Throttle Controllers

Fitting a throttle controller is one of the most popular and impactful performance enhancing modifications you can make to your late model vehicle. Even better, throttle controllers are relatively cheap to purchase and easy to install, yielding night and day gains in just a matter of minutes and for little more than a few hundred dollars.

What is a Throttle Controller?

A throttle controller is an automotive device that modifies the way the accelerator pedal input is translated into engine power output. It's designed to enhance the responsiveness of a vehicle's throttle, allowing the driver to experience quicker (or slower) acceleration and increased (or reduced) throttle sensitivity.

In traditional cable throttles found in older vehicles, the relationship between the throttle pedal position and the throttle opening are fixed. This is because the accelerator pedal is connected directly to the throttle body via a mechanical link. In more modern vehicles equipped with an electronic control unit and an electronic drive-by-wire throttle body, the relationship between throttle input and the amount of throttle body opening is determined by the logic of the ECU. The specific behaviour of the throttle opening can be influenced by a several considerations including comfort, fuel economy and prevention of shock to the driveline. This can present no particular issues in typical driving situations, but can result in a rather lethargic throttle response that can be far from ideal in other driving situations. However, it is possible to markedly improve the throttle response and behavioural characteristics of the vehicle by modifying the signals sent from the accelerator pedal position sensor (APPS) to the electronic control unit (ECU) by fitting an aftermarket throttle controller.

What does a Throttle Controller do?

Throttle controllers often offer multiple modes or settings that allow the driver to choose between different levels of responsiveness. They can be particularly useful in situations where immediate acceleration is desired, such as merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles. It's important to note that while throttle controllers can provide a perceived improvement in responsiveness, they do not actually increase the engine's power output or change its performance capabilities.

Throttle controllers can be installed in a vehicle's electronic system. Some modern vehicles also come equipped with built-in throttle response adjustment options that allow drivers to change the throttle sensitivity to some extent using the vehicle's onboard settings.

Before considering the installation of a throttle controller, it's recommended to research the specific device, read reviews, and understand potential impacts on fuel efficiency, emissions, and vehicle warranty, as modifications to a vehicle's electronics may have implications.

Throttle Controllers at Automotive Superstore

Here at Automotive Superstore we stock throttle controllers from all the major players including Aeroflow, Command, Direction Plus, K&N Filters, M81, Plazmaman, SAAS and Ultimate9, allowing us to provide the right performance characteristics, form factor and aesthetic to best suit your unique tastes and preferences. We also stock a range of throttle controller accessories, helping you to achieve the athetic and mount configuration that best suits your unique preferences and vehicle.