Frequently Asked Questions ...

Why choose us as a tuning company?

We are the oldest chip tuning company in NZ specialising in ECU remapping and custom tuning for nearly 30 years. We started with ground level tuning using EPROM programmers and learning the intricacies of ECU controlled engines and have continuously built up knowledge, experience and skill.

At Chiptuning NZ we use the very latest tuning tools made in Germany, Italy and Switzerland to ensure 100% reliability when working on your car’s ECU. Our tools are sourced from Dimsport, EVC, Alientech, WinOLS software mapping, CMD Flash, Byteshooter, B-Prog, Batronix, ECU Flash and many more. We do not use clone tools like many of our competitors. This allows us to successfully perform ECU tuning on a wide selection of vehicles from Europe, Japan and Korea.

We specialise in European cars and have done longer than any other company in NZ. We have been tuning high performance European cars since the beginning and are almost always the first with an ECU tuning solution for new cars – and feel comfortable with the most sophisticated cars.

With years of experience and the very best tuning tools, we are able to listen to our customers and give them the best possible ECU chip tuning for their car. Offering excellent performance and reliability tailored to suit the customer’s needs.

With our experience we are also able to give solid advice based on real data based solutions without regurgitating the mostly online based nonsense that is all too common.

BEWARE: When we first started there were only two other companies doing ECU remapping in NZ (they are now sadly gone), however, they have been replaced by a proliferation of unqualified so-called “tuners” operating as a side line to tyre shops, service workshops or similar. These are mostly untrained in tuning and have bought a set of tuning tools to supplement their business – they then buy junk software off a reseller – and load it to your car and call it tuned. There is no tuning involved here! If you ask them to make any changes or customisation to the ECU tune, they won’t be able to, or they’ll ask you to come back the next day so they can buy another file from the reseller.

The tuning industry is unfortunately now dominated by unqualified people in it for the short term without any vision or quality control.

What is Chiptuning and how does it work?

Chip tuning, also known as: performance chip, reflashing, ECU chip, remap or engine remap is technically referred to as chip tuning. Each injection engine whether petrol or turbo diesel has an engine computer - ECU (Engine Control Unit) which regulates ignition timing, fuel injection – air/fuel proportion and turbo boost (on turbocharged cars). Within the ECU is a chip that contains the necessary operating parameters for the engine. We reprogram this chip to give the engine a new and enhanced operating program.

Why hasn't the manufacturer made the upgrade?

Car manufacturers use a stock tune that is restricted by laws imposed on new cars, meaning they must adhere to incredibly stringent emissions regulations. Additionally, each new car built is designed to work with the varying fuel quality available around the world. These restrictions negate engine performance and can make the engine feel a bit flat, especially when compared to a chipped equivalent. A manufacturer building thousands or even millions of each model has no interest in optimising the engine’s individual performance.

Car manufacturers have marketing targets and engine power is almost never optimised on a standard car. Some cars within a model line-up will have exactly the same engine, however, the power output will be lower on the lesser model, but in fact the only difference is in the ECU software mapping.

Additionally, the latest engines have become so immensely technically advanced that the technology makes new engines so responsive to correct chip tuning.

How does the installation take place?

Chiptuning NZ offers a mobile service that covers most main centres in New Zealand. We have been chip tuning in Auckland for nearly 30 years and chip tuning in Wellington for almost that long. We of course also do chip tuning in Christchurch and Dunedin. If you happen to live in an area not covered, we offer a same-day return service when you send the ECU to us.

Using the best chip tuning tools available means we can remotely reflash your ECU via the diagnostics port with most cars. All cars are checked for faults before and after tuning and the vehicle is taken for a test drive to ensure all is up to specification (where possible). The tuning is completed on the same day. Please feel free to call for an appointment or enquiry at 03 348 7744 or email sales@autopassion.co.nz

Are Throttle Controllers the same as ECU remaps?

Not at all. Throttle controllers are throttle or pedal multipliers. For example, 10mm of accelerator pedal travel might result in 15% of maximum throttle, however, with a throttle pedal controller that same 10mm might equal 50% of total throttle.

NOTE: throttle controllers DO NOT increase horsepower and torque and they DO NOT improve acceleration, pulling power, towing ability or performance. Throttle controllers only increase throttle response – which can be done with real ECU tuning anyway.

DRIVE MODES: My car has modes available like comfort, economy, sport, etc. What happens with these modes after the upgrade?

The drive modes operate the same way after tuning and remain as before.

Do you dyno tune each car you tune?

Although our tuning is developed on a dyno, we do not dyno tune every car we remap. It is unnecessary, especially with Stage 1 tuning. We like to use a dyno to develop new tuning as well as chip tuning cars that have had extensive modifications that require starting from scratch. We do however, check Lambda on cars after we’ve chip tuned them to make sure AFR is as prescribed.

Safe power increases from tuning the latest torque request ECUs requires an in-depth understanding of map locations and torque limiters. This is of greater importance than dyno tuning – running the car on the dyno without knowing where the limiters are will make no power gains.

Will the lifespan of my engine be affected?

No, our chip tuning is safe and comes with a lifetime warranty. Please see Warranty section.

The tuned upgrades are proven and thoroughly tested for each car’s individual strengths and weaknesses. All performance increases we make are well within the engine’s safety parameters.

What about fuel consumption?

Because chip tuning increases engine torque, less throttle is required to achieve the same speed. Average fuel economy is improved by 0.5L/100km in most cases. On turbo diesel cars, economy is improved further especially at motorway speeds when the engine is turning at lower rpm. On diesel cars our customers report economy improvements between 8% - 10%.

What octane petrol should I use?

We recommend a minimum of 95 octane on all petrol cars that we tune. For the most powerful turbo and very high output engines, 98 octane is better for performance, smoothness, reliability and economy.

Your car handbook will have minimum octane specifications for your engine, however, our recommendations for 95 octane or above is the best option for a tuned car.

Some of our customers ask about 100 octane and that is all good, however, many of the petrol stations selling 100 octane are smaller outlets and the fuel may have been sitting in the tank for too long. In this case the octane rating will no longer be as stated as the additives will have broken down. Modern petrol goes off much quicker than the older stuff – and the 100 octane does have more additives than 98 octane.

We will advise you on the best fuel to use during the appointment and will make the correct recommendation for your driving needs.

Note; never use 91 octane petrol. It is junk fuel only suitable for low powered rentals and unloved lawn mowers.

Do I need stronger suspension or brakes?

No.

Is Chiptuning detectable during an inspection?

No, the software modification cannot be seen because the stock program is used to develop the upgrade.

Will the engine operate at higher temperatures than before?

No, the engine coolant temperature is controlled thermostatically.

How does the automatic transmission change?

The transmission adapts to the new changes automatically.

Can my car be returned back to standard?

Yes, with ease.

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