Diesel vehicles have always been popular in the United States and around the world. Many drivers turn to diesel programmers and tuners to get the most out of these powerful motors. These devices allow drivers to customize various engine settings, boosting performance and fuel economy. Here's the story behind diesel programmers and tuners, including why people use them and what they do for the vehicle.

A Fresh Look at Diesel Programmers & Tuners

So, what is a tuner for diesel engines? A diesel programmer adjusts the air and fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber. This allows drivers to improve engine efficiency while also maximizing power output. Modern tuners can improve fuel economy by up to 16%. In fact, tuners are often used by truck owners who wish to optimize their vehicle's performance, especially if they intend to keep their rig for years to come.

What Exactly Does a Tuner Do?

A diesel tuner can adjust several things. The first is the amount of fuel entering the engine through the injectors. This means that, ideally, there will be no need for additional equipment to supply extra fuel. The second adjustment is the injection timing. Fuel injection timing refers to when the engine control module commands fuel injection based on engine position and rotation. 

There are two types of injection timing: before top dead center (BTDC) and after top dead center (ATDC). Advancing and retarding injection timing injects fuel before or after top dead center of the piston in the cylinder. Most of the time, fuel is injected slightly before TDC to allow atomization of the fuel, and the combustion piston compresses the air-to-fuel mixture.

A tuner can make changes to optimize how these systems work together. The timing is important because it determines where the diesel's combustion cycle will be introduced. This can maximize power and torque while maintaining a proper air-to-fuel ratio if done correctly.

The last major thing that a tuner can adjust is boost pressure. Boost pressure refers to the amount of extra air that is pushed into the combustion chamber during operation. A tuner can make the appropriate adjustments to optimize this as well.

These changes are important because they ultimately determine how much power your engine puts out, which is why diesel enthusiasts install tuners to get the most out of their engines. Tuners are not necessarily universal, so for example, if you own a Dodge, it's best to buy a Dodge Cummins tuner for ease of use.

The story behind diesel programmers and tuners has come a long way from the early mechanical devices to the smart and digital devices we know today.

Conclusion

If you're ready to take your truck to the next level and need a diesel programmer or tuner, Norcal Diesel Performance offers a large selection of top aftermarket brands. With years of expertise and a team of dedicated team members, our extensive inventory makes us the go-to source for all your performance diesel products.