Throttle Body & Engine Management Kits

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Throttle Body and Engine Management Kits

How Throttle Body and Engine Management Kits Can Improve a Car

A Throttle Body consists of tubes that house the valves found between your engine’s intake manifold and air filter. Its primary task is to control the amount of air entering a fuel injected engine. This is different in an electronically fueled car where an air flow sensor and a throttle position sensor communicates with the computer. In return, the computer supplies the fuel needed at the injectors. An Engine Management System, on the other hand, is a system that regulates actuators on an internal combustion engine so as to promote optimal engine performance. It is probably the smartest component of the modern vehicle. The main role of the engine management system is to control the amount of fuel and air entering the engine in order to ensure correct ratios of the two elements. That way, the vehicle will run efficiently.

The main and most important part of the engine management system is the engine control unit (ECU). This part receives data from the many sensors in the engine, meaning it processes all important information about the engine. The data includes the temperature and speed of the intake air. With this data, the ECU is able to perform many calculations in order to determine how each sensor should respond in order to ensure optimum engine performance.

The sensors that feed data to the ECU include:

  • Oxygen sensor
  • Coolant temperature sensor
  • Mass air flow sensor
  • Throttle position sensor
  • Manifold absolute temperature sensor
  • Knock sensor
  • Crankshaft sensor
  • Camshaft sensor
  • ABS sensor
  • Oil pressure switch
  • DPF sensor

Importance of the Throttle and Engine Management System

Looking at the functions of both these systems, it is clear that they both play very essential roles in the performance of a motor vehicle. So how exactly can the throttle bodies and the engine management kit lead to an improved car?

The Engine Management Kit

The engine management kit is basically the operating system of an engine. These kits help to ensure that your vehicle’s engine runs efficiently, and this reduces your car’s emissions. An engine management system also improves the fuel economy of your car by controlling the air to fuel ratio in the engine. It is the engine management systems which regulate and determine the amount of fuel that will be injected into the engine based on several sensor reading.

Oxygen sensors in your car inform the engine management system whether the engine itself is running rich (too little oxygen or too much fuel) or running lean (too little fuel or too much oxygen). Throttle frame, on the other hand, improves your car’s airflow. This makes your car more powerful. The reason behind this is that the presence of more air in your car’s engine allows more fuel to be burned, and this is the source of the car’s power.

What is a Throttle Body

Throttle bodies improves your car’s throttle response. Throttle response, which is also referred to as the vehicle’s responsiveness, is usually a measure of how fast your vehicle’s prime mover can increase its power output in response to acceleration. So, how does this important part of your car’s air intake system improve your car’s throttle response?

A throttle shaft is simply a valve and a majority of automakers usually measure airflow at peak rpm. This means that if, for instance, you select a throttle frame diameter that will ensure 50 per cent throttle produces 50 per cent airflow. This will help to increase your car’s smooth drivability since it will be producing a more gradual response. This is because the valves on a throttle bodies are designed to open relatively wider at low rpm’s which causes power to be created with less delay.

A throttle shaft also makes your car to have a better fuel economy while engine management system help to control your car engine’s idle speed which is very important. If your car’s engine idle speed goes too low, it can result in extremely low oil pressure when the engine is hot. This makes your car wear faster and is a risk of possible convulsion. It is important to ensure that the idle speed of your car’s engine is right to avoid these setbacks which can turn out to be very costly.

Last, engine management kits control variable valve timing. This means that ECU regulates the time at which the valve opens in an engine cycle and this also makes your car have a better fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Throttle Body & Engine Management Kits

Is it worth fitting a performance air filter?

Fitting a performance air filter can offer several benefits:

  • Improved Airflow: Performance air filters are designed to increase airflow to the engine, which can enhance performance.
  • Better Engine Efficiency: With improved airflow, the engine can operate more efficiently, potentially leading to better fuel economy.
  • Enhanced Throttle Response: Many users report a more responsive throttle, which can improve driving experience.
  • Longer Lifespan: Performance filters are often reusable and can last longer than standard filters, reducing replacement costs over time.
  • Potential Power Gains: Some drivers experience a slight increase in horsepower, although this can vary based on the vehicle and filter type.
However, the actual benefits can depend on the specific vehicle and driving conditions.

What does a higher lift camshaft do?

A higher lift camshaft increases the amount of valve lift, allowing the engine to draw in more air and fuel during the intake stroke. This can lead to improved engine performance in several ways:

  • Increased Airflow: More air entering the combustion chamber can enhance combustion efficiency.
  • Higher Power Output: With better airflow, the engine can produce more power, especially at higher RPMs.
  • Improved Torque: A higher lift can also contribute to increased torque, particularly in performance applications.
  • Enhanced Throttle Response: The engine may respond more quickly to throttle inputs due to improved airflow dynamics.
However, it is important to consider that a higher lift camshaft may require additional modifications to the engine, such as upgraded valve springs and potentially changes to the engine's tuning.

What makes a cam aggressive?

An aggressive camshaft is characterised by several key features that enhance engine performance. These include:

  • Increased Lift: Higher lift allows the engine to draw in more air and fuel, improving combustion efficiency.
  • Longer Duration: A longer duration keeps the intake and exhaust valves open for a greater portion of the engine cycle, allowing for better airflow.
  • Steeper Ramp Rates: Faster opening and closing of the valves can lead to more power at higher RPMs.
  • Overlap: Increased overlap between the intake and exhaust valves can enhance performance by improving scavenging of exhaust gases.
  • Profile Shape: The specific shape of the cam lobes can influence how the engine responds at different RPMs, with aggressive profiles typically favouring high RPM performance.
These characteristics contribute to a camshaft that provides more power and responsiveness, particularly in performance-oriented applications.

What are the cons of camming your car?

Camming your car can enhance performance, but it also comes with several drawbacks:

  • Increased Engine Wear: A camshaft can put additional stress on engine components, leading to faster wear and potential failure.
  • Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Performance cams often result in lower fuel economy due to altered air-fuel mixtures.
  • Compromised Driveability: Cams can affect low-end torque, making the car less responsive at lower RPMs.
  • Noise Levels: Performance cams can increase engine noise, which may not be desirable for all drivers.
  • Potential Emissions Issues: Altered engine performance can lead to higher emissions, potentially causing issues with regulations.
  • Cost of Installation: Upgrading to a performance camshaft can be expensive, including parts and labour.
  • Compatibility Issues: Not all engines are compatible with aftermarket cams, which can limit options.

Do camshafts change engine sound?

Yes, camshafts can change the engine sound. The design and specifications of a camshaft influence the timing and duration of valve openings, which affects the engine's performance and acoustics. Factors that contribute to changes in engine sound include:

  • Lift and Duration: Higher lift and longer duration can create a more aggressive sound.
  • Profile: Different camshaft profiles can alter the exhaust note.
  • Engine RPM: Camshafts designed for higher RPMs may produce a different sound compared to those for lower RPMs.
  • Engine Type: The overall engine configuration (e.g., V8, inline) also affects how camshaft changes impact sound.

Why do cammed cars sound choppy?

Cammed cars sound choppy primarily due to the characteristics of the camshaft profile. Here are the main reasons:

  • Lift and Duration: A camshaft with higher lift and longer duration allows more air and fuel into the engine, creating a more aggressive sound.
  • Overlap: Increased overlap between the intake and exhaust valves can lead to a rougher idle, contributing to the choppy sound.
  • Idle Speed: Cams designed for performance often require a higher idle speed, which can accentuate the choppy noise.
  • Exhaust Note: The changes in exhaust flow dynamics due to the cam profile can alter the exhaust note, making it sound more aggressive and choppy.

Does camshaft affect acceleration?

Yes, the camshaft does affect acceleration. The camshaft controls the timing and duration of the engine's valve openings, which directly influences engine performance. Key factors include:

  • Valve Timing: Proper timing allows for optimal air-fuel mixture intake and exhaust gas expulsion, enhancing engine efficiency.
  • Lift and Duration: Higher lift and longer duration can improve power output at higher RPMs, which can lead to better acceleration.
  • Engine Tuning: A camshaft designed for performance can shift the power band, affecting how quickly the engine accelerates.
In summary, the design and specifications of the camshaft play a crucial role in determining how effectively an engine can accelerate.

Does camming a car make it louder?

Camming a car typically involves installing a performance camshaft, which can indeed make the engine louder. This increase in noise is due to several factors:

  • Increased Airflow: A performance camshaft allows for greater airflow into and out of the engine, which can enhance the exhaust note.
  • Higher RPMs: Cams designed for performance often operate at higher RPMs, producing a more aggressive sound.
  • Exhaust System Interaction: The camshaft can change the way exhaust gases exit the engine, potentially amplifying the sound through the exhaust system.
Overall, while camming a car can lead to a louder engine sound, the extent of the increase will depend on the specific camshaft used and the overall setup of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace a camshaft?

The cost to replace a camshaft can vary significantly based on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, labour costs, and whether you choose an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part. Typical costs include:

  • Parts: £200 to £1,000
  • Labour: £300 to £800
Overall, the total cost for camshaft replacement can range from approximately £500 to £1,800. Always consult with a mechanic for a precise estimate based on your specific vehicle.

Do camshafts increase horsepower?

Yes, camshafts can increase horsepower. They play a crucial role in controlling the timing and duration of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Upgrading to a performance camshaft can enhance airflow, improve engine efficiency, and increase power output. Benefits of a performance camshaft include:

  • Improved airflow into and out of the engine
  • Increased torque and horsepower at higher RPMs
  • Better throttle response
  • Optimised engine performance for specific driving conditions
However, the extent of the horsepower increase depends on various factors, including the engine type, other modifications, and tuning.

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