Moorhouse Garage Ltd

What is engine remapping?

Engine remapping is when a vehicle’s onboard computer (often called an Electronic Control Unit, or ECU) is modified with new software to affect/improve its behaviour.

From the factory, the vast majority of cars won’t have their engine’s maximum potential performance on offer — even on sports cars. ECUs usually limit the engine’s performance to improve reliability, emissions and fuel consumption.

Your car’s engine may also be limited to ensure it can deliver a good balance of fuel consumption and outright performance in less-than-ideal conditions; such as very hot weather (when engines typically produce less power)

Engine remapping is usually done to unlock more power from an engine by removing some of these restrictions. It’s also possible to have a remap focused on increasing fuel consumption.

How does engine remapping work?

An engine remap is performed by writing a new software program onto the engine’s electronic control unit (ECU). This is a relatively simple method of tuning, usually done by plugging a specialist laptop into the car’s OBD port (the same plug most garages use to diagnose a problem with your car if it breaks down).