RICA UK: FAQ

What is chip tuning or remapping?

Chiptuning, or remapping as it is known today, is the optimisation of the original manufacturer software in the engine management system which controls the engine. All car manufacturers mass produce the engines, and due to many factors these are designed for relatively wide tolerances. These factors include coping with various fuel grades, extreme climate conditions, company car tax bands and insurance grouping, and of course the ability to withstand a certain level of abuse, negligence and lack of maintenance. A specialist tuner however can improve the efficiency of an engine by balancing and matching the various engine components more closely than is possible in volume production. This not only improves the efficiency and the power output of the engine but can also increase its longevity!

Why chip tuning?

Essentially, chiptuning is all about extracting substantial gains in performance. However, the engine will not only be more powerful, but will also be more economical with the same driving style. Towing will also be much easier with the increase in torque. Driveability also improves with fewer gear changes required, and improved throttle response makes the car feel more responsive on the road. Tuning is often better value for money than upgrading to a more expensive model with higher power!

For which cars is chip tuning suitable?

Generally, any car equipped with an engine management system can be tuned, which includes both petrol and diesel engines. However, chiptuning produces best results on turbocharged or supercharged engines. Raising the turbocharger or supercharger boost pressure allows for much higher gains in power to be achieved, when combined with the correct ignition timing and fueling adjustments. Normally aspirated (non-turbo) engines will only gain a significant improvement in power if the manufacturer also offers the same engine in a significantly detuned state by ECU software alone. Examples of these include the Mini One, which is a detuned Mini Cooper, and also the Volvo V70 140 hp, which is a detuned 170 hp version.

Is it possible to tune an older car?

Yes, an older car can be chip tuned as well, however it is important that the car has a reprogrammable engine management system. Furthermore, the car must be in good mechanical working order. See the question 'How must I supply the car'.

How does chip tuning work?

On most modern cars, the modified software is loaded into the engine management system via the OBD2 diagnosis port in the car, without even opening the bonnet. Loading the new software normally takes between 15 and 30 minutes. This can be done by Rica Engineering or by your local RICA dealer. Some older models sometimes require the original chip on the ECU to be removed, reprogrammed, and then replaced. Occasionally the ECU uhas to be bench flashed instead.

How much power do i gain?

Power gains of 10-35% are normally possible with chiptuning alone. Sometimes, depending on the model, gains of up to 80% can be achieved, but most cars gain approximately 15-20% with modified ECU software alone. The limitations are normally governed by the exhaust gas composition and the maximum load of the engine. RICA Engineering will always ensure that the engine continues to satisfy all legal emissions requirements after the modification of the engine management software. Contrary to popular belief, chiptuning does not harm the engine and the engine life span will remain at least the same as when standard, if not longer. Click here to see the gains achieved with the RICA ECU upgrade for your car.

Must I do further modifications?

With the RICA ECU upgrade, no other modifications are required. RICA Engineering ensures that the extra load on the engine and transmission falls within safe margins. It is recommended to install a high performance air filter to maintain the maximum performance by allowing the engine to breathe a little better. This can also help improve the throttle response. Even without chiptuning, a performance air filter is still a useful modification. A full exhaust system can also be beneficial.

How must I supply the car?

You must make sure that before you tune your car, it is in perfect condition. Due to the increase in power and torque, some components may have to withstand more stress and if they are worn or faulty, then a premature failure can occur. This is especially true for older cars as a result of normal wear and tear or through lack of maintenance. RICA Engineering specialises in software modification and can often resolve mechanical problems while you wait. But this is may not always the case, and as a result it may not be possible to install the ECU upgrade if the vehicle is not in a suitable condition. Your local garage should be able to ensure that the car is in excellent working order prior to undertaking any tuning work.

What do I have to do after tuning?

All RICA ECU upgrades for petrol cars are optimised for use with 98 RON super unleaded for maximum performance. For diesel engines, a high quality diesel fuel such as BP Ultimate or Shell V-Power is recommended. Using low octane premium unleaded fuel will not allow your engine to achieve its maximum potential from the ECU upgrade and may in extreme cases result in engine damage under high load conditions. If you must use low octane fuel, you must not drive the car hard. Always use a high quality engine oil for maximum protection and reliability. You should also follow any other recommendations and specific advice about your car given to you by RICA Engineering or your local RICA dealer.

What further tuning is possible?

Chip tuning is often refered to as 'stage 1' tuning. However, further tuning is always possible. The sky is the limit and depends largely on your budget, but it is not always economically viable for every car. More power costs more money, and the cost of tuning often increases exponentially when trying to extract more power, so essentially the higher the level of tuning, the lower the value for money for the power you actually get, especially when compared to software tuning alone. Upgrading the mechanical components is normally required once the safe limits of software-only tuning are reached. Turbo petrol engines normally provide the easiest route for extracting more power, with various options available such as exhaust systems with a high-flow catalytic converter for reduced back pressure, high flow intake systems, and of course larger and more efficient turbochargers. When increasing the engine power above a certain level, it may be wise to consider a suitable suspension and brake upgrade to allow the power to be safely used to its full potential on the road.

How trustworthy are the dyno results?

The dyno (roling road) that RICA Engineering uses is made by MAHA, which has been established as the industry standard in rolling roads. The measurements are very precise and all measurements are within a maximum tolerance of 2%.

Problems

Your RICA ECU upgrade software cannot change over time of its own accord. This is only possible if the software is overwritten by some other company or your local dealer. If the engine starts running poorly after a certain amount of time, then it cannot be the result of a software fault, but will in fact be the result of a component defect. Any such problems must be diagnosed and resolved by the your local garage as soon as possible. Sometimes chiptuning will not yield the expected increases in power and torque. This is normally the result of either component wear and tear or bad maintenance leading to components that cannot perform to the levels required for optimum performance.

Occasionally your local dealer may need to install a manufacturer software update during routine service work. This may overwrite the RICA ECU upgrade and the performance of the car will return back to standard. In such cases, RICA Engineering will re-upgrade your car free of charge, and will normally upgrade the latest version of software in your car so that you also retain any manufacturer updates.

Further Questions?