Switchable reMaps

[Xilent]

Hey, i was wondering if its possible to have a switchable map added to a car.
Im looking at buying a Mk1 Focus RS and want to know if i could have a Switch installed in the car, and when pressed it will load a Performance Map, and when turned off will return to standard tune.
Fuel economy being the reason.

Thanks

[hyperblue]

There is a switch which controls performance and economy, it's located next to your right foot. Use it wisely.

[The Moose]

I raced (long rally raid) against a couple of Suzuki Swifts that had a switchable remap. Their fuel tanks were on the small side and wouldn't have made one of the liason stages without an 'economy' map. I have to admit, this is something I've wondered because it would really help.

Cheers

The Moose

[carmonk]

That's the weirdest car-related thing I've heard today, and believe me, that's saying something.

[MX7]

http://www.emeraldm3d.com/em_k3.html

Not cheap though.

[SubaruSteve]

My Hill Climb car has switchable maps with different boost levels. Apparently you can get relatively affordable ecu's (£1000 plus mapping ish) with 8+ different maps available at a turn of a switch (would be useful for me as I would be able to run different launch/boost strategies for different weather conditions)

I would imagine you may need a new ECU to run it effectively.

[Mastodon2]

The Focus RS Mk1 may well benefit from a remap, some cars have quite a reputation for delivering better economy after ramapping, though it depends how you use it. You will get the extra power but the more you use it the more your economy will suffer. Vice versa, the car may well run more economically at lower speeds.

Now, if only a remap would sort that errant Quaife differential...

[Xilent]

ok cool thanks for the info guys

[Xilent]

the emerald one looks like exactly what im after
Id probably go for: Eco, Sport, Race
Would a normal mapper be able to maps these, just like doing a normal map but three times?

[Synchromesh]

I've always wondered why new cars don't have this. I.e. one 'eco' map for the economy and C02 figure tests and day-to-day driving, and a 'sport' map for 0-62 tests and hooning. I think some of the hybids have something similar but it should be in performance cars as well.

[Slinky]

have a chat with Matt Faulks at Tour De Force... If the ECU is full blown CANBUS there is potential that something could be done..

I know he's done some fun stuff with ECUs in the past, and is doing all sorts of interesting stuff these days..

Edited by Slinky on Friday 8th April 19:17

[James Dean]

Synchromesh said:

I've always wondered why new cars don't have this. I.e. one 'eco' map for the economy and C02 figure tests and day-to-day driving, and a 'sport' map for 0-62 tests and hooning. I think some of the hybids have something similar but it should be in performance cars as well.

Ehm, isn't that what the 'sport'-button in newer cars is doing?

[mattcov]

On my Leon which was Revo remapped I had the SPS controller which you could do this along with boost, fuelling and timing.

Tbh, I wouldnt bother having a switch to turn on/off for the basis of fuel economy; most remaps dont harm the economy at all and quite a few increase mpg.

[john banks]

I coded 9 map switching on the R35 GTR using the cruise control buttons and factory boost gauge, but since the car runs stoich at cruise, it won't affect cruise economy, but alter the boost response with respect to throttle position and other variables which obviously makes a difference if you use more throttle since you'll get less airflow and so less fuel (and less torque).

Most economy maps don't give you something for nothing, they just dull the tune in some way, so you don't get more torque for the same fuel usage.