Professional engine remapping can lead to an increase in your vehicle’s power and torque output.
On the other hand, it can put extra strain on vital components and lead to increased running costs.
In this blog, we weigh up the pros and cons of engine tuning, so you can decide if it’s worth your time and money.
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What Is Engine Remapping?
Engine remapping – sometimes known as ‘engine tuning’ or ‘chipping’ – is when the settings of your car’s ECU are altered with new software to improve your vehicle’s performance, handling, power and fuel efficiency.
The terms chipping and remapping generally mean the same thing, though remapping is usually done via the car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) whilst chipping requires that the chip is physically removed and updated or replaced.
The remapping process can optimise the following:
- Fuel injection
- Accelerator response
- Fuel/air ratio
- Turbocharger boost
- Ignition timing
How Does It Work?
Your car’s electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed with certain default settings at the manufacturing stage.
During engine remapping, your car’s onboard computer will overwrite these factory settings, meaning your car can reach its full potential.
There are three stages of car remapping:
- The ECU software is updated
- Parts of the engine are modified
- Hardware upgrades are carried out
Traditionally, remapping would involve taking the old ECU out of the car and replacing it with a new one – otherwise known as ‘chipping’.
Alternatively, a professional can rewrite the factory ECU that came with your car – this means keeping the car in its original state but adding another ECU which can be removed if you ever want to trade in or sell your vehicle.
Your car’s ECU has its factory settings for a reason, and remapping may improve your regular driving conditions but not necessarily your experience of driving in extreme weather conditions, temperatures or towing.
The Pros of Engine Remapping
There are several pros to investing in engine remapping:
- It's an affordable way to improve your car’s performance
- It can be reversed (usually)
- It may improve fuel economy
- Improved vehicle performance and power
- Improved engine response and throttle
- Improved ignition timing
- Improved turbocharging boost pressure
The Cons to Engine Remapping
Of course, there are some cons to engine remapping, too:
- It can invalidate your car’s warranty
- It can increase your insurance premium
- Some insurance companies won’t approve remapped vehicles for cover
- It can put additional strain on the engine
- Increased running costs
- Higher octane fuel may be required
- More frequent servicing may be required
- Have to rewrite ECU every time your car gets a maintenance service
How Much Does Remapping Cost?
Engine remapping can cost anywhere from £200 to around £1,000 – depending on the level of remapping you want done, as well as your vehicle’s make and model.
Bear in mind that not all cars can be remapped, so you should ask a professional if your car will benefit from remapping before proceeding.
If you do opt for engine remapping, remember that you will need to let your insurance company know beforehand.
You may need new cover for your modified car, or your insurance provider could refuse to cover you altogether.
