Remapping, sometimes called ECU tuning, is when the settings of a car’s ‘engine control unit’ (ECU) is altered to improve several areas of the vehicle’s performance. By overwriting the existing settings with new software, the owner can re-programme the car to manage the fuel injection, airflow, sensors and more (within legal limitations).
The stage 1 ECU tune is designed specifically for a completely stock car, keeping ignition timing and boost levels at a point to not cause too much heat and load on the engine, no matter where you are in the rev range. It is possible to run a stage 1 ECU software with some additional ecology system off.
If you are looking to take your car to the next level, you will need to invest in upgraded tuning hardware with intercoolers and in most cases a cat back exhaust before being able to run the higher-powered software.
Stage 3 is an even larger step up from stage 2. This level 3 remap involves significant hardware modifications to ensure the car can handle all the new power safely and perform optimally.
What’s needed for a Stage 3 remap?
A stage 3 remap isn’t just about tweaking the software. It requires significant hardware upgrades, including:
Hybrid Turbo
Hybrid turbos are designed to provide a balance between stock turbos and full-performance turbos. They offer a larger compressor wheel and improved turbine design, facilitating a greater volume of air to be forced into the engine. This enhanced airflow is crucial for the increased power outputs expected from car remapping.
Upgraded Intercooler
An intercooler’s primary function is to cool the compressed air coming from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. As you boost your vehicle’s performance, the turbocharger works harder, compressing more air and, consequently, generating more heat. An upgraded intercooler is designed to handle this increased volume of air and dissipate the additional heat more effectively. Cooler air is denser, which means it contains more oxygen. This makes for a better air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, leading to extra power and improved efficiency.
High-performance Exhaust System
Stage 3 tuning aims to boost an engine’s power, necessitating enhanced airflow management. Performance-oriented exhaust systems are designed to support this by reducing excessive back pressure and managing increased heat from the engine. While these systems improve performance, they also appeal to car enthusiasts for their sportier sound and aesthetic upgrades. These exhausts ensure compatibility with other hardware modifications typical of a stage 3 remap.
Can you go straight to Stage 3 remap?
Yes, you can go straight to a stage 3 remap, but it’s essential to understand what this entails. A stage 3 remap is the most aggressive form of engine tuning, aiming for maximum performance gains. Here’s what you need to consider:
How much HP does a Stage 3 tune add?
The amount of horsepower (HP) added by a stage 3 tune can vary widely based on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the specific modifications made, and the expertise of the tuning companies.
Typically, a stage 3 tune can result in a horsepower increase of anywhere from 20% to 60% over the stock figures. For some cars, this might mean an additional 50 HP, while for others, it could mean an increase of 150 HP or more.
The starting horsepower of the vehicle plays a significant role. For instance, cars with a stock output of 150 HP might see an increase of 30 to 60 HP with a stage 3 tune. In contrast, a vehicle with a stock output of 300 HP might gain the most power with further increases of 60 to 180 HP.
Car remapping often goes hand in hand with extensive hardware modifications. The quality and extent of these modifications will significantly influence the potential power gains.
TCU remapping is a upgrade optimise the performance off automatic transmissions. The TCU controls various aspects of the transmission, such as the speed of gear shifts, torque limitation, and even the clutch clamping pressure. Usually this needs with stage 2 and stage 3 ecu remaps
Our TCU software upgrades make precise adjustments to a number of parameters, fine-tuning the TCU to enhance the performance and driveability of the vehicle. By customising shift points, increasing torque limits, and speeding up gear changes, our TCU remaps can result in faster acceleration, lightning-fast gear shifts, and a more exhilarating and satisfying driving experience overall.
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