Your Questions About ECU Remapping - What Is It and When Should You Have It Done?

By Lewis David

An ECU remap or car chipping is the process of improving the performance and economy of a vehicle. Cars and van engines today are run by central computers, or electronic management systems. These systems control how the fuel is used and as a result, how the engine performs. Just like a home computer, the ECU, (Engine Control Unit) is the brain of the car's engine.
When a driver increases their speed, it is the ECU which dictates how much fuel is used, and mixed with oxygen (air), to create the power. This is why a remap can improve the performance of your car. It is a way of using computer instructions to tell the car how to react under certain conditions so that the driver gets the best results from the engine.
These results can be increased speed, or conversely they can be better fuel economy. Both are dependent upon each other. Most drivers opt for a remap which gives them the very best engine performance for the best fuel economy, an optimum balance of both. However, some drivers are less interested in fuel economy and more interested in boosting the high performance of their car. This is particularly true for owners who have turbo-powered engines, sports cars and very powerful engines.
A remap changes the pre-set manufacturers settings and parameters for the engine. Drivers tend to have them done when they want to get a better performance form their engines. For many it is surprising that their vehicles are not optimised by the manufacturer. Manufacturers will programme the ECU with standard settings which are based upon average use of the car, average driving speeds and regular maintenance and servicing. Their standards are based upon making sure the car is reliable and lasts as long as possible.
Because all drivers have different styles of driving, use different grades of fuel and live in different areas, driving in very diverse conditions, a remap is the best way to fine tune an engine to suit the owner's needs and driving style.
Car performance is only one benefit of having a remap done. There is a misconception that it is something that only enthusiasts with fast cars need to consider.
Fuel economy is another important reason for fine tuning your vehicle. For example, if you have a van for work, you may be more interested in getting as many miles per gallon as possible, rather than the speed of the vehicle. Depending on the engine size, and the vehicle, a professional remap can improve fuel consumption by as much as five miles to the gallon. This is a significant saving and can be a huge saving for businesses that rely on vehicles and have very high mileages, for example, delivery companies, or taxi drivers. Remaps also help to improve vans that carry heavy loads it makes the engine perform better when the van is carrying a full load.
If you are considering a car remap, first speak to a professional who offers this service. Make sure they will give you a bespoke remap which will be done to suit your make and model of vehicle, and your own individual needs. If you want higher performance and speed, you probably do not want to do this at the expense of fuel economy. If you want more miles per gallon, you will generally improve performance and speed unless you want to limit the vehicle for a specific reason.

About Us
FlashRemapping are Viezu's largest and most well established vehicle tuners in London and the South East of England. With many years of remapping experience such as engine remapping, chip tuning and chipping, the experienced technicians understand the importance of a "Quality Remap". Viezu's BlueOptimize™ economy tuning software has been recognised by the Chamber of Commerce winning the regional award for Innovation through Technology.

Should You Get Your Car Remapped? Some Advice If You Are Considering It

By Lewis David

If you are considering having a car remapped, or as it is often called, car chipping, then here is some information about the process. This article also contains some simple advice to help you decide if this is the best course of action for you, and your car.
As a general rule, the larger and more powerful your car engine is the more benefit there will be from having it remapped. Cars that have turbo-charged engines, whether they run on petrol or diesel will hugely benefit from a professional remap. Powerful engines that are remapped received a boost to their performance, and the effect of the turbo can be increased. If you are weighing up whether your engine would benefit from this type of improvement, consider its size and whether it will be worth the investment. For powerful cars, it is a good idea.
Improving the performance of an engine is not the only reason to have a remap done. This procedure is an excellent way of maximising the fuel economy of the car. While fuel consumption is directly influenced by how a car is driven, a good remap is known to improve the fuel consumption when compared to the same speeds and style of driving. One aspect to watch out for, if you do have a remap done, is that with increased performance, you will be more inclined to go faster and therefore use up more fuel anyway. Once you are accustomed to the new improved performance your car gives you, and you get into your normal routine of driving, you will see a marked improvement in fuel economy.
Many drivers specifically want their car chipped so that the economy is improved. This is where the balance comes in. Better economy means compromising on performance. The best professionals, who offer this service, will take the time to discuss the needs and aspirations of the driver and find out what they want, better speed, or better fuel consumption. For many people, getting as many miles per gallon from their car is far more important than its power and speed.
One aspect to watch out for with remapped engines is problems with the clutch. If you have a good clutch then there will be no issue, but increasing the power of your engine can wear a clutch down faster, so if it is already old and on its way out, you will need to replace it more quickly. For best results, if you are having a remap done, your vehicle should always be in good working order anyway, then you will get the best form it. Any parts that need to be replaced, or fixed, should be done before the remap.
Improving the performance of your vehicle can sometimes affect your car insurance, so always check this out. Ask the remap centre for their advice, and check with your insurance company if you are not sure.
For many drivers, and car enthusiasts, having this service done to their engine is an extremely worthwhile exercise. These simple pieces of advice will help you weigh up the pros and cons for yourself and decide whether this is something you want to do for your car.

About Us
FlashRemapping are Viezu's largest and most well established vehicle tuners in London and the South East of England. With many years of remapping experience such as engine remapping, chip tuning and chipping, the experienced technicians understand the importance of a "Quality Remap". Viezu'sBlueOptimize™ economy tuning software has been recognised by the Chamber of Commerce winning the regional award for Innovation through Technology.

Important Tips to Consider When Purchasing a Classic Car

By Sila Rodney

In your pursuit of classic cars, you may decide to consider classic muscle cars for sale. You need to understand that purchasing such a classic is a whole different experience when compared with buying a typical car. In choosing your car, you need to determine what you will be using the car for. If you are looking for a car that will be used regularly, you may not need to look for a "show condition" one. Furthermore, if you have plans of entering a classic car competition, you may need to find an original one as well as one that has least mileage. In addition, if you know the car that you are interested in purchasing, find out the "problem areas" that the car may have and determine whether the problems can be resolved. Other important tips to consider when purchasing a classic car include:
· Determine the model
You do not have to buy a classic car to fill the available space in your garage. It is advisable to have in mind exactly what model and make you want to own. This way you will avoid looking out for the opportunity to just own a classic car. It is unwise to choose the car you come across in the first old cars for sale available in your locality. This is particularly the case if you have no knowledge about classic cars. Take the time to shop around and take a long a professional appraiser who will determine the price of the car by considering the condition of the car, the previous owner, the type of restoration that has been done and much more.
· Negotiate the price
Owners of classic vehicles are usually reluctant sellers. In fact, those who have classic cars in their possession have them for a reason. It is possible the car would have belonged to their grandfather. Therefore, the majority of classic cars owners will often sell their possession out of necessity as opposed to desire. Although you can find some sellers who are selling the car for the simple reason of wanting to dispose it, the majority of people do this for the need of ready cash to cater for unexpected bills. Usually, such people will often inflate the prices of their classics. Therefore, be ready to negotiate the price that you are given. However, if you want the car badly, be ready to pay a little more.

Factors to Consider When Determining the Price of a Classic Car

By Sila Rodney

The auto world can never be complete without considering the classics. They always give a touch of richness. If you are considering investing in a car, it is advisable to shop around from classic cars for sale. In addition, you will need to have an understanding about the factors that determine their pricing. The factors that determine the price of these cars vary significantly depending on who is doing the appraisal therefore, knowing what to look out for when assessing the value of the car will help you make an informed decision. The ones owned previously by celebrities are often more expensive. Other factors that determine the price of the car include:
· Condition of the classic car
The condition of the car influences the price. Those that are in great shape and ready for use will attract a higher price when compared with similar models that are in poor condition, requiring some work to be done. Therefore, if you want to spend less refurbishing it, you might want to purchase one that is in a better working condition.
· Original equipment & structural condition
Classical cars feature a higher value as long as they have all their original equipment intact. Furthermore, the equipment needs to be in a fair condition. The equipment and structures that are often considered include the interior, the seats, the pedal rubbers, the carpets and other items.
· Age of the car
The age is a primary determinant of the value of the vehicle. Generally, the older car is priced much higher in the market. Therefore, older classic muscle cars would feature higher price tags when compared with a newer, yet similar model.
· Pricing by mileage
Used ones are often valued based on mileage. Similarly, the mileage determines the price. However, most enthusiasts of classic cars consider the structural condition and original equipment as the most important factors in determining pricing, more important than mileage.
· Pricing by authenticity
The authenticity is an important factor that dictates the price of the classic car. The authenticity of the vehicle can be proven by verifying the VIN number, the casting number, the date codes, the RPO codes and the transmission & rear end tags. For classic cars manufactured by GM, the authenticity can be verified by considering the protect-o-plate number. Classic car collectors are keen at determining these factors before making any purchases. This is because they want to be sure that they are investing in vehicle that truly has value.

From Aston, With Love

By Al-Noor Wissanji

My name is Martin. Aston Martin. I am the coolest auto brand in the world. James Bond is my brother-in-arms. I am indomitable. Because of bad managers, strikes and high manufacturing costs, I have never made money for any of my many, many owners. Yet I'm still here. And I just got a new partner: Italy's Investindustrial, which will inject $230 million into my parent company, Kuwait's Investment Dar, to ramp up production and exports. Considering that Moody's wants to reduce my credit rating to junk, this investment proves that I'm too cool to kill.
For proof, look no further then the new One-77. I know that you are wondering about what the name means. No more than 77 will be built. Monsieur Faberge made more eggs. At about $2 million, each One-77 is personalized. Don't ask about fuel consumption; that's just crass. Ask about the engine: V12, 7.3 liters. That will curl your hair. Unlike common cars, the engine is so big that I don't have room for a glove box. But then the rear storage compartment makes up for it. You can fit an entire envelope into it.
I don't have a racing pedigree like my cousins Ferrari or Mercedes. In fact, back in the day, when winning a race was the equivalent to advertising on Superbowl, I barely won any races. The one race I did win was understandably overshadowed by a Mercedes that hurled itself at a crowd, killing 83 spectators. In the long run, no one really cares, because I am so good looking that being seen in me will do more for your image then a Brioni suit.
I am 100 years old, an icon of British luxury, which is important to survival since I don't make any money. The fact is that my history is populated by financial ruin and disastrous mistakes. In 1958, the DB4 was launched. Everyone loved it. The American importer wanted everything I could make. Good news at last. Until the factory went on strike. For an entire year. When owners finally did take delivery, the reliability was so bad that it bordered on dangerous. Some cars actually blew up. In 1963 the DB5 was introduced to the world when my old friend James Bond drove it in Goldfinger. In an instant, Aston Martin became the most famous car in the world. It was the coolest, fastest and most expensive four-seater in the world. It cost twice as much as an E-Type. Like all Astons, it was a money loser.
Admittedly, I have a checkered past. Some of my cars had outdated technology and some were so unreliable that they only really worked in glossy photographs. The fact that I exist proves the power of looks and symbolism.
When you are a part of a deeply rooted legacy, you can get away with anything. Add style and money will find you. This is a unique position. But it comes with a tremendous responsibility to "Keep Calm and Carry On". And that philosophy has paid off handsomely. I may not make any money, but I dare anyone to kill the coolest car in the world.