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Remapping rewrites the software your engine's ECU runs on. The engine is the same; the instructions it follows are not. Manufacturers leave headroom for poor fuel, hot climates, long service intervals and model line-ups that need a cheaper version, and a remap takes back the part of that margin your car does not need. On a modern turbocharged engine that is typically 20 to 30 per cent on power and more again on torque, with no hardware changed.
What is ECU remapping?
ECU remapping is a simple, affordable way to improve your vehicle’s performance. It involves modifying the Electronic/Engine Control Module (ECU) with software recalibration to change its behaviour. You can watch this video to see how we tuned our Audio RS4
From factory, the vast majority of vehicles will not be using the full potential of their engines. In most cases vehicle manufacturers will use one engine in multiple cars and then tune them to different figures to meet a certain price range. If we take the 2011-2015 BMW 114i, 116i and 118i as an example. Same car, same engine, different power outputs! This means that we can tune a lower price range vehicle like the 114i (102BHP) to the same level of power that we could tune the more powerful 118i (170BHP)! In this example we can tune them to a whopping 220BHP!
How to remap a car
The two most common ways to tune a modern vehicle via OBD or Bench tuning. OBD is the most common and therefore more widely known method of remapping a vehicle. This utilises the On Board Diagnostics Port to connect to the ECU. Bench tuning on the other hand involves removing the ECU from the vehicle and accessing the software via the pins directly. We could go on about this for hours but you can find out more about OBD here and Bench here.
Using one of these methods we can then get a read of the standard map on the vehicle and begin to rewrite the software to optimise boost, timing, fuelling and various limiters for maximum performance. After the new software has been saved to the ECU and as soon as we have run some final tests, you’re ready to hit the open roads!
What is a Stage 1 remap?
A Stage 1 remap is widely accepted as a software recalibration without any other engine modifications. With the software changes and our knowledge we can increase your vehicle’s horsepower and torque! Looking to go beyond the power of a Stage 1 remap? A Stage 2 or 3 remap can provide that extra power, but that requires additional hardware mods. Keep in mind that other tuning facilities will have their own variation of the Stages. You may hear the word “Dyno” being thrown around when talking about remapping. Check out this article about Dynos and how we use then when tuning!
Where can I go to get my vehicle remapped?
Our tuning facility is situated in Kent, England where we write all of our custom maps for vehicles and you can get the full JFA experience. If this is too far out of your way then you can use our dealer locator to find a map of other companies who all use our custom maps!
Interested in ECU remapping for your vehicle?
You can find out what performance gains we can give to your car by searching your vehicle reg here!
Questions we get asked
What does an ECU remap actually change?
Boost pressure, ignition timing, fuelling, torque limiters and throttle mapping, within what the hardware safely allows. Nothing physical changes. The engine, turbo, injectors and exhaust are all exactly as they were; what changes is what the ECU asks them to do.
How much power will my car gain?
A modern turbo petrol or diesel typically gains 20 to 30 per cent on power and more on torque. A naturally aspirated engine gains far less, because there is no boost to raise. Put your registration into our tuning builder and it will give you the figures we hold for your exact engine rather than a range.
Is remapping safe for the engine?
When the limits are respected, yes. What causes damage is chasing a number past what the hardware can take, or a generic file written for a different specification of the same car. We check the car over first, write for that engine, and prove it on our own dyno.
Will it save me money on fuel?
Often a little on a steady motorway run, because the engine works less hard for the same speed and can sit a gear higher. Driven the way most people drive a car with more power, it will use more. Treat economy as a bonus rather than the reason.
Can it be undone?
Completely. We keep your original file and can write it back at any time. Plenty of people have that done before a main dealer visit and the map put back afterwards.
Will it affect my warranty or insurance?
A dealer can detect a remap and may decline an engine or drivetrain claim, which is why we keep the original file. Insurance is simpler: tell them. A declared modification is usually a modest premium change; an undeclared one can invalidate a claim entirely.
