When you purchase a car set with the most recent technology, you might assume that it is in peak condition, perfectly tuned and ready to deliver optimum performance the moment you drive it from the dealership. Sadly, you would be mistaken. In reality, almost every new vehicle sold on the public may be intentionally de-tuned to a a higher level performance well below its true capacity. However you can recover your vehicle’s lost potential through something called ECU remapping.
The engine control unit, or ECU, will be the brains behind your car’s engine. It controls the engine operation via a amount of software programmes or “maps” that correspond to various aspects of the fuel system. Like every computer programme, the map inside ECU may be altered. The typical ECU map was designed to downgrade engine power as an alternative to maximising performance. This might look like an odd thing to get a vehicle manufacturer to accomplish, but there’s a logic behind it.
Any vehicle intended for general sale worldwide must work adequately in as many countries as it can be. It must be able to work on poor quality fuel, endure harsh environments, and keep running with minimal servicing. However, a highly tuned and powerful engine could possibly be damaged if put through such treatment. That’s one reason vehicle manufacturers de-tune the engine in a very mass-market car. It’s actually a compromise to be sure the car performs reliably for that average consumer in under optimal conditions.
However, if you live in a country with higher grade fuels so you take care of your car well, you can make best use of the engine’s capabilities by remapping the ECU. The definition of “remapping” identifies overwriting the initial engine maps with revised maps that optimise the way the engine burns fuel. The newest maps recalibrate fuel pressure, turbo boost pressure, fuel injector duration, fuel timing, and other factors that influence engine power and emissions.
Remapping the ECU is likely to be the simplest way to enhance performance in newer vehicles. Done properly by way of a qualified professional, a remap gives you substantially more power and torque through the engine while reducing fuel consumption. The amount of improvement will change by model. It also varies with the sort of remap — you are able to decide whether you would like the ECU remapped for maximum performance or for best fuel economy. The technician who performs the job can counsel you on what to expect from your specific vehicle.
A turbo diesel engine benefits the most from a remap, which has a 35% improvement in power quite achievable. After a remap, peak engine power and torque is available earlier in the rev range, eliminating the requirement of high revving, and greatly enhancing power and flexibility in every gears. Turbo and non-turbo petrol engines will see smaller improvements.
Will you actually notice a difference in the manner your automobile handles after an ECU remapping? Most surely! The engine immediately runs more quietly and throttle response sharpens through all gears. You’ll find that gear changes are smoother, flat spots are eliminated, and overtaking other vehicles is faster and easier. Some people say it’s like driving an alternative car altogether. As well as the fuel savings which come from remapping the ECU are just icing on the cake. Drivers who always drive within their normal manner often report gains of 3-5 MPG.
It is easy to start to see the benefits of ECU remapping. Now, the average driver may perhaps be quite happy with how his car runs and doesn’t give you a toss about boosting BHP and torque. But perhaps you aren’t the common driver. You may be proud of your automobile and demand more from this. For a person as you, an ECU remapping is a superb modification to boost your car to make it more drivable.