About the Author
This article is written by Paul Busby, CEO of VIEZU Technologies Ltd. With nearly 40 years in the motor industry and over 22 years specialising in high-performance engine tuning and ECU remapping, Paul is a recognised leader in the field. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 and was instrumental in Viezu receiving The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2014 for its innovation in car tuning.
Performance Remap vs Economy Remap: A Practical Guide
If you’re looking to improve your car’s performance or its fuel efficiency, you’ve likely come across the term ‘ECU remapping’. But what does it really mean, and what’s the difference between a performance remap and an economy remap? Choosing the right one depends entirely on your priorities as a driver. This guide will walk you through the specifics of each to help you make an informed decision.
The Fundamentals of ECU Remapping
Every modern vehicle has an Engine Control Unit (ECU), which is essentially a small computer that acts as the brain of the engine. It controls parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing and turbocharger boost. Manufacturers program the ECU with a standard ‘map’ designed to work adequately in various climates and under different fuel quality and legal restrictions worldwide. This means there is almost always room for optimisation. Remapping is the process of modifying this software to fine-tune the engine’s performance for your specific needs.
What is a Performance Remap?
A performance remap is designed for drivers who want to get the most out of their vehicle. By adjusting the engine’s software we can significantly increase both horsepower (bhp) and torque. This results in a much more responsive and engaging drive. You’ll notice faster acceleration, a sharper throttle response and an overall more powerful feel. VIEZU’s V-performance tuning is tailored to your specific vehicle whether it’s a high-performance car, a commercial vehicle or even a generator.
What is an Economy Remap?
Economy remapping focuses on optimising your vehicle’s fuel consumption. By making precise adjustments to the ECU we can help your engine burn fuel more efficiently. This is particularly effective for turbo-diesel engines. VIEZU’s award-winning BlueOptimize software is a world-leader in this area and can lead to fuel savings of up to 20%. This not only saves you money at the pump but also reduces your vehicle’s emissions making it a more environmentally friendly option.
How to Choose: Performance Remap vs Economy Remap
The right choice comes down to a simple question: what do you want to improve most about your car?
- Choose a Performance Remap if: You are a driving enthusiast, you want the best possible acceleration and power, and you want your car to feel more responsive and exciting to drive.
- Choose an Economy Remap if: You are a high-mileage driver, you want to lower your fuel bills, you run a fleet of vehicles or you want to reduce your environmental impact.
Blend Remaps: A Balance of Power and Fuel Economy
For those who don’t want to choose between one extreme or the other, a ‘blend’ remap is an excellent solution. This is the most popular option for daily drivers as it offers a mix of benefits from both worlds. It provides a noticeable increase in power and torque over the standard map while also delivering improved fuel efficiency when driven gently.
Beyond the Basics: Understanding Stage 1, 2, and 3 Remaps
You’ll often hear tuners talk about “stages” of remapping. These terms aren’t officially standardised across the industry, but they generally refer to a hierarchy of tuning that corresponds with the vehicle’s hardware.
- Stage 1: This is the most common type of remap, purely a software enhancement. It is designed to work with a vehicle that has standard, factory-fitted hardware. A Stage 1 tune optimises the engine’s parameters to deliver a significant increase in power and torque without the need for any mechanical changes.
- Stage 2: A Stage 2 remap is designed for vehicles that have already had supporting hardware modifications. These typically include performance parts like an upgraded air filter, a less restrictive exhaust system, or an improved intercooler. The remap is then calibrated to take full advantage of the increased airflow and cooling these parts provide, unlocking more power than a Stage 1 tune could.
- Stage 3: This level is for highly modified vehicles and often involves significant hardware changes, such as a larger turbocharger, upgraded fuel injectors, or internal engine work. A Stage 3 remap is a completely custom calibration designed to work with these substantial modifications and is typically for dedicated track cars or serious performance enthusiasts.
Key Considerations for Different Engine Types
The results of a remap are heavily influenced by your car’s engine technology.
- Turbocharged vs Naturally Aspirated Engines: A remap on a turbocharged engine can directly adjust the turbo’s boost pressure, leading to very large gains in power. Naturally aspirated engines (those without a turbo) have more modest potential, with remaps focusing on improving throttle response and smoothing the power curve.
- Petrol vs Diesel Engines: Turbo-diesel engines are excellent for remapping, offering huge torque gains for performance and significant MPG improvements for economy. Turbo-petrol engines also see fantastic performance gains, giving a more ‘sporty’ feel.
Is Remapping Safe For Your Engine?
Yes, when performed by a reputable professional, remapping is safe. A responsible tuner understands the mechanical limits of a vehicle’s components and ensures that the new software parameters operate well within these safety tolerances. A poorly executed remap from an inexperienced amateur can push components beyond their limits, leading to premature wear and potential failure. Always choose a company that has a proven track record, offers a guarantee, and ideally has its own insurance.
The Effect of Remapping on Your MOT and Insurance
A professional remap should not cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. A quality economy tune, for example, can actually lower emissions. However, you must inform your insurance company of the modification. Failing to declare a remap can void your policy in the event of a claim.
Evidence & Results: An Independently Tested Case Study
While many companies make claims about fuel savings, we believe in substantiating them with verifiable data. To provide our customers with complete confidence, we submitted our BlueOptimize tuning service for independent testing at a Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approved facility.
The test was conducted on a standard 2013 Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi, a common workhorse for fleets across the UK. Using the official New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) test, the results were conclusive:
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions were reduced by over 17%.
- Fuel consumption improved by 9% in real-world use.
This certified data proves that a professional remap can deliver significant environmental and financial benefits simultaneously. It offers fleet managers and individual drivers alike the assurance that they can lower their emissions and fuel bills without compromising on vehicle performance or reliability.
Why Professional Tuning Matters and How to Spot a Bad Remap
Choosing the right company is crucial. Look for objective criteria that demonstrate expertise and trustworthiness:
- A long-established history with positive, independent reviews.
- A physical workshop and their own dynamometer (rolling road).
- Proper insurance and a money-back guarantee.
Be wary of suspiciously cheap “driveway” tuners who use generic files and have no way to test their work. A bad remap can cause smoking, poor running, and even lasting engine damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a performance remap and an economy remap?
A performance remap focuses on increasing your vehicle’s power and torque for a more responsive and faster drive. An economy remap is designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce your running costs.
Do remapped cars use more fuel?
A performance remap can lead to higher fuel consumption if you consistently use the extra power. However a blend remap can improve fuel economy when driving normally. An economy remap is specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption.
Does a stage 1 remap use more fuel?
A stage 1 performance remap may use slightly more fuel if you drive aggressively but can also be driven to achieve standard or even improved fuel economy. A stage 1 economy remap will use less fuel.
What is a blend remap?
A blend remap is a popular choice that offers a balance between a performance and an economy tune. It provides more power and torque than standard while also improving fuel efficiency when driven gently.
Is an economy remap worth it for my car?
If you cover a lot of miles an economy remap is definitely worth it. With fuel savings of up to 20% the one-time cost of the remap can often be recouped in as little as six months.
Will a performance remap void my car’s warranty?
Any modification can potentially affect your vehicle’s warranty. However we offer our own insurance-backed guarantee for added protection.
The Viezu Approach: How We Deliver a Professional Remap
At VIEZU, we have been at the forefront of ECU remapping for over two decades. Our team of in-house software engineers develops custom maps for every vehicle, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
- Award-Winning Service: Recipients of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
- Independently Verified: Our BlueOptimize economy tuning is proven to cut fuel consumption and emissions in VCA-certified tests.
- Guaranteed Quality: All our remaps come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime software warranty. Our process is also fully insured.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: All development is carried out in our workshop on our 3000bhp 4×4 dynamometer.
Final Verdict: Which Remap Suits Your Driving Needs?
Choosing between a performance and economy remap depends entirely on your needs. If you crave a more exciting, powerful and responsive drive, a performance tune is for you. If your priority is lowering running costs and your environmental impact, an economy tune is the logical choice. And if, like many daily drivers, you want the best of both, a blend remap offers the perfect balance.
If you need help deciding then speak to one of our tuning experts on live chat or by phone on +44 (0)1789 774444 or for more information check out our performance tuning and economy tuning pages.
