German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) is the premier shop for BMW, Mini, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi repair in Nashville. For nearly two decades, the state-of-the-art garage has brought expert service and quality parts to the local area. But more than repairs, GPO Tuning offers precision vehicle upgrades and performance enhancing solutions. The following quick Q&A offers more insight into tuning.
Q: What is performance tuning?
GPO Tuning: Performance tuning is essentially the act of elevating a vehicle from its manufacturer specifications to enhance speed, acceleration, handling, and braking. Most people think of performance tuning as something only done to race cars when, in actuality, many cars you see out on the street today have been modified simply to forge a better driving experience.
Q: Does GPO tuning offer street-legal modifications?
GPO Tuning: Absolutely. Although we can certainly ramp up the horsepower and handling capabilities of a racing-modified vehicle, the bulk of our work is done on people’s personal autos. Often, these are “everyday” drivers, but we also offer services for race cars.
Q: What are some common tuning services?
GPO Tuning: Computer Tuning (ECU/DME flashing) is the most common upgrade we perform, we offer APR, Active Autowerke, GIAC and Malone tuning for a wide range of performance tuning options. Also in the Middle Tennessee area, we see a lot of suspension upgrades. Not to point fingers (sorry, TDOT!), but road conditions around Nashville don’t always make for a smooth drive. An upgraded suspension helps to dampen vibration while absorbing shock when hitting potholes, cracks, and other gaps in the pavement at high speeds. Stiffer springs and high-end shock absorbers add strength to the suspension system, so the vehicle’s internal structure doesn’t become damaged from the added weight from further aftermarket work.
Q: How does fuel injection work?
GPO Tuning: Older engines typically run off a mixture of air and fuel delivered via the carburetor. Unfortunately, due to positioning, a single carburetor can’t provide each cylinder the exact same combination of gasoline and air. A fuel injector bypasses this system to provide a steady supply of combustible materials to the engine. This results in maximum fuel delivery. Often, a fuel injection upgrade is combined with a similarly capable fuel pump. This ups the vehicles fuel efficiency and power while reducing emissions. For customers wishing for even more horsepower, we offer turbocharger upgrades.
Q: How can a vehicle owner ensure their car can handle increased torque and horsepower?
GPO Tuning: There are many ways to increase a vehicle’s usability of upgrades. However, one of the most effective is a transmission upgrade. A performance clutch and transmission system allow a vehicle to shift faster, which results in acceleration capabilities that match fuel delivery capacity. Many vehicles receive multiple upgrades at once so that owners can enjoy an unparalleled driving experience immediately. Also for DSG equipped cars, a fluid and filter service at the recommended intervals is imperative for longevity, tuned or not.
Q: Why does an exhaust alter the sound of a vehicle makes?
GPO Tuning: A vehicle’s exhaust system works to both dampen noise and trap harmful fumes. It is made up of many parts including the exhaust resonator, muffler, catalytic converter and tailpipes. And upgraded the system can be performed so that desirable sounds are not stifled. In addition to giving a vehicle a specific tone, an upgraded exhaust system can further increase performance and alter the appearance of the vehicle.
For the most advanced BMW, Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen repair in Nashville, trust GPO Tuning’s staff of performance specialists.