What is a remap, and what is a tuning box?

A remap is a modification to the cars factory ECU (engine control unit) by which the fuelling of the car is changed at various points to improve power and/or fuel economy. A good remap is carried out on a rolling road, where the remapper uses a computer to reprogram your ECU with new software.

A diesel tuning box provides very similar modifications to the cars fuelling, however instead of modifying the vehicles ECU software, this is left alone and the tuning box plugs into the cars wiring loom. This enables the tuning box to modify the signals from the ECU in real time meaning that if the tuning box were to be removed, the vehicle returns back to standard.

So which is better?

Customers often ask us why they should pick a tuning box over a remap or vice versa: we would like to give you the unbiased facts so you can make an informed decision.

The most important point to make is: not all diesel tuning boxes are the same. Similarly not all remaps are the same. Which one is right for you is entirely dependant on your personal requirements.

Both high quality diesel tuning boxes and high quality remaps can give very good results, improving power and toruqe, reducing turbo lag and improving fuel economy (MPG).

Unfortunately there are many companies out there which offer poor quality remaps and possibly even more companies which offer poor quality diesel tuning boxes, both of which offer a combination of poor performance and potential for damage to your vehicle.

Here at Bluespark Automotive we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is, offering a 28 day no quibble money back guarantee, as well as a 2 year warranty on all Bluespark products.

Presuming that you are comparing products of similar quality, our comparison is as follows:

 

Remaps

Bluespark Pro Tuning Box

Must be carried out in an area local to the remapper. Not only does this mean that it’s often a long drive to have your car remapped, it also means that you may have to travel some distance if any problems crop up. Remaps are a permanent install, and cannot be removed when you sell the vehicle or if you wish to remove it during servicing. Remaps are not user adjustable and cannot be switched off. Are often removed by the manufacturer when servicing High quality remaps often cost over £400.

Can be delivered in the post and fitted easily by the customer, with full and comprehensive instructions to assist you with the process. If you decide that you are not 100% happy, return the unit to us within 28 days for a full refund. Can be removed when the vehicle is sold, and either fitted to a replacement vehicle of the same model, or sent back to us to be remapped for a new vehicle. The Bluespark Pro Diesel Tuning box is user adjustable, not only for power output but based upon optimisation for your vehicle’s use. For example if you permit an inexperienced driver, maybe a son or daughter or employee to drive your vehicle, power output can be reduced at the turn of a switch. You can also change fuelling if you modify your vehicle at a later date, such as fitting a performance air filter etc. The Bluespark Pro Tuning box is available for the majority of common rail vehicles for £200 and with integrated Turbocharger boost control for £280.