Why re-map at all?

​

E.C.Us (Engine Control Units) were first introduced in the 1980’s as a supposedly more efficient method of controlling engine fuelling, ignition timing, and emissions. The problem lies in the fact that all new cars have to undergo ‘Type Approval’, and part of this is getting the car through the ‘Urban Driving Cycle’ tests. Remote from European driving conditions as they are (the tests are based on a simulated trip around Los Angeles with the resulting Noxious gases collected in a bag for testing) car manufacturers had no option but to comply. In order to meet the stringent requirements, engines are virtually de-tuned to pass the test. As a result the car never performs as well as its mechanically controlled counterpart, with the hesitancy and flat spots thrown in for good measure. This leaves masses of room to re-tune for vastly improved performance, and without infringing any emissions regulations.

​

How will the map affect my performance?

​

Depending on what your requirements are and your driving style depends on what your fuel economy will be. If you go for an outright maximum power output and drive it as so, you can expect it to decrease as it would without the map. If you get the map to increase torque low down and drive conservatively then it is likely that fuel economy will improve. In a Diesel to an extent you control the amount of fuel injected with your right foot. The overall consumption is governed by the average RPM over a journey. With more Torque you can stay in a higher gear for longer and so maintain a lower journey RPM and improve economy.

​

How will the re-map affect the longevity of my engine?

​

The re-map will obviously increase power output of your vehicle and depending on how you drive depends on how reliable it is for you. If you drive it harder then naturally you can expect to decrease the life of your engine but likewise if you thrashed it without even having it mapped then you would expect this to be the case. In overall terms and additional 30% power increase could be expected to reduce engine life by something like 3%. But in a modern engine which should be good for 300 thousand miles plus if properly maintained this is a very small price to pay.

​

Is re-mapping better than Chipping or Tuning boxes?

​

OBD re-mapping is the modern technique replacing chipping. It reads and writes on your ECU via the OBD port and does not invalidate warranties. Chipping your car requires opening of the ECU and installing a pre-programmed chip which is a fix one map suits all. They do not take into account other modifications and are not mapped to suit particular requirements. This is not a resistor that fools your ECU or tricks the pressure sensor on the fuel rail into lifting the pressure beyond acceptable levels. We alter thirty plus maps on some vehicles to achieve the proper results ensuring reliable smooth performance which works hand in hand with the Engine Management Diagnostics Systems.

​

What if I want to sell my car?

​

If you wish to sell the car with the map on then no problem, if you wish to have it reversed back to standard after a period of time then no problem. Usually there is only a small charge for this.

​

What about my Insurance?

​

This is up to you. We have to advise that you inform your insurance companies that the re-map has been carried out but it is extremely difficult to detect. Ultimately it is your responsibility.

​

What warranty do you give?

​

As we change nothing on your car other than a software map, there is nothing for us to give a warranty on other than the contents of the software against corruption and faults. If for some obscure reason you suffer a problem, we will do our uttermost to help you including returning your car to standard for any testing.

​

Why should I choose Performance Tuning NI?

​

We are part of the largest and most trusted tuning network in the UK and provide a fully mobile service so we can come and tune your car at your home or place of work.

​

Will my car pass the MOT when re-mapped?

​

All of our conversions are monitored for smoke emissions. Particularly in the 2003 onwards vehicles which have to adhere to more stringent limits.