded. These come either as Plug’n’play where the ECU is designed to plug into the factory loom and works with the factory canbus (data communication network between modules such as the dash and ABS), or full stand alone units for a full custom builds

Torque Performance Developments is able to tune a range of aftermarket ECU’s from companies such as Haltech, LinkECU, AEM, Motec, Syvecs and Bosch Motorsport & more.

Our tuning process is the same as our factory ECU tuning, however aftermarket ECU tuning is a little more expensive due to the extra time required to tune. This is because we are starting with a base map which is an unrefined map with basic setup changes loaded as a start point, unlike a fully tuned factory ECU. Some vehicle where base maps are not available, additional time is required to setup the ECU. Additional feature for Motorsport desired by the customer such as 2-step launch control, pit limiters, rolling ant-lag for example, also requires extra time to setup.

Dyno Days & Power Runs

Put a new exhaust on your car? Maybe a new intake?, Torque Performance Developments offer monthly dyno days for customers that what to see what their vehicle is making. Each run vehicle costs $99 which will include 2-3 power runs and includes a dyno print out showing power, air fuel ratio and boost providing its forced induction and we have the ability to plumb our vacuum lines into the vehicle. . We can also organize days for car clubs outside our normal dyno day bookings.

Check our Facebook Events page for when dyno days are run. We can only offer a maximum space of 20 cars per day, and these fill up fast so book early to secure your spot at the next available day. Bookings require a non refundable deposit to ensure customer commitment so no ones time is wasted unless in the situation the event is cancelled, then a full refund is issued.

Individual power runs during normal business hours @ $200. These need to be booked for first thing in the morning so not interfere with our normal dyno tuning operations. 

Unfortunately we do not offer our dyno to customers that want to tune their vehicle themselves. This is not because we don't trust your ability in tuning, but because of the new Health and Safety regulations, and we do not have insurance cover for this service.