Remapping the engine is regarded as an inexpensive method to tune your car.
While most remaps focus on increasing the power of your vehicle as well as performance, there’s also possible to boost the efficiency of your engine’s fuel consumption with the help of a remap.
Does a remap truly merit the cost, even? This guide will help you to make a decision.
Engine remapping occurs the process whereby the car’s onboard computer (often known as the Electronic Control Unit, or ECU) is altered with new software that alters its behavior.
At the time of manufacture, vast majority of vehicles won’t be equipped with the maximum performance available — even on sports automobiles. ECUs typically restrict the engine’s performance to increase efficiency, emissions and the consumption of fuel.
The engine of your car may be a little restricted to ensure that it will provide a balanced mix of efficiency and fuel consumption under less than ideal conditions like extremely hot temperatures (when engines generally produce lesser power.)
Remaps are usually performed to increase the power of an engine by eliminating certain restrictions. It is also possible to have an remap that is focused on improving fuel efficiency as well.
How does engine mapping work?
A engine remap is carried out by writing a brand new software program to an engine’s electronic controller (ECU). It is a fairly simple procedure for tuning, typically performed by plugging an laptop into the vehicle’s OBD port (the same port that garages use to identify the cause of your car’s problem when it fails to start.)
It’s so simple as simply installing the program online, and then doing it yourself. You’ll have to turn your vehicle over to a professional who has been trained, although some companies offer DIY services.
The new software is designed to optimize the engine’s behavior for better performance.
What are the advantages of engine mapping?
It’s an inexpensive method to boost the performance of your vehicle.
Prices for remapping vary, but it is one of the cheapest methods of improving your vehicle’s performance.
There is no need to make any physical changes
There is no need to upgrade the physical components of your vehicle to reap the benefits of performance from the remap. Actually, it’s reversed. A lot of aftermarket parts require an engine remap in order to make sure that they’re functioning as efficiently as they are able to.
It’s (usually) reverse-able
In many instances the remap of a car can be reversed. If you decide that you’d prefer to have the original software installed on your vehicle, it can be easy to do. However, it won’t restore the warranty that you’ve lost.
What are the disadvantages of engine mapping?
It typically invalidates a car’s warranty
Although it’s a simple and unnoticeable method to tune your car however, the majority of warranty claims on cars will be void through a remap. This is still a modification to the vehicle and could impact the performance of your engine outside of the control of the manufacturer.
However, there are certain instances of. For instance, Ford worked with specialists Mountune to provide some of Mountune’s remaps for the Focus RS without affecting the warranty of the manufacturer. Make sure to check your documentation, however.
The cost of insurance will probably increase
Any kind of performance alteration to your vehicle will typically cause an increase in the cost of insurance. This is true for remaps too.
If you do not mention the fact, your insurance company could cancel your insurance in the case of an accident, and may refuse to pay.
It could affect your vehicle’s performance.
Although you’ll experience more power however, a remap puts more strain on your engine, too. This could have a negative impact on the performance of your vehicle and the components may fail sooner than you expected at the time of purchase.
What is the cost to change the engine’s mapping?
Like many performance enhancements Remaps can cost as much or as low as you’re willing to spend. Remaps are often offered in a variety of’stages’.
Remaps that are the least expensive are usually referred to as an upgrade of stage 1 and usually are an easy reprogramming to give an increase in performance. They typically cost several hundred dollars.
Remaps for Stage 2 may require some additional work on the engine, which is usually an air filter replacement and certain exhaust enhancements. They will certainly add to the price of the modification, and often will close to or even exceed PS1,000.
“Stage 3 and higher are the most significant modifications. They are compatible with major engine modifications -such as new turbo systems as well as new internal components, like pistonsfor a significant performance from your car. This means that these could cost thousands of dollars.
FAQs: Engine mapping
Is remapping a safe method of remapping?
Re-mapping your car can cause additional stress to the engine. Although many are quite secure, you’ll have to take extra care to maintain your vehicle.
In general the greater the power you can get from a remap, more likely it will affect your vehicle’s performance.
Can you modify any car?
Modern cars can generally be remapped, however some older models that have outdated software aren’t able to.
The extent to which the impact of a remap on the performance of your vehicle can be wildly different dependent on the model you have and the location you’ve had it changed.
Does car remapping affect insurance?
Remapping your car is likely to always raise your insurance rates. It is mandatory to declare the change to your insurance company too. in the absence of doing so, you could result in your policy being cancelled.
How can I modify my vehicle?
There are a number of dedicated tuning companies provide Remaps. Certain will concentrate on specific models, while others offer various services.
Do not attempt to alter the software in a car’s engine by yourself. If you’re not a certified technician who knows precisely the procedure.