Some of these answers are less flattering than you'll find elsewhere. That's deliberate. We'd rather you know now.
Before you book
Do I need to tell my insurer?
Yes. A remap is a modification and you're required to declare it. On a standard car with a Stage 1 map most insurers charge little or nothing, and some charge nothing at all. Not declaring it can invalidate a claim, which is a far worse outcome than a small premium change. We'll give you the details to pass on.
Will it affect my manufacturer warranty?
It can. Not automatically, and not the whole car, but a manufacturer can decline a claim on the engine or drivetrain if they identify a remap. Anyone who tells you there's no risk at all is selling. We keep your original file, so the car can go back to standard before a dealer visit. If your car is in warranty, tell us and we'll talk you through where you stand before you commit.
Is remapping legal in the UK?
Yes. Changing the engine's software is legal on a road car provided the emissions equipment stays fitted and working, and provided you declare it to your insurer. What isn't legal is removing or disabling a DPF, EGR valve or AdBlue system, which is why we don't do it.
Will it still pass an MOT?
Yes. The emissions equipment is untouched and working, the car runs within the limits it's tested against, and there's nothing visible or measurable in an MOT that a properly written map fails.
Can it be undone?
Yes. We read and store your original file before we write anything and it stays on our records. Selling the car, going back to a franchised dealer, or simply changing your mind are all straightforward.
How long does it take?
This depends on a few factors. On average, a standard remap is ~4 hours from start to finish
The remap itself
Will it damage my engine?
A properly written map stays inside the mechanical limits of the parts already fitted. That's the entire discipline: knowing where those limits are on a given engine and staying the right side of them, torque limits included, because torque is what loads the clutch, gearbox and driveshafts. A badly written map, or an off-the-shelf file loaded onto the wrong car without anyone checking it, is a genuine risk. That's the thing to ask about when you're comparing prices.
What will I actually feel?
More torque arriving earlier and staying longer. In practice that means pulling away without revving it, holding a gear up a hill instead of kicking down, easier overtaking, and a loaded car or a caravan that stops feeling like hard work. Most people notice flexibility rather than outright speed.
Will I get better fuel economy?
You'll get the option of it. More torque low down means less throttle and fewer gear changes for the same journey, which is where a saving comes from. If you enjoy the extra pull and use it, you'll go quicker and save nothing. Same map, different result, entirely down to the driver.
My car has high mileage. Is it still worth it?
Often yes, but it depends on condition rather than the number on the odometer. That's exactly why we put the car on a ramp first. A well-maintained 130,000 mile diesel is usually a good candidate. One with a tired turbo and a carboned intake needs that dealing with first, and we'd tell you so rather than take the booking.
My car is already modified, or already mapped
Not a problem. Intake, exhaust, intercooler, hybrid turbo, or a file somebody else wrote. Engine and transmission work is what this workshop does the rest of the week, so a modified car is a normal conversation here. Tell us what's been done when you get in touch.
Will it work on my car?
Almost certainly, if it's turbocharged. Turbo diesels gain the most, turbo petrols are usually the most dramatic, and naturally aspirated engines gain very little from software alone. If your car is in that last group we'll tell you rather than take your money. Send us the reg and you'll get a straight answer.
DPF, EGR and AdBlue
Will you delete my DPF, EGR or AdBlue?
No. Removing or disabling any of them makes the car illegal to use on the road and fails an MOT, and it leaves you with a problem the next garage to look at your car will find. Plenty of places nearby will offer it. We're not one of them, and it's not a matter of price.
My DPF keeps blocking. Can a remap fix it?
No, and be wary of anyone who says otherwise. A repeatedly blocking DPF is a symptom, usually of short journeys that never let it regenerate properly, or of a fault upstream. The fix is diagnosis, then cleaning or replacement. We'll point you to someone who does that properly.
Practical
Where are you?
Barrow Bridge Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Barrow upon Trent, Derbyshire DE73 7HH. Fifteen minutes from Derby, five from the A50, fifteen from M1 junction 24, ten from Donington Park.
Do you do mobile remapping?
No, and it's a deliberate choice. We want the car on a ramp where we can look at it properly before we ask more of the engine. That check is often the most valuable part of the job and it doesn't happen on a driveway.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the vehicle, so we quote per car rather than publishing a list that would be wrong for most people. Send us your registration and you'll get a price for your exact car along with what it gains. Free, and there's no obligation.
What do I need to bring?
Just the car and the key.