A quick guide to ECU Remapping - By: Felicity Lightbody

ECU simply stands for electronic control unit. ECU remapping is a process in which the software that runs the ECU is fine tuned. Engines built nowadays run using the help of computing devices, also known as engine management schemes. New engines nowadays come with a set of detectors which sense engine functions such as throttle position, crank up position, air flow and so on an so forth. The ECU's job is to make use of all this info and extract optimum performance from the engine. It is in a way the "brain" of the engine, and it needs tuning or remapping once in a while.

The next question people may have is why should remapping be done in the first place?
Many people tend to think ECU remapping is a complicated job, and only highly skilled mechanics are capable of doing this. This is not necessarily true. Many mechanics with average skill level are capable of doing this, provided they have the necessary equipment to do so. Remapping the ECU comes with a lot of benefits. The engine will become more efficient and torque levels will also increase. Basically the engine will get more power as well as greater fuel efficiency.

As mentioned before, ECU's are a computing device, which means that it needs special software to run just like a PC. When an engine gets built at the factory, this software may not always be set to give maximum level of performance. This is because most car owners may not need or have the desire for high performance levels. Most people are happy with what they have. With software remapping capability this need not be the case anymore. Anyone who is willing to spend a little money can get optimum performance from their car.

In order to do ECU remapping, the existing software found in the engine is over ridden with a more improved and updated software. This is similar to installing new and improved software on a PC or laptop. The actual remapping process is done with the help of a PC. The serial port on the ECU is connected to a PC containing the remapping software, to get the job done. Nowadays many different programs are available to customize the need of a particular engine. Once this is done the customer has the choice of choosing between efficiency over power, or a bit of both. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not recommended to mess around too much with this, as it can damage the engine in the long run.

About the Author

Felicity is a passionate car enthusiast. Felicity works for a car performance specialist who offer a ECU remapping service in Yorkshire, UK. Spitfire Performance also offer ECU chip tuning and forced induction kits. For more information, please visit their site, Spitfire Performance

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