Remapping Opinions

John Fletcher

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I have searched through about remaps and see a lot of options but I would like some opinions please...

Firstly I am of the opinion that an ECU is a small computer that has algorithms based on logic programmed in to optimise the cars performance - mph, mpg, driveability, emissions etc

These algorithms are based on air and fuel for performance, driveability etc and can be 'mapped' to give faster response to certain things in the logic. Now I know this is a very simplistic approach and the logic in an ECU is a bit more complicated/exact than what I have written. But basically a programmer can twiddle with these algorithms and optimise the output of certain logic.

So, I have been in touch with 3 remapping companies and the prices vary tremendously.

1 @ £245
1 @ £350
1 @ £650

I wont mention any names at this stage but each of them give similar output figures once remapped - apart from the one at £650 who's figures are about 5% more than the other two.

So, do I really get what I pay for seeing that this day and age most IT guys are switched on to algorithms and logic etc?
 

turbopete

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cheaper ones will most likely be generic upgraded files which are more or less a simple download to your ecu. chances are the more expensive one will be done on a rolling road and customised to your exact car (as every car is slightly different no matter how similar they seem) and/or your own needs. hence the likelihood of them claiming an extra 5%
 
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John Fletcher

John Fletcher

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cheaper ones will most likely be generic upgraded files which are more or less a simple download to your ecu. chances are the more expensive one will be done on a rolling road and customised to your exact car (as every car is slightly different no matter how similar they seem) and/or your own needs. hence the likelihood of them claiming an extra 5%

OK thanks Pete, but is there anything wrong with generic ones? For the difference in output I'm not that bothered. However, I don't want to waste money in either direction!
 

JBell

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Not sure I would go to a generic mapper, the ECU has to be removed from the car and opened up.

When GAD did my 350CDi I was incredibly impressed with the time and attention Anthony took, the map was written for my car and they do a thorough check to see if there are any existing issues, was well worth the money
 
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John Fletcher

John Fletcher

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Not sure I would go to a generic mapper, the ECU has to be removed from the car and opened up.

When GAD did my 350CDi I was incredibly impressed with the time and attention Anthony took, the map was written for my car and they do a thorough check to see if there are any existing issues, was well worth the money

OK that appears to be reasonable and valid. Thanks, looks like a trip to GAD then...
 

Craiglxviii

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970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
I have searched through about remaps and see a lot of options but I would like some opinions please...

Firstly I am of the opinion that an ECU is a small computer that has algorithms based on logic programmed in to optimise the cars performance - mph, mpg, driveability, emissions etc

These algorithms are based on air and fuel for performance, driveability etc and can be 'mapped' to give faster response to certain things in the logic. Now I know this is a very simplistic approach and the logic in an ECU is a bit more complicated/exact than what I have written. But basically a programmer can twiddle with these algorithms and optimise the output of certain logic.

So, I have been in touch with 3 remapping companies and the prices vary tremendously.

1 @ £245
1 @ £350
1 @ £650

I wont mention any names at this stage but each of them give similar output figures once remapped - apart from the one at £650 who's figures are about 5% more than the other two.

So, do I really get what I pay for seeing that this day and age most IT guys are switched on to algorithms and logic etc?
Algorithms? Lol no. They’re just lookup tables. Basically Excel.
 

Frosty149

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^^+1
Like you I did some research and as JBell said, a map tailored to my car, carried out onsite, gave me some degree of confidence.
The guys at GAD investigated and removed the existing ecu before applying any changes and went to some length to explain the process, their approach and what to expect going forward.
 
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John Fletcher

John Fletcher

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^^+1
Like you I did some research and as JBell said, a map tailored to my car, carried out onsite, gave me some degree of confidence.
The guys at GAD investigated and removed the existing ecu before applying any changes and went to some length to explain the process, their approach and what to expect going forward.

cheers m8
 

Yugguy

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I've had two generic maps on diesels, both gave a decent increase in power and a smidgen better mpg on cruise.

IMO a generic map is fine if you haven't done anything else to improve performance and just want X amount extra over your standard output.

If I'd changed my intercooler, intake, exhaust etc., then I'd want a custom map to take advantage of the individual set up of my car.
 

LostKiwi

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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
Here's what part of a map looks like:
ecuflash-using-scoobyrom-color-map.png
 

Craiglxviii

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970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
Here's what part of a map looks like:
ecuflash-using-scoobyrom-color-map.png

Ohh get the gradient displays on those 3D charts, who's being fancy now eh eh eh, conditional formatting 'n' all...
 

V6Matty

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MSL do exactly the same as GAD in that respect but with the benefit of the rolling road to see how it's translating from map to road,
Oh and everyone loves to know their new headline numbers :)
 


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