What is Mapping?
Engine remapping, sometimes known as ‘chipping ’, is a modern way of increasing a car’s performance by modifying its onboard computer, which is known as an electronic control unit, or ECU.
From the dawn of motoring, enthusiasts have boosted the performance of their cars by tuning engines, tweaking handling, and adding aerodynamic aids such as spoilers
Engine remapping, sometimes known as ‘chipping ’, is a modern way of increasing a car’s performance by modifying its onboard computer, which is known as an electronic control unit, or ECU.
Remapping a car is a quick and relatively cost-effective process that involves adjusting (or replacing) microchips in a car’s ECU to overwrite the manufacturer’s factory settings.
An ECU is set to limit a car’s performance capabilities. This might be to extend the life of the car, to aid reliability or limit emissions. It also enables manufacturers to launch economy and performance versions of the same model.
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How is it done?
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Towards the end of the 20th Century, car makers started fitting ECU units to cars. These can be accessed via on-board diagnostic (OBD) ports which allow mechanics to connect a laptop to the ECU to analyse problems. OBD ports are also used to remap engines.
It can take just minutes to overwrite an ECU's default settings with new ones programmed to enhance a car’s overall performance.
There will be an immediate improvement in the speed and power of a car and the engine will also be more responsive.
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Types of remapping
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Depending on who you approach, you're likely to be offered various types of remapping, or engine tuning. For instance, there might be an economy version designed to improve fuel efficiency. The increase in torque will mean fewer gear changes and accelerator pedal movement, thus improving MPG and driveability.
More expensive performance-enhancing remaps will probably require hardware upgrades and replacement engine parts, such as a new turbocharger.
Some companies also offer automatic gearbox remapping, which increases shift response times, and alters the up-shift and down-shift points.
Turbocharged engines – both petrol and diesel – are the perfect engines for chip tuning, and the process can also be used in vans and trucks.
Normally aspirated (non turbo) petrol engines can still benefit from remapping, but the results are less impressive.
So, remapping an engine can result in a horsepower boost, increased torque, improved fuel economy, better throttle response, smoother power delivery and safer overtaking, but it's not all good news.