Remapping
More performance, or better economy, from an ECU remap. Where we can, we keep a copy of your original software, and every car is road tested before handover. A recent service matters, so if yours is due, book it in at the same time.
Which map you need
Three engine maps, and two gearbox stages to go with them. Which one is right comes down to what you want from the car and what is already bolted to it. Solutions can be added on top of any of them.
ECU Stage 1
Software only, on standard hardware. The usual starting point: more power and torque through the range, and a throttle that answers when you ask it to.
ECU Stage 2
For cars already running supporting hardware. The map is written around what is fitted, so the parts and the software work with each other instead of against each other.
ECU Economy
Torque brought lower down the range so the car pulls without being revved. Aimed at motorway miles, vans and cars that spend their life loaded.
Gearbox Stage 1
The box mapped to match a Stage 1 engine: quicker, firmer shifts, revised shift points, and torque limits raised so it holds the new map instead of pulling against it.
Gearbox Stage 2
For a box behind a Stage 2 engine or running uprated internals. Higher clamping pressure and sharper shift behaviour, set up for the torque the engine is actually making.
Solutions on top
Extras that go on top of the map itself. Any of them can be combined, and they are priced as part of the same job rather than as a second visit.
Launch control
Set launch RPM and a clean getaway, on boxes and clutches that can take it.
Hard cut limiter
A hard cut at the limiter instead of the soft fuel taper, and the limiter itself moved where the engine allows.
Start/stop disable
Engine stop-start switched off for good, instead of pressing the button every single journey.
Throttle response
The lag between your foot and the throttle plate taken out, so the car reacts when you ask it to.
Speed limiter
Factory speed limiters raised or removed. Common on vans and ex-fleet vehicles that were capped by a previous owner.
Torque monitoring
Torque monitoring adjusted so the ECU stops fighting the map and pulling timing on a healthy engine.
Off-road and competition only
These change or remove emissions and noise equipment. On a UK road car that means an MOT failure and an offence to use it on the road, so they are for off-road and competition vehicles only. It remains the vehicle owner's responsibility to ensure the vehicle complies with the law and is used within it.
DPF solution
The particulate filter side of the software addressed, along with the fault codes that come with it.
EGR solution
Exhaust gas recirculation addressed in software, on engines where it causes running problems.
AdBlue / SCR
The AdBlue and SCR side of the system addressed in software, including the countdown and the codes.
Swirl flap solution
Intake swirl flaps handled in software, so a failed set does not put the engine into limp mode.
Cold start delete
The cold start routine removed, which is usually about noise and warm-up behaviour.
Pops and bangs
Overrun crackle. It is loud, it changes what comes out of the exhaust, and it is not something to run on the road.
How a remap is done
Pre-map checks
Boost, fuelling and a fault scan before anything is written. Anything obvious gets pointed out.
ECU read
Where we can, a copy of your original software is kept before anything changes.
Map written
The map is prepared for the vehicle and written to the ECU.
Road test & handover
Live-data road testing before you get it back, so the map is behaving on your car and not just on the bench.
Before and after
A map is easier on a car that has just been serviced
A remap asks more of an engine, so it wants to be starting from a good place: fresh oil, clean filters, plugs that are not on their way out. If a service is due or overdue, book it at the same time and both get done in one visit.
Afterwards the car is making more power and working harder, so servicing wants tightening up rather than stretching out. Tell us how the car is used and we will suggest where to put the intervals.
Typical Stage 1 gains
Typical results on a 2.0 turbo diesel. Gains vary by car, condition and the map you choose.
Power
+40 bhp
Torque
+90 Nm
Economy (eco map)
+5 mpg
Typical gains
- +30%
- Torque on turbo diesels
- +25%
- Power on turbo petrols
- +10%
- Economy on eco maps
The process
Checked, mapped and road tested
The car is checked over before anything is written and, where we can, a copy of your original software is kept. Then the map is written and the car finished on a live-data road test.
Those checks catch what is there to be seen, and anything obvious is pointed out before we go ahead. What they cannot do is rule out a fault already developing inside an engine, so the condition of the car is always part of the picture.
Remapping questions
Which map do I need?
Stage 1 is software only, on standard hardware. Stage 2 is for cars already running supporting hardware. The economy map brings torque lower down the range, for motorway miles and loaded vans. Tell us the car and what you want from it, and we recommend one.
Can a remap be undone?
Where we can, we keep a copy of your car's original software and can put the car back to standard on request. We send you an estimate for that first.
How much power will I gain?
Gains vary with the car, its condition and the map you choose. The figures on this page are typical results, not a promise for your car.
Will it affect my insurance?
A remap is a modification, so you must tell your insurer. It can also affect a manufacturer's warranty, a finance or lease agreement, or the value of the car, so check those before you book.
Is it safe for my engine?
The car is checked before any software is written, and anything obvious is pointed out first. A check cannot see a fault already developing inside the engine or drivetrain, and a remap increases the load on the engine, turbo, clutch and gearbox, so parts that are already worn can wear out or fail sooner. The condition of your car matters with any modification.
Does my car need a service first?
A recent service matters. A map asks more of the engine, and it should be starting from good oil, clean filters and healthy plugs rather than a service that is months overdue.
If yours is due, book it at the same time and we do both in one visit.
Will it need servicing more often afterwards?
Slightly, yes. The engine is making more power and working harder, so intervals want tightening up rather than stretching out.
How much depends on the car and how you use it, so tell us both and we suggest where to put them.
How long does it take?
Around half a day, including the checks and the road test. We confirm timings when you book.
Can you do DPF, EGR or AdBlue solutions?
Only on off-road and competition vehicles, and only when the owner confirms in writing that the vehicle will not be used on public roads. On a road car they fail an MOT, and using it on the road can be an offence.
Can you remove my speed limiter?
Only on a vehicle that the law does not require to have one. We do not raise or remove limiters on vehicles that must have them, such as goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, buses and coaches.
Enquire today
Tell us your make, model and what you want from the remap and we will get back to you with the options and an estimate.