What Is The ALS?
ALS or Anti-Lag System (a.k.a. Misfiring System) is a term referring to a technical solution that maximizes the efficiency of turbocharged engines by reducing the delay of turbocharger’s response. The system is rather old - it was conceived in the ‘80s - but its popularity and importance is on the rise lately due to the constant reduction of engine capacity in newer cars.
Turbocharger’s delay - the time between pushing the accelerator pedal and the increase in engine power from the turbo - is a common trait of these devices. It comes from the inertia of their rotating components - the bigger the rotor, the longer the delay.
The rotors use the engine's exhaust gases as propeller force - the heavier they are, the higher pressure is needed to move them (and the longer you have to wait for the turbo's response). This means that cars, both street and racing, packing large turbochargers must either suffer from poor throttle response or implement other solutions. Drag cars have it way easier - all they need is a combination of start and gain controllers allowing free high-speed engine’s rotation that can move the turbo’s rotor before starting it. Cars that constantly switch between accelerating and braking (e.g., rally cars) use other, often more complicated, solutions like the ALS/Misfiring system.
Anti-Lag Systems can be integrated with the engine or be installed as standalone devices.
How Do ALSs Work?
ALS or Anti-Lag System (a.k.a. Misfiring System) is a term referring to a technical solution that maximizes the efficiency of turbocharged engines by reducing the delay of turbocharger’s response. The system is rather old - it was conceived in the ‘80s - but its popularity and importance is on the rise lately due to the constant reduction of engine capacity in newer cars.
Unfortunately, this solution has rather severe disadvantages. The turbocharger and its components are put through a lot of strain by the combustion force, which significantly shortens their lifespan. It’s best illustrated by the World Rally Championship (WRC) - cars that take part in it usually have their turbochargers replaced after every race. That gives you a rough idea on how destructive the delay-countering forces can be.
Anti-Lag Remapping
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ASLs Types
ALSs can operate in a few different ways, depending on the way they're adding extra fuel-air mix to the exhaust manifold. Nowadays, anti-lags are mostly computer-based (as a standalone device or an OEM ECU function) - they work by modifying the fuel and ignition mapping when the throttle is closed. Thanks to the ignition delay, the extra fuel passes through the engine without burning and ignites only after reaching the turbocharger.
In addition, some use different methods of pumping air into the exhaust system, modifying the design with valves, pipes, and creating inherent vacuums in some intake systems.
Depending on its settings, the ALS can tremendously boost any turbocharged vehicle’s performance. But due to its destructive force shortening the turbo’s lifespan, it’s a costly solution. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider alternative, more cost-friendly solutions.
Advantage:
- Overall increase in turbocharger’s efficiency
- Less strain on the engine when releasing throttle
- Significantly higher engine performance
- Adds some flamboyance to your car - exhaust flames and characteristic “pop” sounds
Disadvantages:
- Shortens the lifespan of turbo and engine
- Shortens the lifespan of catalyst
- Might be illegal in your area
- Needs servomechanism to be installed in case of failure
- Isn’t suitable for regular street cars
- Generates very loud noises