Chiptuning explained
With Chiptuning, we modify the software in a car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) to improve engine performance. The ECU manages crucial engine functions such as fuel injection, turbo pressure and ignition timing. By optimising these settings, we make the engine work more efficiently, resulting in more power and torque. This process results in better acceleration, smoother driving and often better fuel economy.
How does chipping your car work?
With Chip tuning, we connect a special laptop and programming device to the ECU to access the software. We then adjust the settings using a customised mapping or tuning file. The changes improve the way the engine functions, resulting in better performance.
Benefits of chip tuning for your car
- Improved Power and Torque: Modified software allows the engine to deliver more power and torque.
- Better Driving Experience: Faster throttle response and smoother acceleration.
- Optimisation for Specific Needs: Tuning can be tailored to individual preferences and driving conditions.
What does chiptuning cost?
The cost of chiptuning varies depending on the desired stage level and the degree of tuning:
Stage 1: This includes basic engine tuning at a cost of €299,-. If you also want the transmission tuned, the price comes to €499,-
Stage 2: This more advanced tuning costs €399,- for just the engine, and if you want the transmission tuned in addition, the total price is €550,-
How long does chiptuning take?
- The chiptuning itself usually takes from 2 to 4 hours. This depends on whether we have to take out the ECU or can connect it directly via the OBD plug. When dismantling the ECU, the tuning may take longer, while a direct connection via the OBD plug is usually faster. In both cases, we ensure that the software parameters are accurately optimised for better performance of your car.
What is Stage 1 chiptuning?
Stage 1 chiptuning is the first step in improving engine performance through software modifications in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This involves optimising ECU parameters to make the engine work more efficiently. The process mainly focuses on increasing the engine's power and torque within the safety margins set by the manufacturer. Stage 1 chip tuning usually does not require any physical changes to the engine or other parts of the car. This makes it a relatively simple, cost-effective way to improve the performance and driving experience of your vehicle.
What is Stage 2 chiptuning?
Stage 2 chiptuning goes beyond Stage 1 and includes physical upgrades to the car in addition to software modifications. In addition to optimising the Engine Control Unit (ECU), an improved exhaust system is often included. For example, a downpipe or sports exhaust and sometimes an improved air intake system may be installed. These hardware upgrades, combined with advanced tuning of the software, further increase power and torque. Stage 2 tuning often requires larger modifications and is therefore slightly more costly, but also delivers significantly better performance. This type of tuning is ideal for those who want to get maximum performance from their car.
The benefits of chipping your car
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Increased Power and Torque: Stage 1 tuning provides a noticeable increase in engine power and torque, resulting in better acceleration and driving performance.
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Better throttle response: The car responds faster to the throttle, providing a smoother and more direct driving experience.
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No Physical Adjustments Needed: Unlike later stages of tuning, Stage 1 usually does not require any physical modifications to the engine or other components. This makes it a simple and cost-effective option.
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Improved Fuel Efficiency: Under normal driving conditions, Stage 1 tuning can lead to more efficient fuel consumption by optimising engine performance.
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Safety margins: Stage 1 tuning stays within the safe tolerances set by the manufacturer. This preserves engine reliability and longevity.
Is it advisable to also tune the automatic transmission?
Yes, it is definitely advisable to also tune the transmission if you have your vehicle's engine chipped. This has several advantages:
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Improved Tuning to Increased Engine Performance: When the engine produces more power and torque after chiptuning, the standard transmission settings may become inadequate. Transmission tuning ensures that the shift points and behaviour are adjusted to make best use of the increased engine power. This leads to more harmonious and efficient operation between engine and transmission.
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Smoother Shifting: By tuning the transmission, you can ensure smoother gear changes, which increases driving comfort. This is especially important in automatic transmissions where shift timing is crucial for both performance and comfort.
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Prevention of Wear: With a more powerful engine, an un-tuned transmission can wear out faster due to the increased load. Transmission tuning helps reduce wear by ensuring that transmission components work more effectively and handle the extra power better.
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Increased Durability: By tuning both engine and transmission, you ensure a balanced system that enhances the durability of the vehicle. The transmission is modified to handle the extra power reliably.
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Better Driving Experience: A tuned transmission reacts faster and more accurately, contributing to a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The difference becomes especially noticeable in sporty driving, with faster and sharper responses to driver input.
So it is advisable for both performance and long-term reliability and comfort to also have the transmission tuned when engine chiptuning.
Is chiptuning legal?
- In the Netherlands, chip tuning is legal, provided the vehicle meets the legal requirements for emissions and safety. After tuning, the car must be able to pass the MOT inspection and the emission values must not exceed the limits.
Possible risks and disadvantages
- Guarantee: Factory warranties may expire after chip tuning.
- Motor stress: Increased load can affect engine life if tuning is not done correctly.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums may rise, or coverage may change.
Always possible to undo the tuning
Chiptuning can usually be reversed, restoring your car to its original factory settings. This involves reloading the original Engine Control Unit (ECU) software, returning the engine to its standard performance.
This can be useful when selling the car or if you need to go to the dealer for an update or service and want to avoid noticing the modifications. We always keep your original software file so it can be easily reinstalled when needed.
We can also perform these options for you
- Deactivating Adblue
- Catalyst heating
- Cylinder on demand
- Delete DTC
- Deactivating EGR valve
- Exhaust Flap Control
- Hard Rev Cut
- Hot Fix Start
- Lambda deactivation
- Launch Control
- Left Foot Braking
- Pops and Bangs
- Power on R button
- Power on Sport Button
- Start Stop Deactivate
- Swirl Flaps
- Switch off TVA
- Remove V Maxx
What our customers say about us
The power of customer reviews
At Wrap&Go, we cherish our customer reviews and are proud to say that our customers speak for us. We appreciate the trust our customers place in us and love hearing how satisfied they are with our services. Our customers are happy to share their experiences and the results of their vehicle's chiptuning.
Real stories from satisfied customers
We believe customer reviews are a powerful way to get an idea of what to expect when you choose Wrap&Go. Our customers talk about the quality of our craftsmanship, attention to detail and the fact that we always strive for perfection. Their words speak louder than ours, and we encourage you to read their stories to get a better idea of what we have to offer, for example in terms of chiptuning.
Our promise to you
Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make sure every customer walks out the door happy and satisfied. So, if you want to know how our customers perceived their experience with Wrap&Go, feel free to take a look at our reviews. Their honest feedback is invaluable to us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CHIPTUNING
- Is there any cost in restoring the original files?
For OBD tuning, we do not charge for restoring the original files, as this can easily be done via the OBD connector. However, if we need to remove the ECU to restore factory settings, we charge €95. This charge covers the extra work and time required to physically remove, reprogram and reinstall the ECU.
- Can I put the original chip back after my car has been tuned?
Yes, in most cases we can restore the original Engine Control Unit (ECU) software after your car has been tuned. We back up the original factory settings before making any adjustments, so the original software can be easily restored if you want to reverse the tuning. This can be useful when selling the car or at certain service intervals. Take contact with us for more information on how we can apply this process to your car.
- Will chip tuning affect my insurance premium?
Yes, chiptuning can affect your insurance premium. Insurance companies often consider chiptuning to increase risk because engine performance is changed. This can lead to a higher premium or additional conditions. It is important to inform your insurance company about the modifications to your vehicle to avoid being denied coverage in the event of a claim. By being transparent about the changes in advance, unexpected insurance problems can be avoided.
- Can I chip tune my car myself?
Although there are tools and software available that allow you to chiptune your car yourself, it is strongly discouraged without sufficient knowledge and experience. Chiptuning requires a deep understanding of engine technology and the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Improper adjustments can lead to engine or gearbox damage and negatively affect fuel consumption. In addition, safety risks can arise if critical settings are misconfigured. Therefore, it is always better to leave this kind of work to professional tuners, who have the necessary expertise and equipment to perform the tuning safely and effectively.
- Will chiptuning affect my car warranty?
Yes, chiptuning can affect the manufacturer's warranty on your car. Many car manufacturers consider any change to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) as grounds for voiding the warranty, especially if the changes are outside the official specifications. It is important to check your car manufacturer's warranty conditions before deciding on chiptuning. We can always restore the original files to the ECU before you go to the dealer, for example.
- Can chip tuning cause damage to my engine?
Chiptuning gives the engine more torque and power. A good tuner will ensure that these values are within the car manufacturer's tolerances. However, improper use of the (tuned) engine can cause engine damage. - How much power gain can I expect after chip tuning?
Power gains after chiptuning average between 15 and 20%, depending on the engine type and condition of the car. Cars with turbocharged engines usually experience the greatest gains, as the adjustment of turbo pressure combined with other optimisations produces a significant improvement in power and torque. Non-turbo engines also benefit from tuning, but the increase is often less pronounced. The exact gain varies from vehicle to vehicle and depends on the specific software and hardware modifications performed.
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