| ECU remapping is basically fine tuning the software | | | | These can actually damage your engine as they are |
| program that controls your engine management | | | | not specific to your vehicle. |
| system (ECU). Most reputable companies use | | | | Before remapping your ECU any reputable company |
| bespoke maps that are tailored to your car and your | | | | should carry out a full diagnostics check of your engine |
| own individual requirements. | | | | and advise you accordingly if there are any potential |
| Today's modern engines rely heavily on computer | | | | problems or components that need replacing. Please |
| controlled engine management systems. Basically each | | | | be aware that, although remapping/chipping an ECU |
| engine has an array of sensors which monitor lots of | | | | does not cause failure it can exasperate already failing |
| things such as throttle position, crank position, airflow | | | | components. In order to assure a quality ECU |
| etc. These signals are sent to the Engine Control Unit | | | | remapping service the company of choice should not |
| (ECU), which processes the information received to | | | | carry out work on any engine that is found to be faulty |
| give the best engine performance for any given driving | | | | without written consent from the owner. If they ignore |
| condition. | | | | faults shown up by the diagnostic process, then make |
| So why should I remap my ECU? When vehicles are | | | | your excuses and politely leave their premises. |
| distributed throughout the world, manufacturers adopt | | | | What kind of improvements can I expect? As |
| a one map fits all policy. This one map has to take into | | | | mentioned you will notice an improvement in power |
| account many different factors that are necessary for | | | | and torque right throughout the rev range, along with |
| each export country. Areas such as climate, emissions, | | | | the possibility of improved fuel economy. See below |
| fuel quality etc all have to be considered by the | | | | for a general idea of average improvements for |
| manufacturer. What this means is that a vehicle ECU | | | | different engine types: |
| is never optimised for one individual situation. | | | | Petrol (non-turbo) By remapping a normally aspirated |
| So how can a reputable ECU remapping company | | | | engine ECU, you would normally expect to see a 10 - |
| help? They will actually read your own engine's map | | | | 15% increase in power (bhp) depending on your exact |
| file, modify it and then upload it back to the ECU. The | | | | engine specification, and around a 15 - 20% increase in |
| company should always take the time to find out your | | | | torque (Nm) throughout the rev range. This improves |
| own individual requirements and what you want to | | | | engine response on a lighter throttle. |
| achieve from a remap. They will then tailor the map to | | | | Petrol (turbo) By installing a modified engine ECU map |
| suit before it is uploaded back to the ECU. By | | | | on to a turbo engine you would normally expect to |
| remapping your ECU it is easily possible to release | | | | achieve around a 20 - 30% increase in power (bhp), |
| extra power and torque from your engine without any | | | | with an increase in torque of around 20 - 40% |
| reliability issues. Many owners also report that they | | | | depending on your engine specification. The large |
| have seen improved fuel economy once their engine | | | | increases in both power and torque will greatly |
| has been remapped (chipped). Be aware that although | | | | improve the engine flexibility in all gears and throughout |
| many customers experience improved fuel economy, | | | | the rev range. |
| this depends on your own driving style and how heavy | | | | Diesel (turbo) Remapping a diesel turbo ECU normally |
| your right foot is. | | | | sees the greatest gains of any engine type. Typically |
| The increase in power and torque that is gained using | | | | you will achieve an increase of 25 - 50% power (bhp) |
| ECU remapping provides a much smoother drive, with | | | | and around a 50 - 75% increase in torque depending |
| increased flexibility throughout the rev range, allowing | | | | on your engine specification. The engine response is |
| for smoother acceleration and better overtaking. | | | | greatly improved throughout the whole rev range and |
| Beware of cheap imitations... There are many | | | | in all gears. Diesel engines are well known for providing |
| companies out there offering what seem like value for | | | | huge amounts of torque and in gear performance. A |
| money ECU remapping services. Most of these | | | | remapped modern turbo diesel engine has the ability to |
| companies use stock files (maps) that are cheaply | | | | embarrass many petrol engine cars under normal |
| available through the internet or other sources and are | | | | driving conditions. |
| NOT tailored to your own individual requirements. | | | | |