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What are the benefits of engine remapping?

Remapping the engine is regarded as a relatively low-cost way to modify your car.

Although most remaps are focused on increasing the power of your vehicle as well as performance, there’s possible to improve the efficiency of your engine’s fuel consumption with the help of a remap.

Does a remap truly merit the cost, even? This guide can help you determine.

Engine remapping happens the time when the car’s onboard computer (often called an Electronic Control Unit, or ECU) is modified with new software in order to alter its behavior.

As soon as you purchase the car, majority of cars will not be equipped with the maximum performance available — even sports cars. ECUs usually restrict the engine’s performance to improve the reliability, emission levels and fuel consumption.

Your car’s engine may also be restricted slightly to ensure that it will offer a healthy balance of efficiency and fuel consumption in less-than-ideal conditions for instance, very hot weather (when engines are typically producing smaller power.)

Remaps are typically performed to unlock more power from an engine , by taking away some of these restrictions. There is also the possibility of having a the remap aimed at increasing fuel consumption as well.

What is the process of car remapping?

The process of remapping an engine is done through the writing of a new software program onto an engine’s electronic controller (ECU). It’s a simple technique of tuning. It’s usually performed by plugging your laptop into the car’s OBD port (the same plug most garages utilize to determine problems with your vehicle if it breaks down.)

However, it’s not all that simple as download the application online then doing it yourself. You’ll have to give your vehicle to a professional who has been trained, though some companies do offer an DIY service.

The new software is designed to optimise the engine’s behaviour for better performance.

What are the benefits of engine mapping?

It’s a cost-effective method to improve the performance of your car.

Prices for remapping vary, but it could be one of the most affordable ways to boost your car’s performance.

There is no need to make any physical upgrades

There is no need to upgrade every physical component of your vehicle to enjoy the performance benefits of Remap. It’s actually reversed. Many aftermarket products will need an engine map remap to make sure that they’re functioning as efficiently as they could.

It’s (usually) reversible

In many cases it is possible for a car’s remap to be reversed. If you decide that you’d prefer to have the original program installed on your vehicle, it can be simple to do. However, this won’t bring back the warranty you’ve voided.
What are the disadvantages of the remapping of engines?

It typically invalidates a car’s warranty

Although it’s an effortless and invisible way of tuning your car however, the majority of warranties for cars can be cancelled through a remap. This is still a modification to the vehicle, which could affect the performance of your engine outside of the control of the manufacturer.

But there are certain exceptions. For example, Ford worked with specialists Mountune to provide some of their remaps for the Focus RS without affecting the manufacturer warranty. Make sure to check your documentation, though.

Your insurance premium is likely to increase

Any performance-related modification to your vehicle will typically result in an increase of your insurance premium. That applies to remaps as well.

If you do not mention itto your insurer, they could cancel your insurance in the case of an accident, and may not pay.

It can impact your car’s performance.

Even though you’ll see more performance but a remap can put more stress on your engine too. This can have an adverse impact on the reliability of your vehicle, and certain components might fail earlier than what was expected in the beginning.

What’s the price to change the engine’s mapping?

Similar to many performance improvements Remaps can cost as much or as low depending on the amount you’re willing. Remaps typically come in different’stages’.

The cheapest remaps are often referred to as”stage 1″ upgrade and typically are just an easy reprogramming to give an enlightening performance boost. These typically cost a few hundred quid.

Remaps for Stage 2 may require some additional work to the engine, which is usually the air filter is replaced and some exhaust modifications. They’ll naturally increase the price of the modification, and may often be close to or exceed PS1,000.

“Stage 3 and up are the most severe remaps. These are used in conjunction in conjunction with major engine overhauls -for instance, the latest turbo systems and internal components like pistons -for a significant performance from cars. In the end, these can cost thousands of pounds.

FAQs: Engine remapping

Is remapping safe?

Remapping a car will add an additional load on the engine. Though many are pretty secure, you’ll need be extra careful to keep your car well-maintained.

In general the greater power you get from a remap, more likely it will affect your vehicle’s performance.

Are you able to remap any vehicle?

Most modern cars can be remapped, however some older models with dated software aren’t able to.

To what extent an remap can affect your car will vary according to the car model and the location you’ve had it modified.

Does remapping affect insurance?

Remapping your car will nearly always increase the cost of insurance. You have to notify your insurer too — failure to do so can result in your policy being cancelled.

What can I do to remap my car?

Many dedicated tuning companies offer remaps. Some will focus on particular models, while others offer various services.

Don’t attempt to modify the software in a car’s engine by yourself. If you’re not a qualified technician who knows precisely how to do it.