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Remapping or chipping is one way to get more power from your car’s engine. What is ECU remapping? Is it something that could benefit you? First, let’s learn what ECU remapping is.
ECU Remapping Defined
To define remapping, you must first know what the ECU is. The ECU is the Engine Control Unit; this is basically the brain of the engine and fuel system. So, when you press the accelerator, the ECU determines how much air and fuel should be mixed, sent to the cylinders, and ignited; the ECU also controls the turbo boost. Remember that a diesel chip and a petrol chip don’t work precisely the same way.
When you choose to remap or chip your engine, you are changing the parameters of your ECU. Changing these parameters gives the engine more performance and sometimes more economy.
How Is ECU Remapping Done?
ECU remapping can be done in multiple ways. Probably the most common way to remap the ECU is to connect to the diagnostic system and reflash the software on the ECU. To do this, you would use a standard map for your vehicle and specialized equipment. Since it’s a software process, the new map can be uploaded relatively quickly, and your ECU will be remapped in approximately an hour.
Another more costly way to remap the ECU is to have a custom remap. With this process, you connect your car to a laptop and upload a custom remap,altering your automobile’s ECU parameters. Typically, this process is combined with dynamometer (dyno) testing, so you can test and tweak the performance and fueling on the fly.
Some vehicles allow you to attach a device that piggybacks on the ECU to remap them. Many of these devices are ineffective for effectively remapping your ECU because they often cause the vehicle to run richer.
Closing Thoughts
ECU remapping reprograms the car’s brain, maximizing economy and performance. There are multiple ways to remap your ECU, but they should be performed by someone who knows what they are doing.
