Pros and cons of remapping the ECU?
Discussion
I have an Audi A5 2.0 TDi 12 plate with the 177bhp engine. I am considering having the ECU remapped.
My questions are:
- Has anyone had their car remapped? What was your experience and was it worth it?
- Considering the value of the car (which has just come out of warranty) are there any genuine risks to having this procedure carried out? (This is my biggest concern)
- A lot of posts suggest not informing my insurer; I'm risk averse so have queried this with my insurer who wants an extra £72 on my annual policy which seems ok for the piece of mind, but again any views on this?
- What power and economy gains have people seen?
N.B. I am not proposing to do this myself (i.e. buy a kit) I have had a quote from a business which will carry out the work and use a rolling road to get a bespoke view of my car.
My questions are:
- Has anyone had their car remapped? What was your experience and was it worth it?
- Considering the value of the car (which has just come out of warranty) are there any genuine risks to having this procedure carried out? (This is my biggest concern)
- A lot of posts suggest not informing my insurer; I'm risk averse so have queried this with my insurer who wants an extra £72 on my annual policy which seems ok for the piece of mind, but again any views on this?
- What power and economy gains have people seen?
N.B. I am not proposing to do this myself (i.e. buy a kit) I have had a quote from a business which will carry out the work and use a rolling road to get a bespoke view of my car.
TJPM said:
I have an Audi A5 2.0 TDi 12 plate with the 177bhp engine. I am considering having the ECU remapped.
My questions are:
- Has anyone had their car remapped? What was your experience and was it worth it?
- Considering the value of the car (which has just come out of warranty) are there any genuine risks to having this procedure carried out? (This is my biggest concern)
- A lot of posts suggest not informing my insurer; I'm risk averse so have queried this with my insurer who wants an extra £72 on my annual policy which seems ok for the piece of mind, but again any views on this?
- What power and economy gains have people seen?
N.B. I am not proposing to do this myself (i.e. buy a kit) I have had a quote from a business which will carry out the work and use a rolling road to get a bespoke view of my car.
I had my Fiat Grande Punto T-Jet remapped a few months ago. My questions are:
- Has anyone had their car remapped? What was your experience and was it worth it?
- Considering the value of the car (which has just come out of warranty) are there any genuine risks to having this procedure carried out? (This is my biggest concern)
- A lot of posts suggest not informing my insurer; I'm risk averse so have queried this with my insurer who wants an extra £72 on my annual policy which seems ok for the piece of mind, but again any views on this?
- What power and economy gains have people seen?
N.B. I am not proposing to do this myself (i.e. buy a kit) I have had a quote from a business which will carry out the work and use a rolling road to get a bespoke view of my car.
It was easy, the hardest bit was not nailing it when I was on the way home to try it out.
I had mine done on a relatively small volume car (1500 on the UK roads) and had no issues whatsoever. If you go with a big company, such a RevoTecnik you won't have any issues at all.
Re the value; It's something that can easily be removed and put back to standard easily enough.
I would try and get before and after runs on it, whether it's 0-60, or 1/4 mile or even a rolling road.
Bespoke mapping is good if you have other mods like an exhaust that will need to be taken into consideration and can be used to enhance the power even more, a well known off the shelf map would be fine providing it's standard elsewhere.
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Declare it. Not worth the risk.
You'll be putting extra stress on your turbo, injectors and drivetrain - particularly the DMF if the map is aggressive with the torque delivery but that's just a consequence of upping the power.
If you feel your car is lacking in performance then go for it, you'd be better off asking in a specific Audi forum for details of your particular car and how it takes to remaps. Don't forget how quickly you get used to power though, unless there's a particular characteristic you want mapping out such as an annoying flat spot you'll likely be looking for more soon enough
You'll be putting extra stress on your turbo, injectors and drivetrain - particularly the DMF if the map is aggressive with the torque delivery but that's just a consequence of upping the power.
If you feel your car is lacking in performance then go for it, you'd be better off asking in a specific Audi forum for details of your particular car and how it takes to remaps. Don't forget how quickly you get used to power though, unless there's a particular characteristic you want mapping out such as an annoying flat spot you'll likely be looking for more soon enough
depending on your aims you can get a improvement in both performance and economy with the correct mapping. or just a shed load more power
if your looking for more performance i'd expect around another 40-50 horses and 80-90nm of torque over your standard car depending on who maps it.
personally I would recommend against going for a generic flash map as every engine is different in so many small ways. i'd be more inclined to find someone to do a bespoke map, it might be a bit more expensive but when it comes to ecu remapping you really do get what you pay for
if your looking for more performance i'd expect around another 40-50 horses and 80-90nm of torque over your standard car depending on who maps it.
personally I would recommend against going for a generic flash map as every engine is different in so many small ways. i'd be more inclined to find someone to do a bespoke map, it might be a bit more expensive but when it comes to ecu remapping you really do get what you pay for
Mine has been remapped (Superchips Bluefin) for almost a year with zero issues.
I wanted to first make sure that the engine and drivetrain could handle it - I know that the engine in the facelifted version of my car has more power with pretty much exactly the same hardware and that the same engine is used in the new Focus ST without any particular internal changes, and I know that the gearbox can handle torque levels way in excess of what the remapped figures will be, so I went for it.
Easy 40bhp and 45 lb-ft and it feels quite a bit quicker as a result.
I would consider remapping any vehicle with a turbocharged engine but I first would want to make sure it's not right on the cusp of the capabilities of the drivetrain in its standard tune.
I wanted to first make sure that the engine and drivetrain could handle it - I know that the engine in the facelifted version of my car has more power with pretty much exactly the same hardware and that the same engine is used in the new Focus ST without any particular internal changes, and I know that the gearbox can handle torque levels way in excess of what the remapped figures will be, so I went for it.
Easy 40bhp and 45 lb-ft and it feels quite a bit quicker as a result.
I would consider remapping any vehicle with a turbocharged engine but I first would want to make sure it's not right on the cusp of the capabilities of the drivetrain in its standard tune.
Did my Saab Aero and it was way better, just done our Fiesta Ecoboost and it has gone from ok to actually pretty fast, just had to nip out, in second and third it reminds me of an R5 GT turbo in its power delivery, the acceleration is pretty vivid, suppose its lightish, has 140 bhp and 180 lb/ft now so it should.
Downsides are that it can expose other problems, on the Saab it didnt boost properly and stuttered until I re-gapped the plugs and it would sometimes slip the clutch.
Insurances cos are more amenable to remaps these days, get it all declared.
Downsides are that it can expose other problems, on the Saab it didnt boost properly and stuttered until I re-gapped the plugs and it would sometimes slip the clutch.
Insurances cos are more amenable to remaps these days, get it all declared.
AMDBSTony said:
My mate had a 177 tdi audi and had a 'tune it' box fit.
He said it improved both performance and mpg.
It took about 30 secs to fit and same to remove.
He sold his car and i think he still has the box if interested?
I had a "TDI Tuning Box" on a Mondeo 130 TDCI. Certainly made it shift. Also went through 2 injectors in 8 weeks. Not saying it was the chip but don't imagine it helped.He said it improved both performance and mpg.
It took about 30 secs to fit and same to remove.
He sold his car and i think he still has the box if interested?
Bohally said:
I had a "TDI Tuning Box" on a Mondeo 130 TDCI. Certainly made it shift. Also went through 2 injectors in 8 weeks. Not saying it was the chip but don't imagine it helped.
On an engine like that, which has questionable reliability even as standard, I don't think I'd bother 
Remapped my 2.0t Saab to 250hp (from 175) and 275Nm and it made a massive difference to performance but also improved economy.
I had it done by a specialist Saab re-mapper via one of the Saab forums.
Be sure the rest of the car is up to scratch as my intercooler was knackered and blew out after the remap. If I go to the next stage of remap I also run a 50% chance of clutch slip unless I upgrade the clutch but at this stage the clutch is fine. Economy post remap is better than it was previously and as long as you keep your foot off the noisy pedal upwards of 38mpg is pretty easily attainable.
On my Smart Roadster it was mapped from 80hp to 102 and again its a significant improvement in driveability and performance with the ability (where legal) to run out to redline in 6th . Economy didn't improve on this one (no worse either) and it did highlight the worn clutch (which could be induced to slip until it was changed 20k miles later).
I had it done by a specialist Saab re-mapper via one of the Saab forums.
Be sure the rest of the car is up to scratch as my intercooler was knackered and blew out after the remap. If I go to the next stage of remap I also run a 50% chance of clutch slip unless I upgrade the clutch but at this stage the clutch is fine. Economy post remap is better than it was previously and as long as you keep your foot off the noisy pedal upwards of 38mpg is pretty easily attainable.
On my Smart Roadster it was mapped from 80hp to 102 and again its a significant improvement in driveability and performance with the ability (where legal) to run out to redline in 6th . Economy didn't improve on this one (no worse either) and it did highlight the worn clutch (which could be induced to slip until it was changed 20k miles later).
Thanks all for the advice and feedback on your own remaps. I suppose my only remaining questions are:
1) How do you qualify the outfits doing these remaps, there are two local to me who both have good reviews on Facebook but one states they don't offer any warranty / protection and another states they do.
2) What price should I be looking at? I've been quoted £300 - no rolling road and £400 including rolling road
Thanks again all.
PS. Have had no replies to the same post in the Audi forum so thought I'd spread the net wider here!
1) How do you qualify the outfits doing these remaps, there are two local to me who both have good reviews on Facebook but one states they don't offer any warranty / protection and another states they do.
2) What price should I be looking at? I've been quoted £300 - no rolling road and £400 including rolling road
Thanks again all.
PS. Have had no replies to the same post in the Audi forum so thought I'd spread the net wider here!
glasgowrob said:
depending on your aims you can get a improvement in both performance and economy with the correct mapping. or just a shed load more power
if your looking for more performance i'd expect around another 40-50 horses and 80-90nm of torque over your standard car depending on who maps it.
personally I would recommend against going for a generic flash map as every engine is different in so many small ways. i'd be more inclined to find someone to do a bespoke map, it might be a bit more expensive but when it comes to ecu remapping you really do get what you pay for
Thanks Rob, agree that I think I want a bespoke assessment of my car.if your looking for more performance i'd expect around another 40-50 horses and 80-90nm of torque over your standard car depending on who maps it.
personally I would recommend against going for a generic flash map as every engine is different in so many small ways. i'd be more inclined to find someone to do a bespoke map, it might be a bit more expensive but when it comes to ecu remapping you really do get what you pay for
Had various remaps and boxes over the years.
Worth paying a bit extra an using a reputable company. I've never had a driveway remap done so can't comment on their abilities but I certainly wouldn't trust one of these cheaper offering without several very strong recommendations.
Well worth doing, the VAG cars are easily mapped and the gains are worthwhile. It's usually done within the first month of buying a VAG car!
Worth paying a bit extra an using a reputable company. I've never had a driveway remap done so can't comment on their abilities but I certainly wouldn't trust one of these cheaper offering without several very strong recommendations.
Well worth doing, the VAG cars are easily mapped and the gains are worthwhile. It's usually done within the first month of buying a VAG car!
Edited by Rick101 on Thursday 13th August 12:48
Definitely worth making sure you're not pushing the drivetrain, and sounds like it would be OK on your car
I've remapped a fair few cars in the past, only had a problem with one of them and that was my old Juke where the DMF started to complain/shudder/slip after about 30k miles with the map on. Took it off and all was well again - at least in my ownership. Apologies to whoever got it next........
I know there are some good gains to be had from mapping my D3 BT but I'm very wary of it, it's a 330d gearbox and driveshafts etc so that's all good, but the clutch and DMF are 320d items which I think would be well outside their comfort zone at circa 250bhp and 500Nm.
I've remapped a fair few cars in the past, only had a problem with one of them and that was my old Juke where the DMF started to complain/shudder/slip after about 30k miles with the map on. Took it off and all was well again - at least in my ownership. Apologies to whoever got it next........
I know there are some good gains to be had from mapping my D3 BT but I'm very wary of it, it's a 330d gearbox and driveshafts etc so that's all good, but the clutch and DMF are 320d items which I think would be well outside their comfort zone at circa 250bhp and 500Nm.
Get one with a Warranty, that's one thing I would definately go for.
I used Angel Tuning, and they were very good.
To get a gauge of them, call them and speak to them about any concerns you have. The genuine outfits will talk to you about them, but not massively pressure you into it.
I did some research on where to get mine mapped. As mine uses a specific engine and turbo I found it was better to go where I went in the end as they actually employ someone who helped develop the T-Jet engine, which is used in mine and most of the Abarths too, which was reassuring. He also didn't just wind the boost up, it's up a little from standard (about.2 bar according to the boost gauge) but he's made the map very linear as I didn't want to stress the drivetrain out too much, so whereas others may have more power, mines a smoother map.
I used Angel Tuning, and they were very good.
To get a gauge of them, call them and speak to them about any concerns you have. The genuine outfits will talk to you about them, but not massively pressure you into it.
I did some research on where to get mine mapped. As mine uses a specific engine and turbo I found it was better to go where I went in the end as they actually employ someone who helped develop the T-Jet engine, which is used in mine and most of the Abarths too, which was reassuring. He also didn't just wind the boost up, it's up a little from standard (about.2 bar according to the boost gauge) but he's made the map very linear as I didn't want to stress the drivetrain out too much, so whereas others may have more power, mines a smoother map.
If your paying an extra £72 per year on you premium lets forget any ideas of economy saving surely.
It must only be for performance or driveability.
I've remapped my Clio 182 as it improves many aspects and removes a flatspot. There is no power increase. I've not declared it.
I've decided against remapping my Volco V70 D5 as I can't justify it on cost grounds and it might stress the components too much as the car is not as well maintained as my Clio.
It must only be for performance or driveability.
I've remapped my Clio 182 as it improves many aspects and removes a flatspot. There is no power increase. I've not declared it.
I've decided against remapping my Volco V70 D5 as I can't justify it on cost grounds and it might stress the components too much as the car is not as well maintained as my Clio.
Edited by Rawhide on Thursday 13th August 13:27
JB! said:
Do it, get it done at a reputable tuner and a before and after rolling road.
May go without saying, but get the before and after rolling road done yourself, independently, where the operator has no vested interest in making your car look better the second time out... 
Ask for the wheel horsepower figures as well, the estimated flywheel nonsense is just pub banter.
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