ECU Remaps involves altering the parameters stored within the ECU. This is done by reading the code stored on the ECU, altering it, and writing it back on. In a very simplistic way, it is the same as updating your iPod with new firmware.
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Many parameters can be altered, it is dependent on the car. For example, with the Renault and Mazda Petrol Turbo range, some of the base parameters altered include boost, fueling and spark advance. These parameters are stored in maps. The best way to describe a map is to compare it to a spreadsheet.
Traction control and other car feasures are not altered.
Also, small modifications may be required to enhance the performance of the tune. You will be advised if required.
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ECU Remaps are the result of a large amount of work. Many hours are spent accessing and de compiling the memory on an ECU. Particularly the newer more modern units.
Once this process is finished, the resulting information needs to analyzed and arranged in such a fashion, one can confidently understand where all the various parameters controlling the motor are located. This is a very lengthy process. It can take months.
Finally, large amounts of time and effort are then spent in testing various changes in order to optimize the final product.
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Any modifications made to your vehicle could potentially void your warranty.
One of the reasons we check and modify the file from your car is to retain the chassis number, hardware and software info possibly embedded within the data.
This means that when the ECU is scanned, it will return correct information for your car. This helps make it basically undetectable, and why it is important to be car specific!
With stock ECU programming, we do not need to splice wires or add visible hardware onto your vehicle. As such, there is no visual footprint as compared with Piggyback or other forms of modification e.g. changing your exhaust.
However, if they take your vehicle for a drive or hook up to the OBD diagnostic port and log boost parameters and find an abnormally high boost, they may start asking you questions :)
There is no way to be 100% sure they will not find out you have modified the car! Same can be said for most forms of modding.
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This seems to be a major concern for some. Simple answer is, you will loose the tune and return to factory settings.
Car updates are done normally when the Manufacturer decides an issue can be solved. Not just for the heck of it. Do not believe that every time you a car in for a service, the ECU/PCM will be reflashed with new factory firmware? This is not usually the case.
Please remember the car is yours, and you have the ability to say no to any updates. This will prevent the new tune being lost.
As a Customer of VRL Performance, I offer you a service to replace an overwritten tune. This replacement file is free, and I will not charge you my time. However, any expenses incurred in doing so, are paid by the Customer. This includes shipping, postage and travel expenses.
This service is valid for the first year, from the date of initial purchase.
However, I will not restore cars to standard before a service, and replace the tune afterwards.
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Two of the most common question asked. And the answer is No, you will not loose the remap if you disconnect the battery or if your ECU is "resetted".
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There is normally no need to have a custom tune for mods like exhaust, TMIC or CAI's. The ECU will deal with these mods happily since we do not tamper with any of your sensors during the ECU remap.
This applies to mods installed before and after a flash tune. The ECU will relearn any parameters it needs to for proper operation.
Experience shows that adding mods normally enhances the tune, as it does under a stock tune.
A custom tune is advised for major work such as heads, cams and modifications that may radically alter Volumetric Efficency.
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Often people ask, and endlessly discuss on forums, why the cost appears high considering that all we do is plug a laptop into your car. After all, this is all they see happening.
Before we even get to the point of programming your car, much has already occurred. In some cases, months of development has taken place to finalize a product. In the case of the Mazda MPS range, almost 4 months of time was invested in testing and R&D.
Consider too, this development is done using expensive test equipment, dynos, software, dataloggers and computers. It is not a five minute deal.
Another point many are not aware of is the price of the actual equipment we use to interface to your car or ECU. So you can consider that the costs are very high in this business. Each file sold therefore has an inherent cost. This is a commercial reality and unavoidable.
We suggest that you look at our competitor's web sites and compare prices. You will find that we offer a very reasonable price, and a much more personalized experience. In some cases you may be surprised how much you can save. The fact is, we use similar, if not the same, equipment to program your car as many other Tuners. All the gear is professional grade, with great technical support, and more than capable of programming your car.
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In most cases, no. Flash tunes are designed to be safe across a model range. Much time, money and testing is invested into creating a flash tune. You can be sure it is suitable.
If you have an extreme set of modifications, we would advise a more complete data logging and/or dynotuning.
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The issue of exactly what parameters are altered, and to what value, is often beaten to death on car forums. People and companies are sometimes accused of withholding information, being dishonest, lying and even incompetent. All of which are furthest from the truth.
Exact specifications are not often released as this is proprietary information. Especially when in a developmental phase. It is commercially sensitive information. So from this perspective almost no Tuner will give you exact specifications. Only ballpark. This is a common occurrence, and not unusual.
We all wish to protect the information, knowledge and files we have all worked very hard to develop. Just like any other company trying to protect its proprietary knowledge and information.
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No tuner can guarantee the exact gains for any vehicles as there are several variables which may result in bhp differences in final results, sometimes more, sometimes less. Also the gains may not be meaningful if read on its own, since different part of your ECU map will have different gains. E.g. some websites may quote a 10 bhp increase, but fail to quote that this increase is only for 6,500 rpm and upwards.
Here are some dyno results for Normal Aspirated and Turbo Petrol. Diesel
Turbo usually provide even better gains.
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Petrol (Turbo) |
Petrol (Normal Aspirated) |
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As with all modding, there is always that chance. The risk is no more or less than any high performance modification. And it also depends on how radically you drive.
It is also extremely important your car is in perfect running order before tuning. High performance tuning will not fix problems, it will more than likely exaggerate them. We have tests that can check your car, and report to you if we can see potential problems. You will be advised of potential issues before any work is performed.
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First off, be careful!
The car will have a lot more power and torque. It may surprise you, so it is important to take things easy at first until you understand the changes. The car will change over a few days as the ECU sets itself, and may become more powerful.
Depending on the car, it may take a period of time for the ECU to settle. You may experience some hesitation at various points while the ECU learns the fueling. This is typical, and not unusual.
Results will vary from car to car. This is normal.
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