WHAT IS REMAPPING?
Most modern vehicles contain an ECU (or Engine Control Unit) that is effectively a small computer which controls how the engine works. Vehicle manufacturers de-tune the engine by setting the software on the ECU to default before sending the vehicle out. This is done due to the manufacturers having to sell their cars all over the world; this means that the software settings on the ECU must take into account different climates, laws & restrictions and varying quality of fuels. Vehicle remapping is basically the modification/replacement of the manufactures default software on a vehicles ECU.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A vehicle remap replaces default software on the ECU, overwriting it with new software which can be programmed to optimize the cars overall performance. This is known as vehicle remapping because the ECU is essentially a program that controls how the engine works. When your car is remapped, the tuned software is plugged into your cars serial port (or OBD port) which then overwrites the engine map with the new version to enhance engine performance. The ability to flash directly through the OBD has brought the tuning industry on leaps and bounds, with constant development on the engine now being much quicker via the flash process; it has enabled Celtic Tuning to develop some of the best software in the world.
WHY CHOOSE VEHICLE REMAPPING?
There are many reasons to choose vehicle remapping. Firstly, you will notice that your engine responds better when the accelerator is pressed. The overall torque and power will be noticeably increased. Power delivery will be smoother making for a much safer driving experience, which in turn also makes it easier and safer to overtake. During normal driving you will notice that your MPG is better which not only decreases the cost of fuel that you will have to pay, but it also minimizes your carbon foot print. Throttle response will be improved and the rev range will be enhanced.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ECU REMAPPING?
Many people say that ECU remapping doesn’t affect fuel usage; however this is not technically true. Because of the process involved in ECU remapping more fuel is going to be consumed in order to produce the increase in power. If the car is driven in an enthusiastic way after the remap has been carried out then the fuel economy will not increase (and in some cases may decreases). If, however, the driver modifies their driving style to make the most of the increased power and torque throughout the rev range then fuel economy can be increased. A good example of this could be that the improvement in torque produced by the engine after remapping means the driver no longer has to drop down a gear to maintain speed on an incline or may not have to change gear as frequently in traffic. All of these little things add up to an improvement in fuel economy.
ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES?
Some people have reported engine damage from ECU remapping, but this is exceptionally rare. In order to offer our customers total peace of mind Celtic Tuning offer a lifetime warranty on the software itself as well as a full 12 month or 30000 mile mechanical breakdown package for vehicles with fewer than 60000 miles or 3 years old.
WHAT IS CHIP TUNING?
Chip tuning is the original definition of what modern day ECU Remapping has become. Chip tuning requires the removal of the Eprom from the ECU and the software is programmed to the chip on the bench. The software inside the chip is what is referred to as remapping, i.e. altering the standard software within a chip. Chip tuning or chipping has become less and less prevalent in the market place as, since 1996, OBD remapping has taken its place enabling remapping to be done via the OBD (on-board diagnostics) port.
We work on all ages of ECU from the early EDC’s requiring chip tuning right the way through to modern MEDC17 locked tricore processor ECU’s with tuner protection. A Celtic Tuning superchip from Turbo Dynamics can provide you with all stages of upgrade from a basic ECU Remap right up to full engine conversions.
HOW WILL THE REMAP AFFECT MY WARRANTY?
No one can say for 100% certainty that the remap will be undetectable. However, the modification to the software will not show up on any main dealer diagnostic equipment and therefore unless you tell them that it has been done, they will be none the wiser.
HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE LONGEVITY OF MY ENGINE?
The remap will obviously increase the power output of your vehicle and depending on how you drive depends on how reliable it is for you. If you drive it harder then naturally you can expect to decrease the life of your engine but likewise if you thrashed it without even having it mapped then you would expect this to be the case anyway. The remap does not in any way stress the engine so the remap itself does not affect the longevity, only your driving style. We have remapped modern engines with over 200,000 miles without issue so it is very unlikely that you will get issues.
HOW WILL REMAPPING AFFECT MY FUEL CONSUMPTION?
Depending on what your requirements are and your driving style depends on what your fuel economy will be. If you go for an outright maximum power output and drive it as so, you can expect to see it decrease as it would without the map. If you get the map to increase torque low down and drive conservatively then it is likely that fuel economy will increase. Please note that fuel economy gains are only likely on turbo diesel engines, petrol engines generally stay the same with some reporting slight improvements, never a loss.
CAN THE REMAP BE REVERSED?
The beauty of the remap is that this process is completely reversible without any trace; therefore if within 14 days you want it changed back, we will carry it out free ecu tuning software of charge with a full refund. If after 14 days you wish to reverse it then there is a £50 call out charge for the process but no refund will be given unless otherwise agreed prior to the 14 days elapsing.
HOW MUCH WILL THE REMAP COST
I HAVE EXISTING MODIFIACTIONS, WILL THIS AFFECT THE REMAP?
Existing modifications can sometimes bring good benefit to enhancing the software so let us know in advance.
I INTEND TO MAKE FURTHER MODIFICATIONS…
Again, let us know what you’re planning so we can advise the best way forward and can even offer great package deals on other performance upgrades.
