Italian tune up

Arklight

Is it true if I redline my car enough it'll start to go like the bejesus at no cost to me?

I hear that the ECU learns how you drive or something?

Sea_Shell

It maybe an urban myth, but I think if the car is all up to temperature, then blowing away the cobwebs can do it some good. Not on a cold engine though. I don't think you'll increase performance, but it might stop you losing some.

Someone will be along in a moment to debunk the theory, I'm sure!!

Robisere

What make/model of car?

Check the handbook and see what it says about Octane Ratings for the fuel it can take. If it shows as 95 and 98 octane can be used, then the ECU chip will have that capability.

I run my little Hundai iX20 on Shell V-Power and it certainly does go. But it also states in the handbook that it can use 98 octane and that this will give greater use of the twin cam, 125 bhp,12v per cylinders, light body. It certainly accelerates faster with 98 octane and I use that all the time now. This may answer some of your questions:
https://www.motorist.sg/article/96/95-vs-98-petrol-are-you-wasting-your-money-on-premium-fuel

Before the debunkers come along to tell me that it makes no difference, let me draw their attention to the engine figures above. And yes, it's a special that I was lucky to get. I wasn't after high top speed, only better acceleration and smoother running. I got that, but probably suffer a little on MPG, which I accept.

Jackmydad

I don't know about better performance, but what I do know is that if you redline your engine enough, you will eventually hear a very expensive bang. . .

d123

Arklight wrote: »

Is it true if I redline my car enough it'll start to go like the bejesus at no cost to me?

That’s not an Italian tune up. It’s not sitting redlining the engine, it’s a “rather brisk and enthusiastic” drive using the revs liberally.

An Italian tuneup usually refers to a process whereby a motor vehicle engine is run at full load for extended periods in order to burn carbon buildup from the combustion chambers, spark plugs, and exhaust system.[1][2] It is performed after a traditional tuneup and often accompanied by an addition of fuel system cleaner to the fuel tank. This can also be performed before each oil change interval with the addition of a good quality fuel system cleaner,[citation needed] then a few redline runs under load, after the engine has reached operating temperatures. Most carbon will escape through the exhaust but traces will find their way to the oil pan, hence doing so just prior to an oil change. It is particularly useful for vehicles that are only operated at low speeds on short journeys, but can help any vehicle to run cleaner longer, and for diesel vehicles prior to emissions testing. Driving for 20 km (12 miles) is typical.[3]


The origin of the Italian tuneup comes from Ferrari. Owners would drive their cars infrequently and never run them hard, which causes the engine to build up enough carbon inside to affect performance. Mechanics would perform a "tuneup" by driving several laps around a race track to get the engine hot enough to burn out the built up carbon.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_tuneup

Chrishazle

Have you got a diesel with a DPF? If so, an occasional blast will regenerate the DPF which is good news, it's also useful when taking the car for MoT as it can reduce the MoT measured emissions.


As for the gearbox learning how you drive - some cars can do this, I have 2 of these, but find that even if I've been driving like Miss Daisy for a week then plant the right foot, the car responds properly! I certainly would not think of routinely and often redlining either car, as above it would not do engine longevity any favours!

Norman_Castle

Arklight wrote: »

Is it true if I redline my car enough it'll start to go like the bejesus at no cost to me?

I hear that the ECU learns how you drive or something?

Italian tune ups are done by car jerks kidding themselves they know something about cars. They also check the tyres by kicking them.


If you do this the ECU will learn you are gullible.

MEM62

Arklight wrote: »

Is it true if I redline my car enough it'll start to go like the bejesus at no cost to me?

Oh yes! That's it! That is exactly how it works. Give it a go and report back with the results.

Takmon

Robisere wrote: »

What make/model of car?

Check the handbook and see what it says about Octane Ratings for the fuel it can take. If it shows as 95 and 98 octane can be used, then the ECU chip will have that capability.

I run my little Hundai iX20 on Shell V-Power and it certainly does go. But it also states in the handbook that it can use 98 octane and that this will give greater use of the twin cam, 125 bhp,12v per cylinders, light body. It certainly accelerates faster with 98 octane and I use that all the time now. This may answer some of your questions:
https://www.motorist.sg/article/96/95-vs-98-petrol-are-you-wasting-your-money-on-premium-fuel

Before the debunkers come along to tell me that it makes no difference, let me draw their attention to the engine figures above. And yes, it's a special that I was lucky to get. I wasn't after high top speed, only better acceleration and smoother running. I got that, but probably suffer a little on MPG, which I accept.

If anyone says that Octane ratings don't make a difference then they don't know what they are talking about.

A car setup for higher Octane fuel will be able to compress the fuel more before ignition which increases the horsepower. This also means if you drive it sensibly you will actually be able to get a better MPG from the higher Octane fuel because less fuel will be required for the same amount of power output.
So i would recommend higher Octane fuel to anyone who has a Petrol car this is even remotely sporty and/or modern.

JJ_Egan

If its Diesel make sure it has a hot run at least every two months .Especially if it just potters about normally .

60- 70 mph for about ten miles to clear carbon . At the end you can do a little mini burn up .

agrinnall

Takmon wrote: »

If anyone says that Octane ratings don't make a difference then they don't know what they are talking about.

A car setup for higher Octane fuel...

And there's the rub, most cars are not set up to use higher octane fuel.