Car engine remapping specialists

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£18.98*

Average driver saving* for engine remapping

What is car remapping?

A number of things such as your car's air-fuel mixture and ignition timing are managed by your car's ECU: the 'Engine Control Unit'. A few simple software changes (a 'remap') can unlock not only more performance but more economy for your engine. That's Engine Remapping in a nutshell. Sometimes this job is also referred to as an ECU repair, although technically the engine is being tuned rather than fixed.

How does engine remapping work?

Engine remapping is a simple process. A stage one remap is essentially a software change; it involves using ECU remapping software to rewrite the ECU’s programming. To do this, a mechanic will plug a laptop into your car’s OBD port. 

A stage two remap, on the other hand, requires a hardware change as well. This might involve changing the exhaust or turbos. 

Car remapping average costs and prices

Engine remapping varies in price depending on whether you want a stage one or two remap. Because hardware is involved in stage two, the cost can be considerably higher. Take a look below at the average costs for car remapping for some of the most common car makes when book with WhoCanFixMyCar.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£264.25
BMW£284.38
Citroen£200.00
Ford£239.08
Land Rover£388.00
Mercedes£127.00
Vauxhall£216.50
Volkswagen£261.71

Does my car engine need remapping?

If your car is less responsive than you’d like or you’re in need of more speed, power and efficiency, then engine remapping might be for you. However, if your vehicle was registered before 2000 it will not be possible to remap the engine.

While engine remapping is usually seen as a modification for rally and track cars, it has benefits for regular car owners who are looking for a more enjoyable and economical drive. Better torque allows you to drive in higher gears at a lower RPM, ultimately saving fuel.

  • Engine remapping

    Engine balancing and remapping helps to resolve issues with vibration in your car caused by your engine being slightly off balance.

    Can include
    • Vehicle assessment
    • Engine remapping
    • Engine balancing
  • ECU repairs

    The average cost of an ECU repair when booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £154.23.

    The Engine Control Unit acts as a central information system for your car and for you, its driver. It allows you to receive the correct information from your vehicle and enables the engine to run efficiently.

    Can include
    • ECU testing
    • ECU repair
  • Diagnostic test

    The average cost of a car diagnostic test booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £51.66.

    A car diagnostic test is a digital analysis of your car, undertaken by a specialist mechanic, to assess potential faults and issues with your car engine, transmission, brakes and many more.

    Can include
    • Diagnostic test

Pros and cons of engine remapping

There are a number of key things to consider when deciding whether to have your engine remapped.

Pros:

  • Improved drivability and control.

  • Up to 35% more torque - this increased power makes overtaking other vehicles much safer.

  • If you tend to tow heavy trailers engine remapping could come in handy.

  • Better fuel efficiency.

Cons:

  • Engine remapping puts more pressure on your engine than it was designed to handle, which means it could ultimately shorten your car’s life. 

  • Your warranty might be affected if the remapping isn’t approved.

  • Your insurance could be affected.

  • Fuel costs may increase if you need to use a higher octane. 

Find garages near you for engine remapping

For engine remapping jobs you should seek out a specialist garage because not all mechanics will offer these services. WhoCanFixMyCar works with a network of over 15,528 garages across the UK so we can find competitive deals for you. To find the best remapping garage, follow these simple steps:

  • Enter your vehicle’s registration number.

  • Give us a few details about your car and your requirements.

  • We’ll send you a great selection of quotes from the best garages in your area. 

  • You can then compare quotes and read reviews to find the best local deals before booking in.

Do I need to tell my insurance company about engine remapping?

Since engine remapping counts as a car modification, you must declare it to your insurer. If you fail to do so, your insurance will no longer be valid. 

Will engine remapping make my insurance more expensive?

It is likely that engine remapping will increase the cost of your insurance. You should also be aware that a small number of companies will refuse to insure cars that have been remapped.

What is the difference between engine remapping and chipping?

They are the same thing; both refer to the process of modifying the car’s onboard computer.

Is remapping bad for my car?

Provided you get the work done at a reputable garage, it shouldn’t cause any damage to your engine. Professional engine remappers will understand how much additional stress the engine can handle. 

Does engine remapping affect my MOT?

It won’t affect your MOT as long as you get it done by a professional garage that can carry out the job safely.

Why should I balance my engine?

Simply put, engine balancing will extend the life of your car. A lack of balance causes increasingly severe vibrations which will eventually result in engine damage. By alleviating this problem your engine will be able to spin to higher RPMs and will subsequently offer more power and a more enjoyable ride.

What is the difference between external and internal balancing?

Internal balancing is done at the crankshaft, so counterweights are not required. External balancing, on the other hand, refers to the process by which balance is achieved using external counterweights. The latter method is less effective than the former.

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