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Page 3 - Blog - News and Updates
- - May 01, 2026
In our latest dyno test we have this 2018 VW Golf 1.5 TSI in for custom ECU mapping. We adjust the software and fine tune the results from the rolling road dyno testing, to really maximise every part of the rev range. The result… Some pretty impressive performance gains!!
Firstly, we take the Golf with completely stock mapping. We get it strapped up on to the rollers, and take it for the first set of tests to establish what the factory mapping is producing. You can see the stock dyno graph below. You can see that power and torque are pretty bang on to what the manufacturer quote, showing 148hp and 253Nm of torque. These are dialled in, so we know exactly what base we’re working from.
Once we are happy that we have everything logged and the stock figures entered, it’s time to connect to the ECU. We use our Autotuner system to connect directly on to the ECU. The process of this custom tune is very much a hands-on, ‘fine tweaking’ procedure. We make several alterations to the software, adjusting
- - April 24, 2026
Tuning solutions for your ECU locked BMW
We recently had this awesome BMW M340i in for an installation of our tuning module. As you’ll have seen from several of our recent posts, the recurring issue that all 2021+ BMW drivers face, is the tuning limitations due to the locked ECU. This G20 M340i is no different and currently has no way to read or write the ECU data, without removing the physical ECU and shipping off to be unlocked. Our tuning module offers the perfect solution here, providing fantastic gains without requiring a traditional ECU flash. This has the added benefit of being traceless once removed for warranty purposes.
POWER 387HP >>> 441HP
TORQUE 500Nm >>> 745NmDyno data pulled from our testing of the M340i, gave the figures above. Now delivering a much stronger 441hp with an extra 245Nm of peak torque from quoted figures, lifting it to 745Nm. We bring those gains in sooner, right down from those lower revs, whilst really opening up that midsection, giving improvements right
- - April 15, 2026
95 RON and 99 RON fuel is something that is debated heavily in the tuning world. It’s not always clear if there is a huge difference between them, meaning you could be missing out on certain benefits.
In its most simplest terms, RON is the octane rating which serves as an indicator of fuel stability. It’s a measure of the fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or pre-ignition within the engine. Knocking happens when the air-fuel mixture in the engine ignites too early or unevenly. This can reduce efficiency and, over time, potentially damage the engine. With higher octane rating fuel, the fuel is more resistant to this unwanted combustion.
In the video below, we test the real-world performance difference between 95 RON and 99 RON fuel on two BMW G20 330e models. One is running 95 RON, and the other 99 RON. Both are tested at stock, and then again once we have installed our 3 channel chip tuning module.
Looking at the stock dyno graph below, we can see that the 330e running 95 RON produces
- - April 14, 2026
Tuning solutions for your Abarth
As always, it’s great to see these hot hatches pull up at Bluespark HQ. This 595 was shortly back out on the road, after a quick installation of our Pro Petrol module, giving it that awesome lift in power and torque.
POWER 145HP >>> 172HP
TORQUE 206HP >>> 300NmNow delivering 172hp with an additional 94Nm of torque, we have not only lifted those peak figures, but we really delve into where those gains are applied. Now pulling much harder right through the revs, we’ve significantly reduced turbo lag whilst providing much improved consistency across the entire rev range, really transforming how it now feels out on the road.
For more information on tuning for your Abarth, please visit: https://bluesparkautomotive.com/abarth-tuning
The chip tuning box featured in this blog can be found here:
- - April 10, 2026
Tuning solutions for your ECU locked BMW
We recently had this 2023 G20 BMW 330e in for an installation of our 3 channel pro petrol module. As you’ll have seen from several of our recent posts, the recurring issue that all 2021+ BMW drivers face, is the tuning limitations due to the locked ECU. This G20 330e is no different and currently has no way to read or write the ECU data. This means that while traditional remapping is impossible, our tuning module offers the perfect solution here, providing fantastic gains without requiring a traditional ECU flash. This has the added benefit of being traceless once removed for warranty purposes.
POWER 292HP >>> 399HP
TORQUE 420Nm >>> 617NmDyno data pulled from a recent test of a similar G20 330e using the exact same engine set up, gave the figures above. Now delivering a much punchier 399hp with 617Nm of torque, bringing those gains in sooner right down from those lower revs, whilst really opening up that midsection, giving improvements right across
- - April 07, 2026
In our latest dyno test we had this incredible 2025 VW Golf R in for tuning and testing. We’ve already conducted extensive development on these, so already know what that 2.0 TSI engine is capable of. After quick installation of our 3 channel module, it was up on the rollers to see what gains had been made.
This MK8.5 Golf is also another example of the later VAG vehicles, which face the tuning limitations due to the locked ECU, and currently has no way to read or write the ECU data. This means that while traditional remapping is impossible, our tuning module offers the perfect solution here, providing fantastic gains without requiring a traditional ECU flash. This has the added benefit of being traceless once removed for warranty purposes.
Dyno testing before and after shows healthy gains across the rev range, with a significant increase in power and torque, really transforming how it feels to drive.
Peak power was significantly increased, as we were able to lift it from 331hp at stock,
- - March 31, 2026
In our latest dyno test we had the pleasure of tuning and testing this incredible 2024 BMW G87 M2. It goes without saying that it’s always great fun when we have a true ‘M’ car up on the rollers. As you can see, this was no different, as the G87 definitely has super unique styling.
Having spent considerable time with the S58 engine previously, we already know what an absolute masterpiece this engine is. We know it generates some pretty impressive numbers from stock, so know the tuning potential here. After an installation of our 3 Channel Pro Petrol chip tuning box, it was up on the rollers to see what the engine could achieve.
Now as you’ll have seen in some of our recent videos, the recurring issue that all 2021+ BMW drivers are facing, is the tuning limitations due to the locked ECU. This 2024 G87 M2 is no different and currently has no way to read or write the ECU data. Whilst ECU unlocking is now possible, the method in order to complete this, is still quite extensive. Firstly removing
- - March 24, 2026
Fuel prices are climbing again and the situation involving Iran is a big reason why. Tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel, and because the UK relies heavily on imported oil, that quickly feeds through to higher pump prices. Right now, petrol prices are up by around 7 pence per litre, and diesel has risen by as much as 16 pence per litre. For UK drivers, that can mean hundreds of pounds extra a year in fuel costs.
So when fuel gets expensive, improving MPG matters more than ever, and that’s where we can help. Improving fuel economy by 10% could save hundreds of pounds annually. Modern vehicles are controlled by an engine management system that determines how the engine delivers fuel and power.Factory ECU settings are designed to meet global emissions regulations and operate across many different conditions. As a result, the engine often has unused efficiency potential.
Our tuning modules are designed to help your engine run more efficiently and can
- - March 13, 2026
In our latest dyno test we have this 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 CDI in for custom ECU mapping. We adjust the software and fine tune the results from the rolling road dyno testing. Along with this, we also update the gearbox mapping, to really maximise every part of the rev range.
Firstly, we take the Vito with completely stock mapping. We get it strapped up on to the rollers, and take it for the first set of tests to establish what the factory mapping is producing. You’ll see that due to some transmission issues, we were unable to fully complete the stock run. We were able to run several logs and get these stored, but the full stock dyno run just wasn’t possible. This is something that we can correct later with our gearbox mapping. Quoted stock figures are 136hp with 330Nm of torque, so this is what we’ll work from as a base.
Once we are happy that we have everything logged and the stock figures entered, it’s time to connect to the ECU. We use our Autotuner system to connect directly on
- - March 13, 2026
Rising Fuel Prices: Why the Iran Conflict Matters to UK Drivers
Fuel prices across the UK have begun rising again following the escalation of conflict involving Iran. Global oil markets are extremely sensitive to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East because the region plays a critical role in global energy supply.
One of the biggest concerns is disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. When tensions increase in this region, shipping and production can be affected, which drives up global oil prices.
As a result, crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, pushing up petrol and diesel prices worldwide.
Because the UK relies heavily on imported oil, these global price changes quickly translate into higher costs at the pump.
The Impact on UK Petrol and Diesel Prices
The effects of rising oil prices are already being felt by drivers across the UK.
Recent reports show that:
UK petrol prices have already
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