What is a Stage 1 remap?

Every modern car has an engine control unit, or ECU. It's a small computer that decides how much fuel to inject, when to fire the spark (on a petrol), how much boost the turbo makes and how the engine responds when you press the accelerator. It does this by reading from a set of tables called maps.

A remap changes those maps. A Stage 1 remap is a remap designed for an otherwise standard car: no new parts, just updated software written for your exact engine.

Why there's room to improve

Manufacturers set engines up to suit many markets, fuel qualities, climates and service schedules at once. The same engine is often sold in several power outputs, with the only difference being the software. That leaves headroom a careful remap can use, while staying within what the standard engine, gearbox and clutch are built to handle.

What a Stage 1 remap changes

• Fuel delivery, so the engine makes more torque across the rev range.
• Turbo boost on turbocharged engines, which is where most of the gain comes from.
• Ignition timing on petrol engines.
• Torque limiters and throttle mapping, which is why a remapped car feels sharper as soon as you press the pedal.

What you'll feel from the driver's seat

Most people notice it first in the mid-range. The car pulls harder from low revs, so you change gear less, overtakes need less planning and hills don't drag the speed down. The throttle also feels more direct.

Some drivers see a small change in fuel economy, but it depends far more on how the car is driven than on the remap, so we don't promise it.

Stage 1 vs Stage 2

Stage 1 is software only, on a standard car. Stage 2 is software written to go with hardware upgrades such as a performance intake, exhaust or a larger intercooler. For most everyday cars, vans and family 4x4s, Stage 1 is where the useful gain is.

Which cars gain the most?

Turbocharged engines, diesel and petrol, gain the most because a remap can adjust boost. Engines without a turbo usually gain much less. Our petrol vs diesel guide goes into the differences.

That's why we check your exact engine and ECU before anything is booked. If your car isn't a good candidate, we'll tell you rather than take the job.

How much does a Stage 1 remap cost?

With Titan Remap, Stage 1 starts from £249 for most standard cars, done at your home or workplace anywhere in South Wales. Performance and prestige cars are quoted individually. Send us your make, model, engine and year and we'll confirm your price before we travel.

Before you book

A remap is a modification, so you'll need to tell your insurer, and it can affect a manufacturer warranty. Our insurance and warranty guide covers what to check.