What is engine remapping?

Engine re-mapping is considered a relatively inexpensive way to tune your car.

While most remapping focuses on increasing your car's power and performance, it's also possible to improve your engine's fuel efficiency through remapping.

Is the diversion really worth the extra cash? This guide is designed to help you decide.

What is engine switching?

Engine switching occurs when a vehicle's onboard computer (often referred to as the electronic control unit or ECU) is modified with new software to influence its behavior.

Ex-factory, most cars don't offer the maximum possible engine performance - even sports cars. The ECU typically limits engine performance to improve reliability, emissions, and fuel economy.

Your car's engine may also be slightly restricted to ensure it strikes the right balance between fuel economy and full performance in less than ideal conditions, e.g. in very hot weather (when the engine normally produces less power).

Diverting is usually done to release more power from the engine and eliminate some of these limitations. There may also be a rebalancing towards increased fuel consumption.

How does engine remapping work?

The engine is rerouted by recording a new software program on the engine's electronic control unit (ECU). This is a fairly simple setup method, usually done by plugging a laptop into the car's OBD port (the same connector most repair shops use to diagnose problems with your car when it breaks).

Of course, it is not easy to download software online and do it yourself. You should take your car to a trained professional, although some companies offer DIY services.

This new software seeks to optimize machine behavior to improve performance.

What are the benefits of machine remapping?

It's an inexpensive way to improve your car's performance

Remapping prices vary, but it can be one of the cheapest ways to improve your car's performance.

You don't need to do any physical upgrades

You don't need to upgrade the physical aspects of your car to take advantage of the rewrite performance. In fact, usually, the opposite happens. Many replacement parts require machines to be rewritten to make sure they work as well as they can.

It is (usually) reversible

In most cases, the car diversion can be canceled. So, if you decide to return the original software to your car, it is easy to do. That is, it will not restore the warranty that you have voided.