There are numerous benefits of remapping your car. We look at what remapping is, how it impacts your vehicle , and what potential benefits and drawbacks might be.
Engine Control Unit
Modern vehicles can be controlled through a laptop computer referred to in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The tiny computer is responsible for controlling various elements of the engine, including timing of ignition, air/fuel ratio as well as boost pressure. Through adjusting these settings, the car can be modified to boost efficiency or performance or even both.
Remapping, sometimes referred to as Chipping is the process whereby third-party software is installed on the ECU to replace the default software used by the manufacturer. The new software may be customized to help you make the most of the engine. Additionally, it is often adapted to fit the particular vehicle.
It’s usually done by connecting an laptop to your vehicle’s OBD serial port. This allows it to be installed in a short time and with minimal effort. Older cars had to have their computer chip for the engine completely removed and replaced by the latest chip that comes with the latest software in it. This is the reason why it was referred to as chipping.
What impact can a remap produce?
If you alter the ECU software this engine will be able to operate better than its maximum capacity typically by increasing power and torque by up to 20! The majority of automobiles have their performance reduced as soon as leaving the manufacturer due to a myriad of reasons. It is often to ensure compliance with emissions regulations or to comply with noise or economy regulations.
Furthermore, all vehicles come with a warranty. And the last thing a manufacturer would like to do is to replace or repair damaged engines. Therefore, the engine’s performance is maintained in the range that the vehicle can provide.
Many manufacturers also make facelifted versions for each model of car they manufacture over a period of time before releasing entirely new models. By changing these ECU settings directly on model that has been facelifted, you can swiftly and effortlessly increase the car’s performance numbers and make them more attractive without any further engineering needed.
Remaps are merely an update to software?
Yes. Remapping is commonly referred to as Stage 1 tuning and comes in a variety of stages provided by the company that offers tuning. Stage 1 is usually simply an ECU software upgrade. The second stage and above will typically include additional software updates along with more hardware, for example, the installation of a new exhaust system or high-pressure fuel pumps. The stages 3 and 4 typically require the upgrading of the turbocharger and supercharger in the vehicle. The later stages usually need more work, but offer less on performance per kilogram than initial stage.
Are remappings harmful or dangerous on the engine?
Making changes to settings that affect control of an engine may result in negative effects, depending on the person who developed the software and how the tuneer adjusts it to the specific vehicle. We would not advise installing your own software or software from an uncertified business. There are companies that specialize in tuning that create ECU software, and will generally test and tweak the software for up to a year in a wide range of automobiles before making it available to the general public. If you choose any of them means that the software you’ve downloaded is likely be safe to utilize, but make sure to check reviews before you buy.
Does remapping void my warranty?
Since the software that is installed is not created by the manufacturer of the vehicle and is not written by the manufacturer, it could cancel any warranty that you may have on your vehicle. In the end, at the end of the day, it’s not the decision of the manufacturer to test the engine beyond its limits (or above it) and in the event that there were to be a problem, you may end up having to pay for a rebuild of your engine yourself. The software company that created the map is likely to not be able to pay for these expenses as well. This is why it’s crucial to select a reliable firm with a wealth of expertise.
Does remapping only apply to cars with high performance?
Remaps can improve efficiency and performance for all kinds of automobiles. Even cars that has a single litre engine can benefit from good performance gains after the remap, particularly when it is equipped with turbocharger.
Modern cars include turbochargers (or supercharger) installed in the engine. The engine functions using compressed gas and air and then burning this mixture within its cylinders. Turbochargers and superchargers enhance the compression of fuel, allowing more fuel to go into the cylinders prior to igniting. More fuel means more power. It’s more fuel efficient to boost the power by this method rather than simply having a bigger engine initially. The emissions are generally lower , too. This is why we’re witnessing more 3,4 6-cylinder engines, and less of the 8-10 and 12 engine cylinders.
Remapped vehicles will get the greatest advantage when the turbocharger or supercharger that is installed because the primary changes implemented to the software are the compression of fuel, the fuel/air mix and the boost pressure. Remapping a naturally-aspirated engine (one that does not have a turbocharger or supercharger) means that there isn’t much to configure. It is likely that you will not get much power boost.
When looking for car remapping/tuning Lincoln make sure you contact the experts at ocdetails.co.uk
My economy will grow along with performance?
It all depends on the way you drive. In theory, modified engines can be capable of getting the same efficiency similar to the engine that is pre-remapped format, and could actually be better than the original. The main drawback is that you will have the possibility of gaining more performance through the engine. Most drivers – especially those who have made the trouble of having their engines remapped will most likely benefit from the extra power by acceleration faster whenever the chance arises. In the end, they’ll probably consume more fuel than they did before. What is the primary reason people seek an upgrade? To improve performance.
Are there other advantages other than performance and economy growth?
It is possible. Based on the maps you’ve installed, certain cars will benefit from valet modeand an immobiliser mode that you can turn on using the help of a switch device. Immobiliser mode means that the car cannot drive even the thief is able to take your keys, and even start the vehicle. In the absence of the button, your car cannot be driven.
Valet mode is beneficial also. This mode is designed to be activated at the time you hand your car to a valeting service or to someone else you don’t wish to drive the car for long distances. However, it could also require access to the car in a certain way. Valet mode reduces the speed and performance significantly, for instance with a top speed of either 10 or 20 mph. This can be excellent for peace of mind.
In the same way, businesses which have fleets of vehicles for employees usually are equipped with special maps which limit their vehicles to speeds of 70mph. This stops employees from exceeding the speed limit of motorways. This means that a remap should not only for those who wish to speed up their driving.
Do I require the highest quality fuel for my reconmap?
Potentially, yes. It’s all based on the kind of map that you have installed. In most cases, you’ll be able to utilize the same fuel you used to. (For more details on the various types of fuel check out our guide to the different kinds of fuels: Petrol vs. Diesel). However, certain performance vehicles might be tuned to one specific fuel grade. (ie 99 RON Octane for gasoline cars, and 55 CN Cetane in diesel vehicles) This means that the vehicle will perform at its maximum if you stay to that specific fuel grade. The risk of damage is very minimal to the vehicle when you are using a lesser grade of fuel, however this can typically cause jerky driving and less performance, more than before the remap was put in place. Always talk about the type of fuel you prefer that you should use with the tuner prior to you are having your car changed.
My insurance premiums will increase?
Similar to any other modification to your car that you make, you must make the change known to the insurance provider. The acceptance of the change is up to the particular insurance provider you’re with, however, it’s commonplace to have an ECU reconfigure. They’ll usually ask what the power increase will be in percentage, and let you know if agree to allow that you can drive the vehicle as well as what the additional costs will be. There is usually an administrative fee for making a policy change as well, so keep this in your mind.
If the insurer is not able to continue insuring your needs, you’ll need to end the policy and find an insurer that’s. This will mean paying an amount for cancellation and possibly losing any no-claims bonus you could have earned during the year.
We don’t advise to keep the map secret for two reasons: firstly, it’s illegal and secondly since if you have to file a claim, after the map has been found then the insurance company could cancel your policy and not pay.
Can I change the mapping of an electric vehicle?
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular The question that is being asked is whether they could be remapped similarly to the predecessors with combustion engines. The response to this question is… in fact, yes but it could be in the near future. While it’s possible theoretically to do this however, it’s not yet widely implemented. Because electric vehicles are so fresh, there aren’t enough third-party ECU tuning companies who have created effective solutions to date.
Of course, the essentials of remapping an engine or diesel engine aren’t in use however this doesn’t mean that the parameters can’t be altered in electric motors. Electric vehicles offer a different power supply than the way we’re used. There aren’t any revs, or gears and the maximum torque is available instantly. To ensure efficiency and comfort, however this can be dialed lower in the retail cars. Since the majority of people don’t need to be 100% powered in their vehicles when they are accelerating at light. (Seriously you can’t. It’s not practical or even secure for that matter.)
In theory, the default settings can be modified and allow for more power faster. This could result in an increase in performance however, it will affect the range, performance, and drivability and also the lifespan for the vehicle.
It’s important to remember, too that these tuning firms have been able to test and tweak their ECU software for petrol and diesel cars. While their market share grows quickly year-on-year, EVs simply haven’t been in the market for long enough. I’d bet there’s a myriad of ECU tuning companies that have EVs currently being evaluated at the moment and if you’re an avid vehicle tuneer I’d recommend you keep an eye on this field because I’m certain the electric engine mapping could be an option to consider in the near future. If there’s a demand, there’s likely to be a demand for it.
What could be the possibilities with the development of an electric car?
As we all know, conventional vehicles are equipped with an ECU which runs a software that controls the operation of the engine. Electric vehicles are equipped with an CMC (Car Management Computer). Because the entire vehicle and its parts are powered by electricity and controlled, there’s a computer that handles everything. The CMC takes thousands of decisions every second to establish variables like the distribution of power for the motors (most electric vehicles are equipped with multiple motors, or one per axel or per wheel) and the distance for the automobile, the temperature of its battery and the goals the driver is trying to accomplish (ie speed up or cruise to a greater extent). That means that, by making adjustments to the software, we are able to alter the way that the car functions similar to remapping an ECU.
Before we move on, we should note that many electric vehicles are able to recognize changes in their CMC. A lot of manufacturers will immediately cancel any warranty (or prevent software updates) for vehicles that have undergone modifications. This is why it might be a good idea to wait until your car is beyond warranty before making any changes.
Upgrade your battery
If you have space, another option is to replace your battery. If your battery is wearing out, you might be able to take it off and replace it with one that has greater capacity and operate the battery at higher power. This can increase the power. If you don’t wish to alter the CMC and you want to tweak the sensors to transmit false information which trick the CMC to deliver more power than it normally would. This may result in more power, but could have a negative effect on the performance of the vehicle and could cause overheating. Be cautious!
Add additional motors
Many electric vehicles are equipped with several power options. The most powerful models do not have stronger motors, usually include more motors. For instance, a basic version might have a motor for the front axel as well as the most powerful versions might have the motor in the front, as well as another motor at the back axel. If your car only has only motor, there’s the possibility that there’s a place in the rear to install another. It could be possible to retrofit it. It could be a great method to gain lots of additional power. Additionally when the electric car market expands, you can expect to see an influx of aftermarket motors hitting the market. This means that it is possible to change a factory motor for a stronger third-party motor.
Battery cooling
Like all electrical mechanical and mechanical components as with all mechanical and electric components, cooling forms an important component of the overall system. Every EVs are designed to decrease output when batteries become too hot. This is done to preserve performance and ensure that batteries don’t degrade, increasing their lifespan. A new cooling system may be an excellent option to safeguard your battery and also allow for more power or a longer time period before the power is cut to ensure the battery’s protection on longer trips.
Conclusion
Remapping a car can have many benefits, particularly when your vehicle is beyond warranty. Make sure to research the company that you choose to remap thoroughly before allowing anyone to put third-party codes on your car’s ECU or CMC Always get an insurance quote prior to the process too. Personally, I’ve had two cars remapped and will be adamant to do it for future vehicles.