ECU Remapping - ECU Tuning - ECU Programming
ECU remapping is taking a read from the ECU’s processing chip of the vehicles standard compromised map and adjusting various parameters within the map such as fuel pressure, boost pressure (on turbocharged applications) ignition advance and throttle pedal control amongst others to release the true performance from the engine.
It is a completely safe process as it is just giving the engine the performance it should have had in the first place before all the compromises were applied to the original programming. Every engine will have its own unique map and by adjusting this we can fine tune the characteristics of the engine; unleashing more power and in many cases reduce fuel consumption too.
WHAT IS AN ECU (ENGINE CONTROL UNIT)?
The engine in all modern vehicles is controlled electronically by an ECU, which is constantly processing formation received from a multitude of sensors. The engine’s fueling, ignition timing, boost if applicable, torque values, etc, are all calibrated within the ECU code (map) based on the conditions in which the vehicle is being used, its altitude, the quality of the fuel in its tank, and so on. Together with the sensor information the relevant tables, or ‘maps’, are used to keep the engine running at optimal performance – whether it is being asked to deliver high or low output.
ECUs are increasingly complex and every new generation that ECU manufacturers (typically BOSCH, Siemens, Delphi, Magnetti Marelli, Denso and others) produce requires a deeper understanding of the strategy that has been employed.
BENEFITS OF ECU REMAPPING/PROGRAMMING
ECU programming will not only improve the engines power and torque figures, it will also sharpen the throttle response and widen the power-band. This will make the power delivery a lot more linear, which in turn will make the vehicle feel livelier to drive and the engine more flexible. Frequently, the vehicle’s power output is restricted by the manufacturer for no other reason than to ensure that it fits into a class to suit fleet buyers. As a driving enthusiast, you do not need or want such restrictions placed upon your vehicle’s ECU, so with a conversion you can benefit from the hidden power and torque locked away within your engine management system.
CAN YOU SAVE FUEL WITH AN ECU REMAP?
When we remap a vehicle, especially when fuel saving is the priority, we focus on improving low-end torque and widening the power delivery as far as possible.
The torque improvements lead to lower throttle openings at cruising speeds, when fully laden, or on a gradient. It also allows for the use of higher gears at slower speeds, and fewer gear changes overall.
These factors, combined with an adjustment in driving style to maximise the power characteristics, will see an improvement in in fuel consumption. On turbo diesel applications it can be as high as 20%.