ECU Remapping
What is ECU remapping?
ECU stands for the engine control unit which is an electronic-based management system that controls many functions. These functions need to be managed efficiently to aid the smooth running of your engine in your vehicle. For example, an ECU will decide:
- How much fuel is injected
- Timing of ignition
- Timing of injection
- How much fuel and air mixture to adjust and use
- Controls how much boost to utilize from the turbocharger
ECU remapping/optimisation is done to give you a more customised experience depending on you and your cars needs. The original software is overwritten by a new one (a backup is always made and can always be returned to standard when ever required) to maximize the performance of your engine.
You might be wondering why car manufacturers do not do this themselves since they would want the car to have optimal performance. However, this is not the case as the manufacturers limit the capabilities of the engine by imposing certain controls. The main reason for this is to cover the vehicle in all potential markets and driving situations.
You might want to make changes to utilise the full potential of your engine and your fuel. This is a completely safe process and needs to be done by a professional.
An ECU controls receives information from the following parts in your vehicle:
- Alternator
- Air control valve
- Ignition coil
- Spark plug
- Air conditioning
- Injector
- Knock sensor/s
- Camshaft position sensor
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Exhaust gas oxygen sensor/s
- Coolant temperature sensor
- Throttle position sensor
- Throttle actuator
- Boost control solenoid
All of these work in cohesion to ensure optimum performance for your vehicle. The input is taken from all the various sensors to provide the maximum output while taking into account the emission limitations put in place by the manufacture.
Benefits of ECU remapping
Save money with fuel efficiency
An ECU remap can improve your fuel economy in a way that your car will consume less fuel. This happens because it reduces the amount throttle/demand you have to apply to get to a certain speed amongst numerous other things.
In the long run, this will help you save money on fuel as your vehicle will burn less fuel to travel the same distance (depending on driving style).
Customised to your needs
An ECU remaps aims to tailor the car according to your requirements. It is all dependent on your driving needs/requirements and hardware modifications.
If you love going on road trips and other areas then you will have to get an ECU remapping which meets such requirements. This is why it is important to know where and how you are going to use your car so you can make the most of it.
The great thing about customisation is that you can include as many remaps as you require. You can then switch between these remaps if you are driving in a different terrain or altitude for better usage and efficiency.
Increase in torque and power
ECU remapping is concerned with changing the parameters of the ECU and improving them. This means modifying the standard program designed by the manufacture.
Improved engine response
This procedure will ensure that your engine is super responsive. This means that it will take less time for the engine to respond to your inputs eliminating the lag
Just like our nerves signal our brain what to do, an ECU signals the engine on what functions to perform. This will improve the overall performance of your engine and make your whole driving experience extra comfortable.
