When advancing the timing of an engine to gain a few more horsepower numbers, you begin to crossover into the dangerous "Detonation Zone." Increasing the timing is like stretching a rubber band to its limits, holding it, and hoping it doesn't break.
With today's incredible advancement of OEM computer technology, the micro parameters have made adjustments much more manageable. After the introduction to computers some 40 years ago, the technology has accelerated at warp speed. With computers building computers, humans have been eliminated from the equation.
Today's automotive computers have changed the performance aftermarket industry forever. Custom truck enthusiasts are becoming more computer savvy; in doing so, we are seeing the hobby taken to the next level. Sure, we still have the none-computer custom trucks that are just as impressive but maybe not as refined as computer-aided rides.
Looking at computers from the engine performance side, it's amazing to see how they increase efficiency on electronic ignition with a more intense, multi-spark, thereby creating a hotter, cleaner fuel burn that creates more power. Engine sensors transmit data to the computer within milliseconds, allowing it to make fine adjustments to the fuel delivery and electronic ignition systems.
To improve the handling and braking performance, sensors are used to transmit braking, ABS, cornering loads, and traction control information. Even ride-height adjusting sensors continually fine-tune the vehicle's airbag/shock system on all four corners or just the rear during increased load capacity or decreased ground clearance, making the performance of today's advanced vehicles all that much better.
As we continue to advance our custom truck hobby with today's computer technology, we do find some limitations and durability issues. Computers are very sensitive to heat, dust, and vibration-all of which can cause failure. Electronic glitches that are not detectable can become a technical nightmare that seemingly present no rhyme or reason. When a computer fails due to these sensitivities, just diagnosing the problem can be an arduous task. Without the proper diagnostic scanner or tool, it's almost like a dog chasing its tail.
Fortunately, with the ease of computer module systems, when the problem is diagnosed, many times, just the particular module can be replaced and resumed to normal operations. Without spending thousands of dollars for quality diagnostic scanning equipment, a failed vehicle must be taken to a technician.
The days of diagnosing the problem and correcting it in your garage or driveway are gone. A simple tune-up isn't going to cut it; it seems you need a complete chassis dyno with exotic computer-aged diagnostic equipment that becomes obsolete every year.
The old-school technology doesn't come with all the go-fast computer equipment and fancy diagnostic accessories needed to figure out what happened when something fails. But when you're broken down on the side of the road with the hood up on your bling bling, late-model scratchin' your head trying to figure out what diagnostic scanner to use, listen for the rumble of an ol' fart's early model with a flathead coming down the road. You might have to ditch your ego and wave him down.