When you purchase a car packed with the newest technology, you might think that it's in peak condition, perfectly tuned and ready to provide optimum performance the moment you drive it far from the dealership. Sadly, you'd be mistaken. In reality, almost every new vehicle sold to the public has been intentionally de-tuned to a level of performance well below its true capacity. But you can recover your vehicle's lost potential through something called ECU remapping.
The engine control unit, or ECU, may be the brains behind your car's engine. It controls the engine operation through a number of software programmes or "maps" that match various areas of the fuel system. Like any computer programme, the map in the ECU could be altered. The standard ECU map was created to downgrade engine power in place of maximising performance. This can seem such as for instance a strange thing for a car manufacturer to accomplish, but there is a logic behind it.
Any vehicle created for general sale around the globe must work adequately in as many countries as possible. It must have the ability to operate on low quality fuel, endure harsh environments, and keep running with minimal servicing. However, a very tuned and powerful engine could be damaged if afflicted by such treatment. That's one reasons why vehicle manufacturers de-tune the engine in a mass-market car. It's a compromise to make sure the car performs reliably for the average consumer in less than optimal conditions.
But if you reside in a nation with higher grade fuels and you maintain your vehicle well, you can take full advantageous asset of the engine's capabilities by remapping the ECU. The term "remapping" identifies overwriting the original engine maps with revised maps that optimise how a engine burns fuel. The new maps recalibrate fuel pressure, turbo boost pressure, fuel injector duration, fuel timing, and other factors that influence engine power and emissions.
Tuning cars and remapping the ECU is possibly the simplest way to improve performance in newer vehicles. Done properly with a qualified professional, a remap offers you substantially more power and torque from the engine while reducing fuel consumption. The amount of improvement will vary by model. In addition, it varies by the sort of remap -- you can decide whether you need the ECU remapped for maximum performance and for best fuel economy. The technician who performs the task can advise you about what you may anticipate from your own specific vehicle.
A turbo diesel engine benefits the absolute most from a remap, with a 35% improvement in power quite achievable. After having a remap, peak engine power and torque can be obtained earlier in the rev range, eliminating the need for high revving, and greatly enhancing power and flexibility in all gears. Turbo and non-turbo petrol engines will dsicover smaller improvements.
Can you actually notice a distinction in how your vehicle handles after an ECU remapping? Most definitely! The engine immediately runs more quietly and throttle response sharpens through all gears. You will find that gear changes are smoother, flat spots are eliminated, and overtaking other vehicles is faster and easier. Many people say it's like driving an alternative car altogether. And the fuel savings that can come from remapping the ECU are simply icing on the cake. Drivers who continue to operate a vehicle within their normal manner often report gains of 3-5 MPG.
It's easy to see the advantages of ECU remapping. Now, the average driver might be quite happy with how his car runs and doesn't offer a toss about boosting BHP and torque. But perhaps you're not the average driver. Perhaps you take pride in your vehicle and demand more from it. For anyone as if you, an ECU remapping is a good modification to improve your vehicle and ensure it is more drivable.