Do Throttle Controllers Really Work?
Do throttle response controllers really work? The short answer is yes - in our experience they do really work. But there is a lot of misinformation and marketing hype out there about electronic throttle controllers (ETC's) that causes confusion. To clear that up, let's talk about what they don't do.
Learn about the positives and misinformation about throttle response controllers and our staff's reactions to ShiftPower Throttle Response Controller.
Clearing Up A Couple Of Myths About Throttle Response Controllers
Like many high tech products, there are a few myths out there about the capabilities of ETC's. To clear those up, let's talk about what they don't do. ETC's will not:
- Increase the power output of your engine.
- Make your car faster.
- Improve your gas mileage.
There is also some negative misinformation about throttle controllers. If you are considering an ETC, it's important to know that it will not:
- Impact your pollution control system in any way. Your vehicle will pass emissions testing with no problem.
- Void your warranty. The ETC doesn't affect the basic functioning of the engine or transmission in any way.
- Change the fuel map of the engine. It remains as the OEM designed it.
- Change the transmission shift points. They stay the same.
After reading those lists, you might be wondering what an electronic throttle response controller actually does.
Click here for our 101 crash course in Electronic Throttle Control System >
What Does An Electronic Throttle Controller Actually Do?
To answer that question, it is helpful to understand what is happening under the hood. In the old days, the gas pedal was directly connected to the throttle plate with a cable. Response to the gas pedal was instantaneous. In modern cars, the electronic control unit (ECU) gets signals from the gas pedal and a bunch of other things in the car. The ECU processes that information, and then tells the throttle plate how to behave. For several reasons, this can result in a throttle response that is not very responsive.
An ETC causes the engine to respond to inputs from the gas pedal more quickly. It takes the input from the gas pedal, tunes it, and sends it to the ECU. This causes the ECU to make the throttle plate open or close more quickly. This has several benefits:
- The car feels more responsive to the gas pedal.
- The driver has greater control over the timing of acceleration or deceleration.
- Driving is more fun!
ISS Automotive Reviews The ShiftPower Throttle Response Controller:
ISS Automotive recently decided to carry the ShiftPower Throttle Response Controller. Before making that decisions, we had the same question many people have. Do electronic throttle controllers really work? So we got a few of them, and installed the ETC's on employee's vehicles. Here is some of the feedback we received:
"I was skeptical about the accelerator response but it's been more responsive on the pedal and I feel more in control. Based on my driving style, I am not seeing my MPG go down which is not what I expected." Kim - Lead Engineer
"I love that it's was easy to install and makes the vehicle accelerate much smoother. I feel more in control of the throttle and there are no issues with quality." Ron - CEO
"I like that it is easy to notice changes when driving, it's been a lot easier to be smooth with my acceleration without putting as much pressure on the pedal." Mike - Lead Sales
There are many pro’s about these products and we really think you will enjoy them. Our team thinks these are worth getting for an easy upgrade to your vehicle's accelerator performance. The bottom line is if you want better throttle response with your vehicle then yes they work!
Click here to check out why ShiftPower is an awesome Throttle Response Controller