Jeremy Clarkson Forum

[Rimmel]

Hi Jeremy, I have watched Top Gear for years (great show) but have never seen a show that contained any mention of ECU remapping.

As you probably already know ECU remapping if the practice of changing the onboard computer code to give the engine more horsepower and in some cases better fuel economy. Now ECU remapping has been around for quite a while but has suddenly become big news with the prolific take up of Diesel Common Rail fuel management systems.

Example:
A Honda Civic 2.2 CDTi (Diesel) ->
Before ECU Remap: 138bhp - 251lbft Torque
After ECU Remap: 192bhp - 320lbft Torque + 6-7mpg better fuel economy

Cost £350 approx with now special parts needed, tuners says the increase is well with the maximum settings for components such as clutch, suspension etc.

I think you'll agree that for £350 (approx) a 54bhp and 69lbft torque on a standard car increase is frankly astonishing!! It would bring a Diesel Civic almost in line with a Type R @ 200bhp.

I would like to see a section in your program covering this area e.g rolling road/lap times prior and post ECU remap to discover if the remaps are really as good as the quoted figures. Then theres the question of insurance companies - some don't care about remap and others will sting you for 25%+ (if you inform them). Perhaps you could get a Car company like Honda involved to give their views on ECU Remapping e.g how can such big gain be made by a simple remap? why aren't the cars sent out with maximum performance from the factory. Do Honda agree that the remap is within the maximum tolerances form the standard components of the car?

The figures quoted in this request are from Celtic Tuning (I have no affiliation with them at all)
http://www.celtictuning.co.uk/Car%20Tun ... uning.html

Superchips are another large tuning company with good reviews.

Warmest Regards
Rimmel - Nottingham

PS on a personal note I wish you would consider going into poilitics and taking hold of our once great Country and bring common sense back to it!!