Is Direct Injection Really The Death Of Performance?
Many are worried about this still new technology known as direct injection. Should they be?
Direct Injection: Two words that make many auto enthusiasts declare that ECU tuning is dead. Some say they won’t be able to modify their cars or trucks if it comes with direct injection (DI). Is direct injection really the problem many drivers fear? I had to witness this for myself. I went to New Era Performance where they have been working with the EcoTec3 engines and pushing some big numbers.
DI is certainly a challenge to work with. However, at the end of the day it’s still about maximizing the four basics: fuel, ignition, compression, and air. Even if the ECU seemingly becomes more complicated because of the technology of putting the injector right into the combustion chamber, it’s not the issue. With direct injection, fuel timing and duration becomes more important than on a port or runner injection. Many aftermarket ECUs have been capable of dealing with direct engine for some time. You can still tune your DI GM engine with something like HP Tuners, as New Era Performance does with most of their shop and customer trucks.
“Everything is torque based,” said Alex Esparza, owner of New Era Performance. When talking about tuning the ECU on these LT-based EcoTec3s, Esparza says “the motors also like to run a little bit leaner with a lot more compression and less timing.”
The direct-injected test subject.
Even this 2015 GMC Sierra (pictured above) has its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ECU still in place and has been tuned with an HP Tuners tune from Esparza. With its big BorgWarner turbocharger, water/methanol injection, and custom made turbo manifolds, it’s still possible to tune it with the GM ECU and an aftermarket tuner. This truck has made over 800-horsepower on the dyno with this combination, along with the four-wheel-drive and 6L80 transmission. Says Esparza, “It’s taken us a few years, but I think we’ve found a way to work with it.”
Our verdict? There’s nothing to fear with direct injection. It can still deliver all the power you want. So, if you happen to see a new Sierra or Silverado with a New Era Performance decal, expect it to blow right by you while still hauling all the toys the owner wants. What do you think? Sound off in the forums and let us know.
