Can a remap improve performance and economy at the same time?

Let’s face it, who isn’t tempted by an engine remap? Here’s your chance to really improve the performance of your car via a reasonably simple, straightforward process that unlocks the potential of your vehicle’s engine to increase power and responsiveness.

There are many advantages of having a remap done by a company like ours, which offers an excellent and comprehensive service that considers all the factors involved in remapping a vehicle. Essentially, we are rewriting the software within the Engine Control Unit (ECU), altering factory-set parameters to achieve specific goals that can include better fuel injection, ignition timing, and optimisation of performance, emissions and fuel economy.

Economy V. Performance

Ah yes, the ‘F’ word. Fuel economy, and whether it can be improved by an engine remap that promises more power and driveability all round, is one of those issues which provokes fierce debate among petrolheads, with many claims (not always based on reliable evidence!) for and against.

The honest answer is that ‘it depends.’ A bit of a fudge, perhaps, but a more accurate response than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ So let’s look at the factors involved in discovering whether tweaking your engine can really be the key to better performance and economy.

Traditional remaps are aimed at improving performance, leading to a more exciting drive. For many car owners wanting a performance remap, this is exactly the result they’re looking for. However, improving performance by increasing power output comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption. If the engine is working harder, it makes sense that it will be burning more fuel to generate more power and potentially sacrificing better fuel economy.

However, a so-called ‘economy remap’ aims to optimise the efficiency of the engine. This could include tweaking fuel injection to create a better air-fuel mixture or adjusting ignition timing for smoother combustion. Either way, fuel economy is improved, but at the expense of power output, and the ‘zip’ that you hoped for might not be quite what you expected.

Finding the balance

So is there a balance between the two? The answer is ‘probably yes.’ Adjustments that improve low-end torque (particularly in turbo diesel engines) results in less use of the throttle, fewer gear changes and potentially less wasted fuel. This ultimately results in an enhanced driving experience, making for a more relaxing and enjoyable drive.

That’s the theory, anyway. Practically speaking, there are several other factors at work that will undoubtedly influence the balance between superior performance and fuel economy. One of the biggest is your personal driving style. The more aggressively you drive, the more fuel you will burn, remap or no remap. If you’re looking for optimum balance, you will need to drive smoothly and with an eye on your fuel consumption.

You might also need to consider the make and model of your car. Some vehicles, particularly those with turbo-diesel engines, really step up to the mark when it comes to ECU remapping. Others don’t quite cut it so well. Again, it depends!

Quality remapping from MET

There is also the quality of the remap to consider and here, it’s important to do your homework. A poor remap can lead to unintended consequences including engine wear and even decreased performance. Here at Mobile Eco Tuning, we make 100 per cent sure that our ECU remaps are completely safe and reliable.

As approved members of the Performance Automotive Aftermarket Association (PAAA), we adhere to strict industry standards. Our remaps are developed following extensive testing on our state-of-the-art 1000bhp 4WD dyno as well as out on the open road, providing you with unparalleled peace of mind as well as performance.

If you’re keen to find out more about our remaps, and how they might increase your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy without too much compromise of either, contact us here or give us a call at 01934 644427. We’ll be happy to talk you through all stages of our remap process, helping you discover what benefits your vehicle might gain from our comprehensive and reliable service.