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The fact of the matter is modern cars are complicated and without fettling the electronics controlling all their systems you won’t be making the most of all those bolt-on mods.
Now, we’re the first to understand it’s hard to justify shelling out for something you can’t actually see. Getting a remap is nothing like spending a few quid on a spanky exhaust that you can hold and caress.
The point is though, getting all those electronically controlled settings spot on is essential. Not just for tuning your car wringing out more power, but for the general wellbeing of your engine – it all becomes obvious when you get in and drive.
WHAT IS AN ECU?
All electronic ignition cars (that’s all ones that don’t have an old-skool carburettor) use an ECU or Engine Control Unit. This is a computer that constantly reads and evaluates information fed to it by various sensors located around the car. It analysis stuff such as engine load, throttle angle, air density, exhaust gases, air, fuel and coolant temperatures, then compares it to a factory preset map. The ECU can then effectively control engine operation and efficiency by adjusting timing, air/fuel mixture, injectors and, on turbo cars, the all-important boost pressure.
All electronic ignition cars (that’s all ones that don’t have an old-skool carburettor) use an ECU or Engine Control Unit. This is a computer that constantly reads and evaluates information fed to it by various sensors located around the car. It analysis stuff such as engine load, throttle angle, air density, exhaust gases, air, fuel and coolant temperatures, then compares it to a factory preset map. The ECU can then effectively control engine operation and efficiency by adjusting timing, air/fuel mixture, injectors and, on turbo cars, the all-important boost pressure.
WHY SHOULD YOU REMAP YOUR CAR’S ECU?
Manufacturers have to make big compromises when programming their ECUs. Think about it – they don’t know you’re a proper car nut do they. They don’t know you only use the very finest fuel, follow the correct cold start/cool down procedure and service your car regularly. Many ordinary motorists don’t, so a standard lump has to be engineered to take this all into consideration.
Manufacturers have to make big compromises when programming their ECUs. Think about it – they don’t know you’re a proper car nut do they. They don’t know you only use the very finest fuel, follow the correct cold start/cool down procedure and service your car regularly. Many ordinary motorists don’t, so a standard lump has to be engineered to take this all into consideration.
Most are put together to perform at way below their potential. They’re basically detuned to increase reliability when neglected and increase fuel economy. Some will also heavily detune their engines to create lower-spec models and meet insurance or economy regulations. Luckily pretty much all this stuff is controlled by the ECU and, if you stick in a new set of parameters changing the preset map, you can iron out these compromises.
HOW IS A CAR’S REMAP CREATED?
It takes years of research and development to tune any car to its full potential. Creating an engine map is a technical business because they have to be bespoke for every make, model engine size and configuration. Then there are the aftermarket stages: a stage one map may be designed to complement, say, a panel filter and exhaust. Stage two could be for further mods such as a front mount intercooler and tubular manifold. And stage three for a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump. In other words, they’re designed to make the most of all those other mods too.
It takes years of research and development to tune any car to its full potential. Creating an engine map is a technical business because they have to be bespoke for every make, model engine size and configuration. Then there are the aftermarket stages: a stage one map may be designed to complement, say, a panel filter and exhaust. Stage two could be for further mods such as a front mount intercooler and tubular manifold. And stage three for a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump. In other words, they’re designed to make the most of all those other mods too.
The software is a complicated mash of fuelling, ignition timing, boost and loads of other figures. But it’s tweaked and developed to increase power and driveability (and sometimes economy) without pushing the engine’s safety parameters too far. This is where your money goes!
Most important though is making sure you use the best possible, tried and tested technology. Always do your research, aim for the highest quality brand and, even more importantly, an installer with experience. You wouldn’t let some bloke you met at pub upgrade your expensive new laptop’s RAM to save a few quid would you? It’s the same thing here.
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