The advent of electronic throttle (or drive-by-wire) systems in
late model cars presents a unique tuning opportunity. On these
cars, the throttle plate is modulated by an electronic signal that
is connected to the accelerator pedal. Because this system is based
upon voltage readings from a sensor, it can be easily modified with
an electronic controller. Controlling the ratio of
pedal-to-throttle opening allows the driver to dial in precisely
the feeling needed, whether its quick blips of the throttle for
heel-toe driving technique or de-sensitizing the pedal for economy
mode driving. Now, the driver has this under his control with the
Buddy Club e-Throttle Booster.
Features
Utilizing the latest microprocessor technology, the e-Throttle
Booster modifies the signal between accelerator pedal,
ECU, and throttle body to boost or cut the angle of
the throttle plate in relation to its stock settings. The
e-Throttle Booster allows for 12-steps of adjustment and 31 levels
of total adjustment throughout the range of the throttle position
sensor, allowing for precision changes according to driver
preference. At low ranges, it reduces the perceived effect of
throttle lag the amount of time that occurs between when the
accelerator is pressed and when the engine responds. At the upper
RPM ranges, the increased sensitivity makes it easier
to perform racing techniques like the heel-toe shift. Each unit
comes with an application specific wiring harness for quick
installation.
Benefits
Since it is adjustable, the driver can change preferences on the
fly or leave them set up for track or off-road preference.
E-Throttle Booster also utilizes an Economy Mode that allows the
driver to de-tune throttle response for the most fuel economy with
the least amount of driver effort. This new idea is now being
implemented as optional equipment on late model vehicles, and may
soon be an available feature on all new electronic throttle cars.
The increase in fuel savings will more than pay for the unit itself
in a short amount of time. Conversely, dual-purpose vehicles that
see highway time in addition to serving weekend warrior duty can
now implement an additional level of automatic control and
fine-tuning thats never been available before. A quick flick of the
knob is all it takes to maximize your throttle effort. Like the
short throw shifters that came before them, the e-Throttle Booster
incorporates technology and an revised driving experience that will
have you hooked once you try it. You may never have to push the
pedal to the metal to achieve the wide-open throttle response that
you need during spirited driving maneuvers.
Technical
Electronic throttle or drive-by-wire throttle systems utilize a
sensor incorporated into the vehicles main Engine Control Unit
(ECU) to translate your mechanical pedal effort into
electronically modulated opening and closing of the throttle plate
in the throttle body. From the factory, the ratio of pedal movement
to throttle plate opening is governed by the ECU and
is meant to provide the most reasonable compromise between pedal
sensitivity and throttle plate movement. The e-Throttle Booster
acts as a modifier of that signal, allowing you to increase or
decrease the ratio at will, fine tuning the pedal actuation
experience to the driving task at hand. With its fast
microprocessors, the e-Throttle Booster can virtually eliminate the
perceived lag between pedal and throttle plate; it also has the
capability to modify the total angle opening of the throttle plate
in real time, allowing more air (and therefore, more power
production ability) into the engine intake tract Because of the
method used to intercept and modify the signal, as well as the
point in the ECU system where the signal is modified,
the e-Throttle Booster will not be detected by the cars
OBDII system; therefore, the factory ECU
cannot override your settings, nor will the e-Throttle Booster
cause Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
