As a leading provider of remapping services in the UK, we have supplied thousands of remaps and have the experience to know when it is worth remapping your vehicle. This means that we know the benefits of ECU remapping.
However, it is important for our customers to make an informed decision, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you determine if getting a remap is worth it for you. Below, we’ve put together some common questions we’re asked, and explain the remapping performance benefits you could expect if you work with us.
But before we do, a word of warning. If your car has over 120,000 miles, there is a risk that remapping performance may not be worth it. While you will see some gains in terms of torque and horsepower, the vehicle will already have lost some of its initial power at this stage in its life cycle, meaning that the power gains from a remap may not reach their full potential. It’s also worth nothing that not every car has an OBD port, which can make remapping the ECU difficult. While all modern vehicles have one, vehicles pre-2000 aren’t suitable for remapping.
If your vehicle is still within the manufacturer warranty and you get a remap, it may not be for you. In the event of any electronics fault, the vehicle producer will first interrogate the ECU, and if they detect a remap, the warranty will be voided. If your vehicle has had a previous remap or other modifications, we need to know as we cannot predict what impact those changes may have had, increasing the risk of something going wrong, so you’d need to consider the remapping performance benefits on your own and make the right decision.
Remapping performance: the pros of remapping
Dead spots in acceleration reduced: The biggest advantage of a remap is that it eliminates dead areas in your vehicle’s power curve, resulting in an immediate response when you put your foot down. This makes driving more enjoyable and safer.
Increased power: A remap will increase the horsepower available to your engine, while staying within safety margins. Vehicle manufacturers intentionally de-tune engines for marketing reasons, but a remap will allow the vehicle to access the locked away power.
Better torque: Not only will the horsepower increase, but so will the torque. This results in fewer gear changes and improved acceleration, making for a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.
Increased fuel efficiency: A remap can lead to increased fuel efficiency, assuming you do not change your driving style, as the vehicle will be able to maintain more efficient energy transfers from fuel combustion.
The drawbacks of remapping to consider
Increased strain on your vehicle: In older vehicles, the increase in power and torque can put stress on the drive train, causing parts to wear down faster.
Some manufacturers are already highly tuning their cars: Some cars, such as Hondas, are already highly tuned, so a remap may only increase power by a small amount, making it not worth it for that vehicle.
Risky in some cars: Not every car can be remapped through the OBD port, meaning the ECU will have to be physically modified, which is more risky on the road.
Manufacturers can tell if the vehicle is tuned: Some main dealers use diagnostic equipment that flags software modifications, and in the event of a warranty claim, they will interrogate the ECU data for tuning, potentially voiding the warranty.
If you’re looking for car remapping in Barnsley, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to the team today to find out more.