By changing the ECU software, the engine can perform a lot closer to its own maximum capabilities - often by increasing horsepower and torque by 20% or more! By default, most vehicles have their performance intentionally dialled down for a multitude of reasons. Often this can be to meet emissions regulations, or economy or noise regulations.

Remap the engine will give:
1. Increase in engine power;
2. Reducing fuel consumption;
3. Removal of the factory speed limit;
4. Removal of engine errors;
5. Ability to install supercharged or non-standard engine parts;
6. Removing the particulate filter.

In order to increase engine power when remapping, you can:
1. increase the threshold for the maximum limited engine speed;
2. increase the maximum allowed speed;
3. change the boost pressure level;
4. correct the ignition timing;
5. set a specific time for the amount of injection;
6. completely disable the exhaust gas toxicity control system, or change its operation.

Remap is just a software change and often called Stage 1 tuning and comes as part of many stages. Stage 1 is nearly always just a simple ECU software change. Stage 2 and beyond will usually comprise of further software changes as well as additional hardware, such as a new exhaust system and high-pressure fuel pump. Stages 3 and 4 will often involve upgrading the vehicle’s turbocharger or supercharger. Later stages tend to require more invasive work and provide fewer gains in performance than the first stage.
Changing settings that affect the control of an engine can have harmful effects, it all depends on who wrote the software, and how the vehicle tuner configures it to the vehicle. For this reason CUSTOM AFR recommend to go with a trusted technician that has a lot of experience and do not install an unverified software.

Remapping can increase both performance and economy in most types of vehicles. Even a car with a 1 litre engine can receive good power gains from a remap, especially if it has a turbocharger.

Most modern cars these days have a turbocharger (or supercharger) fitted to the engine. An engine works by mixing compressed fuel with air and then igniting this mix inside its cylinders. Turbochargers and superchargers increase the fuel compression therefore allowing more fuel to fit inside the cylinders before igniting. More fuel equals more power. It is more fuel efficient to increase power this way rather than just having a larger engine to begin with. Emissions tend to be much lower too.

Remapped vehicles get the most benefit when there is a turbocharher or supercharger installed as the main changes that are made to the software are fuel compression, fuel/air mix and boost pressure. Remapping a naturally aspirated engine (one without a turbocharger or supercharger) means there is little that can be configured. This means you will likely not receive much of a power gain.

That all depends on how you drive. In theory, many remapped engines are capable of achieving the same economy as the same engine in pre-remapped form, and sometimes can even be more efficient. The big caveat though is that there is usually the opportunity to extract increased power from the engine. The majority of drivers - especially ones who have gone to the effort of getting their engines remapped - will most likely make use of this extra power, by accelerating more quickly when the opportunity arises. As a result they will likely use more fuel than before. After all, what is the main reason most people look for a remap? For increased performance.

There can be, yes. Depending on the map you have installed, some vehicles will benefit from a valet mode, and immobiliser mode, which you can activate with a switch device. Immobilser mode means the car will not drive even if a thief manages to steal your keys and start the car. Without the switch, the car will simply not be driveable.

A valet mode can be very useful too. This is designed to be set when you hand your car over to a valeting company, or someone you do not want driving the car long distances but may require access to move the car in some way. The valet mode limits performance and top speed dramatically.

Similarly, many companies that have a fleet of vehicles for employees often have special maps installed that limit their vehicles. This prevents employees from breaking the speed limit on motorways. So a remap is not necessarily just for people who want to drive faster.