MK3 GTi 16v - Remap for MPG/Fuel Economy

[Chris Hues]

Hi there,

Just been reading around some websites and have found out that a re-map, if done the right way, can help with your fuel economy.

Is this true?
If so, does anyone know how much it may cost or if it's really worth it?

Cheers,
Chris

[RTechUK]

Forced induction cars tend to get the best mpg gains from a remap, but I still all really depends on the drivers driving style to make the most of the map and mpg.

On a NA car the free power come from ignition timing, more timing advance at the correct point will give a better combustion stroke and more torque, in some cases a remap on a NA car can gain power from running the fuel a bit leaner around 13.4:1, but most of the modern ecu are set to run the fuel as close to 14.7:1 for emission which means there is no window to reduce fuel. 
The only work I have done on the 16v has been down to performance gains not mpg.... But in a few cases customers have reported better mpg.

At the end of the day it's down to the drivers Eco driving skills.

[irmscher]

As Nick has pointed out - as tuners we can 'guarantee' the power gains, but the economy gains are in control of the driver.  This also applies to modern engine remaps (even though many companies are trying to build a business around guaranteed economy claims).

As tuners we know a byproduct of a quality remap is economy, but really this should never the premise on which you have your car tuned.