[datax2]

This article is covering two different topics and trying to make it seem like one thing that it is not...

1. GM is using an ML model for their "torque management" which is a fancy of of saying a linear feel pedal. 2. This new generation of ecu has more encryption... every new generation of GM ecu has more lockouts.

The author alludes to how tuner will not be able to beat GM's torque mapping controls with aftermarket tuning. Sure... but often times turners are not targeting the drivablity mapping of an OEM tune, they are targeting fuel, ignition, and or boost mapping to compensate for better fuels, more VE (turbos), or other power adders.

TBH on flagship sports cars, we are on the knifes edge of optimizations for most platforms; most aftermarket solutions are now just lop-siding the maximized "any condition" performance OE's seek for simply more power. Power that typically will sacrifice either low end, drivability, and or reliability. The sweet spot for performance tuning now a days exist in the middle range of vehicles for most manufactures where engines are not focused on their ultimate tuning potential VS reliability.

This all being said, these torque management strategies are nothing new, GM is just using fancy math blocks within their ecu that can account for more inputs and a higher resolution. Modern standalone ecus like Emtron and Motec utilize these types of torque strategies to better pair with modern high end transmissions like the 8hp90 and DL800. These transmissions need to communicate with the ECU to ensure power delivery from the engine works with shifting performance and clutch engagement.

[genter]

OEM's are still worried about emissions, aftermarket tunes are not.

For example, enabling power enrichment at less throttle opening will improve performance and allow you to run a little bit more timing, but also increase hydrocarbon emissions.

[bluGill]

There is the big one - OEMs have to meet mandated emissions regulations and governments check (see VW). Aftermarket legally has to meet the same regulations, but in practice (at least so far) they mostly have not been checked, and if they are checked it is only after they have sold something and got it installed on a car, while OEMs get checked before they sell anything. Which is to say aftermarket is generally just trading power/fuel efficiency (often both) for worse emissions.

[datax2]

Yes and no...

Look at Holley aka Dinan aka APR. They are a publicly traded tuning company. The aftermarket tuning they offer meets emissions standards while still offering better performance than OEM. So yes they are not "legally" required, they still do it to meet state and national laws and to avoid toe stepping.

Yes the little guy tuners don't really care about NOX emissions guidelines mostly because they have no way of measuring the difference their tunes may produce. At the end of the day most OE emissions systems will catch these emissions, and pretty much all aftermarket tuners do not endorse removing emissions systems. to say a tune, or aftermarket parts result in worse emissions is not really the truth. to say the end user removing their cats or emissions systems results in worse emissions is true.

[bluGill]

A few years ago all the chip your truck billboards I saw were about removing the EGR value for more power, so they for sure were endorsing removing emissions systems. Though this was about diesel engines and I understand the EPA cracked down on those hard a few years ago. Perhaps the only tuners left put some effort into emissions.

[datax2]

Absolutely, in the past some tuning companies had no issue recommending removing emissions equipment, but then standards and laws changed and most if not all companies complied. Banks power is a good example of a diesel tuner who does not advise on removing EGRs.

In the area of emissions management aftermarkets have found symbiosis. Not only has there become aftermarket manufactures of higher performing both in emissions and performance catalytic converters (G-Sport by GESi). But alot of tuners acknowledge that engine performance can be improved with a well catalyzed exhaust system.