Our services
Services
ECU Remapping
Our maps are proven time and time again as reliable and effective. Even though we can offer incredible gains in power and torque, we also believe in safe and sensible tuning – that’s why our customers return time and time again. We offer a lifetime warranty against any software malfunctions, furthermore, all original maps are backed up on a dedicated server allowing the vehicle to be reverted back to the original format at any point in the future.
Before carrying out any remapping we always carry out a full diagnostic health check to ensure the vehicle is in the correct state of health and no current engine issues are present. We believe that driveability and reliability is as important as performance and therefore when you choose to tune with Ace Car Tuning you can rest assured that your vehicle is in safe hands.
Economy tuning
Increasingly popular with rising fuel prices, we are able to re-calibrate the ECU data to improve fuel efficiency. The increase in torque will allow less gear changes and accelerator pedal movement thus resulting in improved MPG and driveability. Economy Tuning is for Turbo Diesel vehicles only.
Stage 1 tuning
Designed for a standard and unmodified vehicle with no hardware upgrades. A Stage 1 Remap increases power and torque while also improving fuel efficiency. Removes flat spots and gives a more responsive drive without compromising reliability.
Stage 2 tuning
Bigger increase in power and torque than a Stage 1 Remap, efficiency will still improve but not as dramatically as a Stage 1 Tune. Often hardware upgrades are required before a Stage 2 Remap can be applied. Removes flat spots and gives a more responsive drive without compromising reliability.
Stage 3 and above
Up-rated hardware will be required, the numerous hardware additions require a fully bespoke remap carried out on our rolling road where parameters can be monitored in a safe and reliable way. There are exceptions to this, where Stage 3 and above development has already been carried out on your specific vehicle. Please contact us with your spec list and we can provide a custom quote and offer advice on the required hardware upgrades.
TCU (Transmission Control Unit) Remapping
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions are normally fitted with a TCU (Transmission Control Unit). The TCU controls all aspects of the transmission’s functionality e.g. gear shift and torque limitation. The TCU works in harmony with the ECU (Engine Control Unit) by sending and receiving real time data across the vehicles network system. When tuning a vehicle, it is often recommend to have the ECU and TCU remapped simultaneously, this ensures both control units continue to work in harmony and will help to fully optimize the performance and driveability of the vehicle.
The number of parameters that can be changed is dependant on the application, however here are some of the typical changes:
- Shift Speeds – Increasing the speed in which the gearbox changes gear.
- Torque Limiters – Increasing the TCU torque limiters ensures the transmission cannot limit the performance of the engine.
- Hydraulic Pressure – Increasing the hydraulic pressure can increase clutch clamping pressure to prevent clutch slip on highly tuned vehicles.
- Shift Points – Changing the rpm limiter of the engine is often not possible without modifying the TCU software.
Some TCU’s have a higher level of manipulation available and advanced options like the following can be activated: Launch Control, Full Manual Mode, Kickdown Delete.
Please note: Not all TCU’s will ‘need’ to be tuned and not all TCU’s can be tuned, it depends on the application and the desired vehicle performance.
Dyno
DYNO Coming soon!
DPF Removal / Delete
Removing the DPF from a vehicle can offer a substantial increase in both performance and efficiency. Our experienced team of engineers are completely dedicated to finding the correct DPF Removal solution for you and your vehicle. We offer a lifetime guarantee against any DPF faults, regeneration and warning lights with every DPF delete and pride ourselves on excellent customer care and satisfaction.
The Removal Procedure
Our normal procedure is to remove the internal filter from the exhaust system, leaving the outer casing in place. The procedure begins by disassembling the exhaust system from the vehicle. A small window is then cut in the top or engine facing side of the DPF canister, the internal filter is then removed. After removing all of the internal filter the window is welded back into position and the DPF canister and exhaust system is refitted to the vehicle. We can also supply and fit DPF bypass pipes for those that wish to keep the original DPF canister intact.
Once the physical filter removal has been completed the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is reprogrammed (Remapped) and any DPF related structures removed from the vehicles software. This will prevent the vehicle from sensing the missing filter and will prevent future DPF regeneration and DPF related warning lights. This is the most important aspect of the removal process and it is vital that the ECU is reprogrammed correctly or DPF issues will continue. When carrying out this process we can also Remap the ECU for better performance and fuel efficiency at a discounted price, please let us know if you would also like a quotation for this upgrade.
Removing the DPF from your vehicle is not only a cost effective solution but it also boasts the following advantages:
- Increased Performance
- Increased Efficiency (MPG)
- Less Turbo Lag
- Reduced Maintenance Costs
* Our DPF Removal service is sold for off-road use only. Removal of a DPF will almost invariably make your vehicle illegal for use on a public road. This is not legal advice and if you are unsure if this applies to your vehicle, please seek further advice.
EGR Bypass / Removal / Delete
Stringent emission targets set by the EU and other Governmental bodies have forced vehicle manufactures to develop new methods of improving the emissions of a vehicle. One such development is the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system. Unfortunately the manufacturers were forced to take a compromise. This was to fit an EGR valve to reduce the emissions of the vehicle, but compromise on the efficiency and reliability of the engine.
By recirculating exhaust gasses back into the combustion chamber during low engine loads the combustion temperatures are reduced and in turn reduce the NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) emissions. Failure often occurs when the dirty exhaust gasses clog up the valve causing it to stick in the open position, when this happens the engine is starved of oxygen and becomes sluggish and inefficient, in some cases the vehicle can become almost undriveable. The EGR valves can also fail electronically when the internal motor or position sensors fail.
The consumer is now becoming wise to the negatives of the EGR system, becoming tired of the expensive repair bills and reliability issues they cause. Therefore, we offer a full EGR bypass / removal service which results in better efficiency and less maintenance costs. Our EGR removal service boast’s the following:
- More Power
- Better Fuel Efficiency
- Improved Throttle Response
- Less Flat Spots
- Cleaner Intake System and Engine
- Reduced Maintenance Costs
- Prolonged Engine and Turbo Life
There are two aspect to the EGR Removal service. First the EGR Valve is blanked preventing any exhaust gasses from passing through the valve and entering the intake system (EGR blanking is only required when the valves cannot fully close due to carbon build up or motor failure). Secondly, the ECU is Remapped (Reprogrammed) and the EGR functions are removed from the ECU software or the valve is electronically programmed to remain closed at all times. This is the most important aspect of the service and it is vital that it’s done correctly. We can also remap the vehicle for better performance and fuel efficiency at the same time.
AdBlue (SCR) Removal
AdBlue is a chemical liquid used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) on diesel vehicles in order to reduce NOx levels. The AdBlue fluid (urea and demineralized water) is injected into the exhaust system just before the SCR catalyst. The introduction of AdBlue into the exhaust gasses generates a chemical reaction inside the SCR Cat which results in NOx being converted into Nitrogen and Water Vapor. AdBlue was introduced by vehicle manufacturers in order to hit the stringent emission targets set out by governmental bodies. AdBlue is sometimes referred to as DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid).
The AdBlue and SCR system is a relatively complex system with an array of electronic sensors, modules and pumps, these systems can fail and can be expensive to maintain. A vehicle which is used on a regular basis will consume a large amount of AdBlue and the tank will need to be refilled on a regular basis.
Our AdBlue delete service will electronically disable the AdBlue system along with removing the associated dashboard lights and warning messages. Disabling the AdBlue system is normally completed by reprogramming the engine management system, however some vehicles will require a small electronic unit to be hardwired into the vehicle.
Our AdBlue delete service is strictly sold as an off-road use only product, driving your vehicle on the road with an AdBlue delete could result in prosecution. Our HGV and Agricultural AdBlue service is to be used only for vehicles which are to be exported outside of the European Union. It is your responsibility to declare your modification to the relevant authorities.
Inlet Manifold Swirl Flap Removal / Delete
Swirl flaps are small butterfly valves located within the inlet manifold on modern diesel and petrol engines, they are designed to help regulate the fuel to air ratio, improve emissions and help generate better torque at low engine speeds. At light engine loads the flaps close, causing the air to swirl into the combustion chamber, the swirling affect aids combustion and helps to improve emissions and generate more torque. After 2000 rpm the flaps are generally activated to a fully open position and have very little effect on engine performance and emissions.
What are the problems?
Major Mechanical Failure:
Some vehicles, predominantly early BMW’s were fitted with metal flaps which were prone for failure, the metal screws holding the flap to the spindle would become loose and enter the combustion chamber causing catastrophic engine damage.
Leaking Manifolds
Overtime the seals surrounding the flap spindle brakes down and causes pressurized air from the inlet manifold to leak to atmosphere. Loss in boost pressure will cause a vehicle to run rich and can damage other components such as DPF, EGR, etc..
Carbon build up:
Carbon from the EGR system along with oil from the breather system causes carbon to build up on the flaps, this reduces the intake manifold size and can hinder performance.
Electronic actuators:
Modern manifold designs incorporate an electronic actuator which opens and closes the flaps. These actuators can fail, along with the position sensors, this can result in the flaps staying in the closed position and thus hindering performance, along with an engine management light and in some cases limp mode.
How do we remove them?
The process for removing the flaps depends on the design, in some cases the manifold is unbolted and the flaps physically removed, in other cases where the mechanical status of the flaps are good and the fault is due to an electronic actuator, the actuator function can be disabled and the flaps left in place.
What are the negatives?
In our opinion very little, the reduction in emissions and performance at low engine speeds is almost unnoticeable and would only be relevant if no carbon build up had occurred, due to the fact that carbon build up begins as soon as the vehicle leaves the factory, the removal of the flaps is likely to result in increased performance and efficiency.
What does it cost?
The cost of removal depends on the design of the manifold and flaps, contact us with your vehicle registration and we will be more than happy to offer a quotation.
Speed Limited Removal
Many vehicles have a speed limiter applied from factory or by a third party at a later date. The limiter is often applied as a gentleman’s agreement amongst car manufactures or by customer choice e.g. Most BMW and Mercedes vehicles have a factory set speed limiter of 155 MPH / 250 KMH.
By adjustment of the ECU data we are able to successfully remove the speed limiter from most vehicles. Most speed limiters can be removed by visiting one of our authorised agents. Some vehicles with complex speed limiters can only be removed at our HQ in Bristol. Please contact us with your vehicle details and location for further information.
We also offer a Speed limiter application or adjustment service, fleet discount available. Please contact us with your requirements for further information.
DSG Tuning / Remapping
Most will argue that the DSG gearbox is one of the finest auto gearboxes available on the market today. Its ability to change gear in a fraction of a second and predict the drivers next move is a master piece of engineering. However, like with all OEM systems it can be restrictive. Our custom DSG Remap is designed to remove these restrictions and adjust the settings to compliment the more performance minded driver.
Our custom DSG Remapping service will alter the following parameters / options:
Increased torque limiter
When tuning the engine management system torque limiters are increased, however if the vehicle is equipped with a DSG gearbox the engine output will be limited by the torque limiter set in the DSG module. We raise the DSG torque limiter to match the engine torque output.
Quicker Shift Speeds
Shift speeds can be increased by up to 20%, this reduces lag and improves acceleration. The quicker shift speeds will also give a smoother transition between gear changes and improve paddle shift response time.
RPM Limits & Shift Set Points
RPM limits and shift set points can be adjusted in drive and sports mode. Adjusting the rpm limiter as part of the engine ECU remap is not enough on a DSG equipped vehicle. The DSG ECU will determine at what rpm the gear shift takes place.
Launch Control
Launch control can be activated (model specific). Launch control will allow your car to make the perfect launch every time, reducing your 0 – 60 time and increasing the fun factor.
Full Manual Mode
Even when in manual mode stock DSG software will force the gearbox to change up or kick down etc. With our custom DSG Remap we are able to give the driver full control by preventing auto changing when in manual mode (Model Specific).
Pops & Bangs (Crackle Map / Over-Run Map)
This feature can be programmed into the ECU on some petrol vehicles which results in a pop and bang or crackle noise coming from the exhaust system during engine deceleration. Many manufacturers already implement such a feature from factory on some performance models. The feature offers no performance advantages but does offer a sportier feel and noise.
Normally during engine deceleration the injectors are switched off to prevent fuel from entering the combustion chamber. When applying a pop and bang patch to an ECU we request the injectors to stay open for a short period of time after the throttle plate has closed. The spark timing maps are then adjusted so that the fuel is ignited substantially after TDC (Top Dead Centre). This results in fuel igniting during the exhaust stroke and creating small explosions within the exhaust system. These small explosions are what create the popping and banging noise and in some cases small flames can be seen exiting from the rear silencers.
Warning: This feature should only be implemented onto vehicles which have an uprated exhaust system with decat or metallic structured sports cat.
Popcorn Limiter
We have seen a rise in demand for popcorn limiters on diesel vehicles. A popcorn limiter basically changes the way a diesel car behaves when the engine hits the rpm limiter. Most stock diesel vehicles will hit the pre-set rpm limiter and will stay at that exact rpm point until the driver intervenes (soft cut limiter). However, with a popcorn limiter applied the engine will bounce at the limiter in a similar way to a petrol vehicle (hard cut limiter).
The popcorn limiter has no performance advantage, it is simply a feature that can be enabled during the remap in order to change how the engine behaves and sounds when the rpm limiter is reached.
Launch Control
Launch control is designed to help the driver generate a quick launch from stand still. Too much power and the vehicle will wheel spin, too little and the engine will bog down. Our launch control remap option limits the low speed rpm, thus limiting the power to the wheels, once the vehicle begins to increase in speed and traction has been established full power is activated.
Currently our launch control remap is limited to only a few models. Cars equipped with a DSG gearbox will require a DSG Remap in order to activate launch control. Please contact us for further information.Launch Control
Rev Limit Adjustment
RPM limiters are set into place to protect the engine and drivetrain from excessive speeds, however some rev limiters are set very low and can be safely increased to expand the useable RPM range of the engine. RPM limits can be adjusted on both petrol and diesel vehicles.
Lambda Delete / 02 OFF
When decatting a petrol vehicle it is likely an engine management light will be illuminated and a fault code for cat efficiency will be stored inside the ECU memory (P0420). By careful recalibration of the engine ECU data we can disable the function of the second lambda sensor.
The second lambda sensor is used for monitoring the efficiency of the catalytic converter, by disabling the second lambda sensor it will allow a decat pipe to be used on a vehicle without triggering an engine management light or associated fault codes.
Decatting a vehicle normally triggers a P0420 fault code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)). Our lambda delete service will permanently remove this fault.
P Code / Fault Code / DTC Delete
Permanently removing fault codes from the engine management system is a very useful process when modifying a vehicle. Removing components such as swirl flaps, EGR valves, other modules etc.. for purpose of performance modification or motorsport will often cause a fault code to be stored in the ECU memory along with lights on the dash and limp mode. By recoding the ECU data and permanently removing the specific fault code we can prevent the dash lights from being displayed and prevent the vehicle from entering limp mode.
DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code)
P Code (Powertrain Code)
Start/Stop Disable
Start/Stop technology has been around for some time now, some people love it, others hate it. For those of you that hate it we can offer a start-stop disable service. By changing the coding inside the ECU we can fully deactivate the start/stop system. All hardware can remain in place, it will simply be electronically disabled, giving you back full control of your engine.
MAF Delete
A MAF delete is normally required on highly tuned vehicles where the sheer volume of air passing through the MAF housing causes the sensor to burn out or hit its maximum operating range. A burnt out MAF will slowly degrade engine performance, where as a MAF which has reached its maximum operating range will normally cause the vehicle to enter limp mode. Increasing the size of the MAF housing and rescaling the MAF ECU data is one option, although this is not always practically possible. By carrying out a MAF delete remap option we can disable the function of the MAF and allow the engine to run in a MAFless condition.
Installing a MAF delete remap is not suitable for all vehicles. Please contact us with your full vehicles details and requirements and we will be happy to advise.
DPF Cleaning
As one of the very first DPF specialists in the UK we now have unmatched knowledge and experience within the DPF industry. We offer a wide range of DPF services, from complete removal to replacement, and of course cleaning which has grown rapidly in popularity over the last few years.
We have no barriers with our cleaning process as it’s a manual process, carried out in situ, and is not governed by a computer guided function. Future DPF regenerations, whether passive or forced, will be more successful following our cleaning service as the soot carrying capabilities are increased.
The Cleaning Procedure
Stage 1: We carry out an in depth diagnostic, checking common failed components before initiating a DPF clean. Where necessary, further investigation is carried to ensure a successful clean.
Stage 2: Using a high pressure injection system, a decarbonising solution is injected into the pre DPF pressure line. A soak period is now initiated. This is then followed by a further injection of solution during an engine speed cycle. The soak period, solution amount and repetition depends on saturation levels identified in stage 1.
Stage 3: Finally, live data is analysed during active road use. This is then followed by final parameter checks logging DPF back pressure readings. These readings, before and after, are then reported back to you for your peace of mind. The three stage DPF cleaning process is now complete.
Advantages of our DPF cleaning process:
- Pre and post diagnostic checks on common failed components
- No need to remove DPF from vehicle
- Increased efficiency (MPG)
- Increased performance
Gearbox Software Update
Updating the gearbox software on a vehicle can improve the overall driving experience by resulting in: quicker shift speeds, better MPG, smoother gear changes, less clunking or delayed gear engagement, and more! A little like windows updates on your PC or your phone has an OS update, a gearbox update is similar, designed to improve the overall functionality and usability of the system it controls.
A gearbox update is very different to a gearbox remap, when we remap a TCU (Transmission Control Unit) we extract the data, modify it, and then reload it back in to the TCU. A gearbox remap is normally carried out when trying to increase vehicle performance or for making substantial modifications to the gearbox characteristics. With a gearbox update we do not modify the data, we instead use OEM diagnostic tools to update the TCU calibration file to the latest software revision. We connect our equipment to the vehicle, the diagnostic tool will check the current TCU software revision and if a newer one is available it will be downloaded straight from the manufacturers online server and programmed.
Most models will benefit from a gearbox update, however some of the common vehicles we see for this service are BMW’s with ZF gearboxes and Peugeot / Citroen Models with EGS (Electronic Gearbox System). Gearbox updates are only available at our HQ in Bristol.