Engine tuning or remapping is the process of modifying the software of a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) to alter its performance characteristics. Car owners usually get it done to improve their engine’s power, fuel economy, responsiveness, or torque, etc. However, engine tuning also involves some risks, such as voiding the warranty, increasing the insurance premium, or causing engine damage if done improperly.
Therefore, it is important to choose the best engine tuning company for your car, one that can provide quality, compatibility, service, and support for your engine tuning needs. We will guide you to choose the best engine tuning company for your car, depending on certain factors and criteria.
What to look for in an engine tuning company
Experience and reputation
One of the most important things to look for in an engine tuning company is their experience and reputation in the industry. You need to look for a company that has a certification process, and positive customers’ feedback. This way, you can be sure that the company knows what they are doing, follows the standards and regulations, and satisfies their customers.
For example, one of the most reputable engine tuning companies in the UK is Superchips, which has been in the business since 1977 and has tuned over half a million vehicles. Superchips has a network of over 80 dealers and installation centers across the country, and offers a range of products and services for various car brands and models, including Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, and more. Superchips also has a certification process that ensures their products are safe, reliable, and legal. Moreover, Superchips has received many positive reviews and testimonials from their customers, who have praised their performance, fuel economy, and customer service.
Quality and compatibility
Another important thing to look for in an engine tuning company is the quality and compatibility of their products and services for your car’s ECU. This way, you can be sure that the engine tuning will not cause any problems or conflicts with your car’s system, and that it will deliver the best possible results.
For example, some of the technical aspects of engine tuning that affect the performance and fuel economy of your car are ignition timing, turbocharger, torque, etc. Ignition timing is the process of controlling when the spark plugs fire in relation to the piston position. Turbocharger is a device that increases the air pressure and density in the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and more power to be produced. Torque is the rotational force that the engine applies to the wheels. This determines the acceleration and pulling power of the car. By adjusting these aspects, engine tuning can improve the power, torque, fuel economy, and responsiveness of your car.
However, not all cars are compatible with all engine tuning products and services. Some car brands and models have specific requirements and limitations for their ECU software and hardware. For example, Audi 1.8T engine is a popular engine that is fitted in various models, such as A3, A4, TT, etc. This engine has a 20-valve configuration, a compression ratio of 9.5:1 or 9:1:1, and a peak power band of 2000 to 5000 rpm. It also has different engine codes, such as AUM, ARX, AQX, etc., that indicate the variations in the engine specifications, such as turbocharger, injectors, manifold, etc. Therefore, when choosing an engine tuning company for your Audi 1.8T, you need to make sure that they have the right products and services for your specific engine code, and that they can optimize the ignition timing, turbocharger, torque, and other aspects of your engine.
Service and support
The last but not least thing to look for in an engine tuning company is their service and support before, during, and after the tuning process. You want to choose a company that offers good service and support. This way, you can be sure that the engine tuning will be done smoothly, efficiently, and professionally, and that you will have the necessary assistance and guidance in case of any issues or questions.
For example, some of the services and support that engine tuning companies may offer are:
Diagnostic tool: a device that connects to your car’s computer port and reads the data and codes from your ECU, such as fault codes, sensor readings, etc. This identifies any errors or issues in your car’s system before and after tuning.
Computer port: a connector that allows the engine tuning company to access your car’s ECU and modify its software, such as chip tuning, remapping, etc. This is usually located under the dashboard or near the fuse box of your car.
USB memory: a device that stores the original and modified ECU software, and allows you to switch between them if needed. This can be really useful in case you decide to restore your car’s original settings, or if you want to try other tuning options.
Kit: a package that contains all the necessary hardware and software for your engine tuning, such as turbocharger, injectors, manifold, chip tuning, remapping, etc. This is convenient if you want to do the engine tuning yourself, or if you want to save some money and time.
Configuration: a process that adjusts the settings and parameters of your ECU software, such as ignition timing, turbocharger, torque, etc., to match your car’s specifications and preferences. This is essential to optimize the performance and fuel economy of your car after the engine tuning.
Conversions: a process that changes the type or format of your ECU software, such as from petrol to diesel, or from manual to automatic. This is optional if you want to change the characteristics or features of your car after the engine tuning.
Modifications: a process that adds or removes some components or functions of your ECU software, such as launch control, anti-lag, etc. This is optional if you want to enhance or customize your car’s performance or sound after the engine tuning.
Moreover, some of the ways that engine tuning companies may provide service and support are:
Online: a method that allows you to communicate and interact with the engine tuning company via the internet, such as email, chat, phone, video call, etc. This is convenient if you want to get information, advice, or assistance from the engine tuning company without visiting their premises.
On-site: a method that allows the engine tuning company to come to your location and perform the engine tuning on your car. This is convenient if you want to save time and hassle, or if you have a special or rare car that requires special care or equipment.
Workshop: a method that allows you to bring your car to the engine tuning company’s premises and have them perform the engine tuning on your car. This is convenient if you want to have access to the engine tuning company’s facilities, equipment, and expertise, or if you want to see the engine tuning process in person.
Garage: a method that allows you to leave your car at the engine tuning company’s premises and have them perform the engine tuning on your car at a later time. This is convenient if you want to avoid waiting or scheduling issues, or if you have other commitments or plans.
Dealership installation partners: a method that allows you to have the engine tuning done by the engine tuning company’s authorized partners, such as car dealerships, service centers, etc. This is convenient if you want to have the engine tuning done by a trusted and familiar source, or if you want to have the engine tuning covered by your car’s warranty or insurance.
How to compare and contrast different engine tuning companies?
Cost and value
One of the criteria that you may use to compare and contrast different engine tuning companies is their cost and value. You want to choose a company that offers the best value for your money, meaning that they provide the highest quality and compatibility, service and support, and performance and fuel economy for the lowest price. However, cost and value are not always easy to measure and compare, as they depend on various factors and preferences.
For example, some of the factors that may influence the cost and value of engine tuning are:
- Engine tuning change: the amount or degree of change that the engine tuning makes to your car’s ECU software, such as chip tuning, remapping, etc. This affects the complexity and difficulty of the engine tuning process, and thus the price and value of the engine tuning.
- Engine tuning cost: the amount of money that the engine tuning company charges for their products and services, such as turbocharger, injectors, manifold, chip tuning, remapping, etc. This affects the affordability and budget of the engine tuning, and thus the price and value of the engine tuning.
- Tuning upgrade: the level or stage of upgrade that the engine tuning provides for your car’s ECU software, such as level 1, level 2, level 3, etc. This affects the quality and compatibility, service and support, and performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, and thus the price and value of the engine tuning.
- Software upgrades: the updates or improvements that the engine tuning company offers for their products and services, such as bug fixes, new features, etc. This affects the reliability and functionality of the engine tuning, and thus the price and value of the engine tuning. Some of the ways that engine tuning companies may charge or offer discounts for their products and services are:
- Flat rate: a method that charges a fixed amount of money for a specific product or service, regardless of the time or effort involved. This is convenient if you want to know the exact cost and value of the engine tuning beforehand, or if you want to avoid any hidden or extra fees.
- Hourly rate: a method that charges a variable amount of money based on the time spent on a specific product or service. This is convenient if you want to pay only for the actual work done, or if you want to have more flexibility and control over the engine tuning process.
- Package deal: a method that charges a discounted amount of money for a bundle of products or services, such as turbocharger, injectors, manifold, chip tuning, remapping, etc. This is convenient if you want to get more value for your money, or if you want to have a complete and comprehensive engine tuning solution.
- Loyalty program: a method that offers rewards or incentives for repeat customers, such as free or discounted products or services, points, vouchers, etc. This is convenient if you want to build a long-term relationship with the engine tuning company, or if you want to benefit from their special offers and promotions.
Performance and fuel economy
Another criterion that you may use to compare and contrast different engine tuning companies is their performance and fuel economy. You want to choose a company that offers the best performance and fuel economy for your car, meaning that they provide the highest power, torque, responsiveness, and sound for the lowest fuel consumption and emissions. However, performance and fuel economy are not always easy to measure and compare, as they depend on various factors and preferences.
For example, some of the metrics and indicators that may measure the performance and fuel economy of engine tuning are:
Power: the amount of energy that the engine produces per unit of time, usually measured in horsepower (hp) or kilowatts (kW). Power affects the speed and acceleration of the car, and is influenced by factors such as air pressure, fuel mix, ignition timing, etc.
Torque: the amount of rotational force that the engine applies to the wheels, usually measured in newton metres (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft). Torque affects the pulling and climbing power of the car, and is influenced by factors such as turbocharger, injectors, manifold, etc.
Responsiveness: the ability of the engine to react quickly and smoothly to the driver’s inputs, such as throttle, brake, steering, etc. Responsiveness affects the handling and agility of the car, and is influenced by factors such as power delivery, power outputs, etc.
Sound: the noise or vibration that the engine makes, usually measured in decibels (dB) or hertz (Hz). Sound affects the comfort and enjoyment of the car, and is influenced by factors such as exhaust system, intake system, etc.
Fuel consumption: the amount of fuel that the engine uses per unit of distance, usually measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) or miles per gallon (mpg). Fuel consumption affects the cost and efficiency of the car, and is influenced by factors such as driving style, road conditions, engine tuning, etc.
Emissions: the amount of pollutants that the engine releases into the environment, usually measured in grams per kilometre (g/km) or grams per mile (g/mi). Emissions affect the environmental impact and legality of the car, and are influenced by factors such as catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, engine tuning, etc.
Moreover, some of the ways that engine tuning companies may demonstrate or guarantee the performance and fuel economy of their products and services are:
Dyno test: a test that measures the power and torque of the engine on a dynamometer, a device that simulates the road conditions and loads on the engine. This helps to verify and optimize the performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, and to provide a before-and-after comparison.
Road test: a test that measures the performance and fuel economy of the engine on the road, using a device that records the speed, distance, fuel consumption, emissions, etc. This helps to validate and fine-tune the performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, and to provide a real-world experience.
Certificate: a document that certifies the performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, such as power, torque, fuel consumption, emissions, etc. This helps to prove and advertise the performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, and to provide a legal and official record.
Warranty: a guarantee that covers the performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, such as power, torque, fuel consumption, emissions, etc. This helps to protect and compensate the customer in case of any problems or defects with the performance and fuel economy of the engine tuning, and to provide a peace of mind.
Warranty and Insurance
The last criterion that you may use to compare and contrast different engine tuning companies is their warranty and insurance. You want to choose a company that offers the best warranty and insurance for your car, meaning that they provide the highest protection and compensation for your car’s system, parts, and components in case of any issues or damages caused by the engine tuning. However, warranty and insurance are not always easy to measure and compare, as they depend on various factors and preferences.
For example, some of the risks and benefits of engine tuning in relation to warranty and insurance are:
Warranty void: a risk that the engine tuning may invalidate or cancel the warranty of your car, meaning that you will lose the protection and compensation for your car’s system, parts, and components in case of any problems or defects. This may happen if the engine tuning is not approved or authorized by the car manufacturer, or if the engine tuning causes any damage or malfunction to your car’s system, parts, or components.
Insurance premium: a risk that the engine tuning may increase the insurance premium of your car, meaning that you will have to pay more money for the insurance policy that covers your car in case of any accidents or damages. This may happen if the engine tuning is considered as a modification or enhancement that increases the value, performance, or risk of your car, or if the engine tuning is not declared or reported to your insurance company.
Insurance policy: a benefit that the engine tuning may improve the insurance policy of your car, meaning that you will have more coverage or options for your car in case of any accidents or damages. This may happen if the engine tuning is considered as a safety or security feature that reduces the risk or impact of your car, or if the engine tuning is endorsed or recommended by your insurance company.
Claims: a risk or benefit that the engine tuning may affect the claims process of your car, meaning that you may have more or less difficulty or success in getting the protection or compensation for your car in case of any accidents or damages. This may happen if the engine tuning is involved or related to the cause or consequence of the accident or damage, or if the engine tuning is verified or disputed by the insurance company.
Payout: a risk or benefit that the engine tuning may affect the payout amount of your car, meaning that you may receive more or less money for the protection or compensation for your car in case of any accidents or damages. This may happen if the engine tuning is reflected or ignored in the value, performance, or condition of your car, or if the engine tuning is accepted or rejected by the insurance company.
Accident: a risk or benefit that the engine tuning may affect the likelihood or severity of an accident involving your car, meaning that you may have more or less chance or damage of getting into an accident with your car. This may happen if the engine tuning improves or worsens the handling, stability, or visibility of your car, or if the engine tuning attracts or deters the attention of other drivers.
Moreover, some of the ways that engine tuning companies may protect or compensate their customers in case of warranty or insurance issues are:
Warranty extension: a service that extends the warranty of your car, meaning that you will have more protection and compensation for your car’s system, parts, and components in case of any problems or defects. This may be offered by the engine tuning company as part of their products or services, or by the car manufacturer as part of their approval or authorization of the engine tuning.
Warranty transfer: a service that transfers the warranty of your car, meaning that you will have the same protection and compensation for your car’s system, parts, and components in case of any problems or defects, even if you sell or trade your car. This may be offered by the engine tuning company as part of their products or services, or by the car manufacturer as part of their approval or authorization of the engine tuning.
Insurance partnership: a service that partners with an insurance company, meaning that you will have a better or cheaper insurance policy for your car in case of any accidents or damages. This may be offered by the engine tuning company as part of their products or services, or by the insurance company as part of their endorsement or recommendation of the engine tuning.
Insurance cover: a service that covers the insurance of your car, meaning that you will have the same or more protection or compensation for your car in case of any accidents or damages, even if the engine tuning is not covered by your insurance policy. This may be offered by the engine tuning company as part of their products or services, or by the insurance company as part of their verification or acceptance of the engine tuning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, engine tuning or remapping is the process of modifying the software of a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) to alter its performance characteristics. Car owners usually get it done to improve their engine’s power, fuel economy, responsiveness, or torque, etc. However, engine tuning also involves some risks, such as voiding the warranty, increasing the insurance premium, or causing engine damage if done improperly. Therefore, it is important to choose the best engine tuning company for your car, one that can provide quality, compatibility, service, and support for your engine tuning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does an engine tune cost?
An engine tune is a process of adjusting the settings and parameters of an engine to improve its performance, efficiency, or responsiveness. The cost of an engine tune depends on several factors, such as the type and extent of the modifications, the type of car, and the tuner or mechanic you choose. According to some sources, the average cost of an engine tune can range from $150 to $1,200 or more.
When should I tune my car?
The best time to tune your car depends on several factors, such as the type of car, the age of the car, the driving conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, a tune-up is a preventive maintenance service that involves checking and replacing some parts of the engine and other systems to keep the car running smoothly and efficiently.
Does tune up make car faster?
A tune-up can make your car faster, but the results may vary depending on the type of car and the type of tune-up. Generally, turbocharged cars can benefit more from a tune-up, as you can increase the boost and power of the engine.
