What Is An ECU Remap?
An ECU remap is a method of enhancing the electronic engine management system of a car by updating the software installed by the manufacturer. The ECU (electronic control unit) is updated with a different set of commands that help the engine generate more power and run more efficiently. This gives an engine tuner the opportunity to improve the efficiency of the engine by reprogramming the electronic control unit to make the most of the market in which it is being used. By programming the engine to run with the specific grade of fuel and the air temperatures of the car's home market it can gain better throttle response, generate even more power and torque, and even use less fuel. Almost any car that has an electronic engine management system can be given an ECU remap, and that applies to both petrol and diesel engines. Results can vary but an ECU remap will always produce the best results when applied to a turbocharged or supercharged engines. This is because raising the boost pressure of the turbocharger or supercharger allows much higher gains in power to be achieved, when combined with the correct ignition timing and fueling adjustments. However, it is sometimes possible to achieve significant power gains in naturally aspirated engines. Some manufacturers offer the same engine in different models with varying levels of power, and this is done by de-tuning the engine with a different ECU map. This makes it possible to remap the ECU to release the same level of power as the higher tuned version. An example of this is the 2.0-liter petrol engine found in the Volkswagen Golf, which is a de-tuned version of the same engine found in the Golf GTI. Installing an ECU remap is a relatively simple task. The actual power gain from an ECU remap varies between models.
Now, the Golf will flood the market soon after, and I do actually expect Volkswagen to reveal the Golf GTI right away. After all, that one can make some buzz as I鈥檝e told you in the intro of this article. With the biggest transformation in its 45-year long history, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8 will introduce an all-new interior, a more sophisticated exterior look, and will include the latest tech available. I think it is not a stretch to say that the high-end Golf Mk8 models will drive semi-autonomously, talk to you thanks to a novel voice recognition software, and save as much fuel as possible. But it will probably be the most expensive Golf of all time. Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8 GTI. Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Update 3/13/2019: We鈥檝e finally received some camouflaged spy shots of the 2020 Volkswagen Golf.
Check them out along with what else we鈥檝e learned in our special 鈥淪py Shots鈥?section below. We believe that we鈥檝e already seen the 2020 Volkswagen Golf without any camo thanks to a number of shots that circulated social media. However, the shots you see here are the first shots that we know are the real deal with 100-percent certainly thanks to all of that camo. Obviously, Volkswagen is trying to keep some details hidden, and that鈥檚 our big red flag. With that said, these spy shots serve as clear evidence that the images we鈥檝e seen previously (displayed below in our 鈥淓xterior鈥漵ection) were, in fact, of the next-gen Golf. If you compare the rear end in these shots compared with those, you鈥檒l see that they feature the same taillights. The lower portion of the rear fascia also features the same styling. The side profile is without a doubt all VW Golf with little in terms of evolution or revolution, while the front end will change a little. It won鈥檛 change enough to write home about, mind you, but that鈥檚 kind of a good thing. The real important changes will come into play under the skin where the MQB platform is freed of excess weight thanks to new, lighter materials. On that note, word has it that the wagon model will be discontinued alongside the three-door model, so this generation may only be available as a four-door hatch. On the plus side, there are still GTi, R, and GTE models in the works, so there will at least be a wide range to choose from. There鈥檚 no word yet as to when the 2020 Volkswagen Golf will debut, but a good bet would be in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Head work including a polish and port and 3 or 5 angle valve job, with a big valve conversion kit will really help to reach the potential of the engine. When you start tuning your Golf Gti you will find that the standard clutch starts to complain, especially if you go for an engine conversion, so get an uprated clutch. Turbo engines (notably the 1.8T and even the 2.0T and 1.8 TFSi) are just begging to be remapped. You will see big power gains on most turbo engines with power gains in the order of 40% making a remap one of the most cost effective modifications. Another option for the NASP Golf GTI are supercharger kits as these are generally easier to add than turbos. Run a modest boost setting for a noticeable and reliable power hike. Superchargers offer boost levels which are proportional to engine speed so is easier to map.
To cope with forced induction you will usually need to decrease the compression ratio of the engine. Volkswagen Golf GTi Wheel modifications. The benefits of alloy wheels include a lower unsprung weight and more efficient brake cooling. The downside to large alloy wheels on your Golf Gti is that you alter your effective final drive ratio and this will have a detrimental effect on acceleration and performance. For this reason we would advise sticking to a maximum wheel size of 17 inches, although we know some of our members have gone larger than this with no problems. Mate some grippy low profile tyres, to your rims for best grip and performance. TorqueCars recommended tyres for the Golf GTi include Bridgestone Potenzas, Goodyear Eagle F1 and Pirelli P zero. See our forum for a discussion on types of tires. For more information on Tuning your car please join us in our friendly forum where you can discuss Golf Gti options in more detail with our Golf Gti owners. It would also be worth reading our unbiased Volkswagen tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification. This entry was filed under Volkswagen. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members. If you liked this page please share it with your friends, drop a link to it in your favourite forum or use the bookmarking options to save it to your social media profile. Please use our forums if you wish to ask a tuning question, and please note we do not sell parts or services, we are just an online magazine. Which Corrado tuning modifications work best. Tuning the VW Bora for power and performance. Very helpful. Will safe me time and money by not learning the hard way.
