Q: What is engine mapping?
A:The combined data of the fuel mixture and ignition timing of "open loop" digital systems are held on a chip within your Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This data is then used by the ECU programme to set ignition and fuel supply to the engine as required.
The data or "characteristics" of the information can be depicted, as a graph which when analysed and altered is known as engine mapping.
Q: What does ECU remapping do?
A:Quite simply, it changes the data in various areas to provide a different map so that areas such as the fuel supply, ignition timing, injector opening times etc are altered to provide a more efficient combustion.
Q: Why do I need ECU remapping?
A:When a manufacturer releases a car into the world it has to be able to cope with many different demands in many different environments by many different users all "from the box". For example, the car has to cope with poor fuel quality, dusty environments, poor services and at the same time provide reliability and economy. This has meant that the manufacturers have in essence detuned the engines to cater for all this.
In Europe and America we generally do not have these issues to the extent that the engines have been detuned to - so, we have the scope to change them. This is what we at Angel Tuning are doing for customers across the UK.
Q: Is re-mapping better or simply different from chipping?
A:OBD Engine mapping is the modern version of chipping. When you "chip" a car you basically put in a chip that has a set of data already burnt onto it, into your ECU. When you OBD remap an ECU, you save off the data currently stored on the chip and overwrite it with the performance data. This then allows you to apply different maps where applicable and also restore the original data should you require it. The benefit obviously of this is that it means you have not changed any standard part of the car and therefore warranty is unaffected etc.
What you must remember is that this is not some gimmick promise item that fools the engine into thinking something else (oh how I wish those things would be banned under the sales description act!), it is the real version of engine tuning using a modern approach.
Q: What BHP and Torque increase can I expect on my car?
A:It is difficult to ascertain an exact figure for each car, however for a normally aspirated petrol and diesel engine we expect to gain 10% on both figures, so if you have an 83 BHP 1242 Punto the likely minimum gain is 8 BHP and 8 lb ft torque. For a turbo derivative we expect bigger increases, namely 35 BHP on the 1.9JTD and a massive 60BHP plus on the 2.4JTD engines. For a more detailed explenation of Torque & BHP, please click here
Q: Do you have a torque and BHP graph for my engine?
A:Quite simply, no. They are meaningless to the majority and we rarely have a before one to match it against. The real experience is in the driveability of the car. If you are unhappy with the car when you test drive it then we will return the tune to standard and refund you any tuning charges. If you really want a before and after torque / BHP graph we can arrange this with a local company at cost for you.
Q: How will it affect my warranty?
A:There is no change needed to any hardware for engine remapping and in the main is both physically and diagnostically undetectable.
Q: What warranty do you give on your work?
A:We change data held on a component of your car, we are not changing any hardware on any post '99 car. Therefore we have nothing to give a warranty on. However, we will do our utmost to help anyone who has a problem, including returning the car to standard for testing etc.
Q: What about insurance?
A:This is where we cannot tell you what to do. Basically the change in the engine map is extremely hard to diagnose, even with the right equipment to compare it with. Secondly to say something has been modified you have to compare it to the original and with only one map on the car what can you compare it against to prove it has been modified. Now we are NOT advising you not to tell your insurance company by stating the above. Some insurance companies are indifferent to remapping as they don't know what it is, some are half in the know and add a premium just for the sake of it and some insurance companies know exactly what it is and will ask the correct questions - if you tell them.
Q: Can the remapping be reversed?
A:The main plus point of this modern methodology means that we can reverse the information back to standard for you at any time. Because of this, if you came back to us within 14 days and asked us to reverse the process we will do so free of charge AND refund you the full amount. After 14 days, there is NO CAHRGE to return your car to standard, but no refund unless there is any issue of course. If you have come a long way to us, we understand its not always easy to return within 14 days, so talk to us and we will come up with a compromise for you.
Q: What do Angel Tuning require and how long does it take?
A:Obviously we need your car! We will test drive it before hand, with you if required, to perform some basic tests so we can ascertain if there are any issues that will affect our work. If your car has any issues that will negate the affects of the work and render it pointless we will tell you straight away and we will not charge you for the tuning, clearly stating why. To complete the work takes about 1 hour from start to finish including the pre and post test drives. However, the post test drive time is up to you. If you wish to drive around for two hours in the locality you are more than welcome to do so, we will advise some good roads and routes for you as well. We are much happier knowing if you have any issues close by than having driven all the way home.
Q: What are the additional charges?
A:None! Simple as that.
Q: What about the longevity of my engine?
A:Because of the tolerances built into modern engines you are likely to decrease the longevity by 3-5% from the expected lifetime of the engine. However as the life expectancy of all modern engines if properly maintained is in excess of 300,000 miles you are looking at 285,000 miles! If you did "blow up", the likelihood is that it would have blown up anyway. We are not removing any rev limiters etc so therefore if you thrashed the living hell out of your engine it would have happened anyway we therefore cannot guarantee the longevity of components out of our charge.
Q: What if I am not happy with what you have done?
A:We give you 14 days and if you are not happy we guarantee to refund you and come and return the car to standard specification.
Q: What about after 14 days or if I want to sell my car?
A:If you want the work reversed after this time we will do it FREE OF CHARGE plus £25 if we come to you. Therefore if in a years time you want to sell the car in its standard tune just let us know.
Q: I have an auto box or Selespeed, would you still recommend this?
A:We cannot see why it would make any difference to it being manual or auto.
Q: What's the likely effect on fuel consumption?
A:If you are a frugal driver to start with then your economy will improve. If you are going to use the power more often and drive the car faster - your consumption will drop as it would anyway. We have had people tell us that consumption has not been affected as when the car is not being used "enthusiastically" it is more economical so it evens up when it is. But we would rather say that you will see a slight decrease in your economy - because we drive "enthusiastically" ourselves!
Q: Can you do my car?
A:Nearly all European diesel and petrol models made since 1998 are catered.
Q: How much will it cost?
A:Our prices start at just £235 for small engined petrol models. Ring or email us for packages details
Q: I have another question.......
A:No one persons requirements are the same, talk to us, even if just for a friendly chat about your car....
Q: I have other modifications....
A:Please tell us what they are!
Q: I intend to make further modifications....
A:OK, let us know what you are thinking of doing and we will advise which is the best way round to do them and may also be able to offer an all in one package.
Q: Do I need to come to you?
A:No, we will come to you if required. If you are a long distance from us we will try and group a few people together from that area to make the trip worthwhile. This includes, Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe.