ECU Remapping is when your vehicle’s computer files are modified and updated, and the original factory files are replaced. In simple terms, it’s like updating a software program on your computer. To find out more, click here.
ECU Remapping / Diesel Tuning
What is the difference between an ECU Re-map and a Chip?
The difference between an ECU remap and a Chip is substantial. A Chip is a small external module which works in conjunction with the engine’s computer. It intercepts small amounts of information from the engine’s computer and changes this information before it gets to where it’s going. It basically tricks the computer.
An ECU remap is “re-programming” of the engine’s computer, which is done by uploading a new file. There is no module or unit fitted. This is a much more advanced way to increase power and torque. Re-mapping gives much more control and adjust-ability over a chip.
Which is better? Chip or Re-map?
ECU remapping is much more advanced than a chip. Re-mapping offers a huge amount of adjustability over a chip, and it is much safer and more reliable.
Re-mapping will outperform a chip, producing more power and torque, better fuel economy and improved driveability.
Chips are old technology and very limited to what they can do, they still do have a place but only if an ECU remap is not possible.
Is ECU Re-mapping safe?
YES, ECU remapping is safe. Our ECU re-mapping process enhances and optimises the power of the engine within safe limits, not beyond them. Every car is tested on our dyno to ensure all the adjustments are correct, the tune is safe and performs as expected.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. For vehicles less than 12 months old, we offer a 3-year 60,000km warranty. For vehicles more than 12 months old, we offer a 1-year 20,000km warranty. If your vehicle returned to the dealer, and for any reason the ECU software was updated and the “tuned” file was overridden, we will “re-flash” your tuned file back to your ECU at no charge. Both your original and tuned file are kept securely on file. (Conditions apply).
* Warranty is not transferable.
Does an ECU remap void my new car warranty?
Under consumer law, the only way your new car warranty can be refused by the manufacturer or dealership is by proving via evidence that the ECU remap was the cause of the issue. Rest assured, problems caused by ECU remaps are extremely rare, in fact, we have never seen this happen. For complete customer satisfaction and quality control, we offer the following warranty for your ECU remap;
For vehicles less than 12 months old, we offer a 3-year 60,000km warranty. For vehicles more than 12 months old, we offer a 1-year 20,000km warranty.
* Warranty is not transferable.
How much more power can I expect?
Every car is different, and therefore the results will be different. A power increase between 25 to 35% is very common, however we do see some vehicles with huge increases between 40-60%. All our tunes are kept with-in the manufacturer’s safety parameters, and this will have an impact on how much power can be achieved.
Is ECU remapping all the same?
No, not all ECU remapping or “tuning” is the same!
You might be surprised to find that there can be a HUGE difference in ECU remapping.
Click here for more information (link to blog post about cheap tunes)
What happens if the dealer updates my computer?
When a dealer up-dates a vehicle’s computer, it doesn’t necessarily mean this will affect your tune. However, if your vehicle did return to the dealer, and for any reason the ECU software was updated and the “tuned” file was overridden, we can re-flash your tuned file back at NO charge. (conditions apply)
Your stock file and your new tuned file are both stored on our database.
What is a Dyno Graph?
A Dyno graph or Dyno chart is a two-dimensional representation of an engine’s power and torque over the engine’s speed range. To put simply, it’s how we read a vehicle’s power and torque at a given speed.
GVM FAQs
Who is a manufacturer?
The term manufacturer has a clear definition in the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), in clause 3 of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
The ADRs say that a manufacturer of a vehicle is the person who accepts responsibility for compliance with the ADRs in relation to that vehicle and is issued a compliance plate approval certificate for that vehicle.
The ADRs do not differentiate between OEMs and SSMs (Second Stage of Manufacture).
Based on the definition in the ADRs, Lovells is considered a manufacturer of a vehicle if it accepts responsibility for compliance with the ADRs in relation to that vehicle and is issued a compliance plate approval certificate for that vehicle. Lovells accepts this responsibility as part of its GCM upgrade packages.
What is the position regarding post-registration upgrades?
When a manufacturer modifies a vehicle that has already been registered, this modification is governed by the various State and Territory authorities and their individual Type Approvals or Modification Codes. Put simply, these upgrades are governed by State and Territory law.
Whether a particular type of modification is available post-registration, therefore depends on the position in the State or Territory in question. Some of the States and Territories have recently changed their position in relation to post-registration upgrades.
GCM upgrades post-registration
Lovells understands that the current position in relation to GCM upgrades in each State and Territory is as follows:
NSW, SA and VIC recognise a revised GCM specified by a SSM if endorsed by the inspecting engineering signatory. The signatory must be an endorsed engineer who has access to our Evidence Packages. Endorsed engineers’ contact details are available upon request.
Tasmania recognises a revised GCM specified by a SSM.
Queensland no longer recognises a revised GCM above the GCM nominated by the OEM. However, on 22 January 2020, Queensland TMR released a statement to the industry that “TMR is exploring options for the issue of a new code that deals with GCM increases. TMR is working closely with Industry on this task, and in particular the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). Whilst TMR’s priority remains on road safety and national consistency, it is optimistic that a technically sound and separate code-based solution for GCM re-rating can be developed”.
WA, ACT and NT no longer recognises a revised GCM above the GCM nominated by the OEM if the vehicle is modified after first registration.
How does Lovells ensure that any GCM it nominates is accurate?
Not every SSM can or does nominate a revised GCM.
Lovells does nominate revised GCM capacity figures as a SSM.
Lovells is committed to going above and beyond and believes it is the only SSM that has a full complement of test data and evidence packages to satisfy the December 2019 released GCM and Towing Upgrade Technical Working Group test regime.
This comprehensive new test regime is endorsed by the AAAA, exceeds OEM requirements, and includes the following tests:
- ADR35/05 Testing- Dynamic Braking performance, handbrake performance and gradient starts.
- ADR88 ESC Performance Testing- Sine with Dwell.
- Uprated Axle Assembly Testing- FEA (Finite Element Analysis), lab testing, material testing and CAD modelling.
- SAE J2807 GCM Verification- Driveline and Power train thermal testing.
- SAE J2807 Dynamic Stability testing as a combination. Utilising Lovells test trailer built to SAE standards. This is the only SAE test trailer in the country at present and features include, adjustable draw bar/axle position, adjustable center of gravity, adjustable moment of inertia, load cells on all components, yaw sensors and data acquisition systems, adjustable aerodynamics and frontal area, adjustable weight distribution with rail slides and interchangeable suspension types.
- SAE J266 Understeer testing as a combination.
- VSB6 GCM verification calculations- Start ability and Gradeability.
- Combination Vehicle and Trailer Braking test based on ADR35.
- Towing Upgrade Chassis testing and ADR-62/02 testing.
- Towing Upgrade Hitch receiver load testing and durability/cyclic frequency evidence by an independent DIRDC endorsed Test Facility.
- ADR62/02 Evidence- Mechanical Connections between vehicles.
- Laboratory Report ADR-62/02 – 1200lb Weight Distribution System.
- Dynamic Strength Test Report – Lovells 5T Haul Ace All Terrain Hitch.
- Laboratory Report ADR-62/02 – Static Test AS4177.1 -1200lb Weight Distribution System.
- Laboratory Report ADR-62/02 – Static Strength Test.
- Component Registration 47868 Lovells 5T Haul Ace All Terrain Hitch.
- Component Registration 48275 Lovells 1200lb Weight Distribution System.
- Component Registration 48274 Lovells Tow Bar/Drop Shank.
Has there been a recent change to the law regulating pre-registration GCM upgrades?
There has been no recent change to the law regulating pre-registration vehicle upgrades.
Lovells understands that the longstanding position for many years has been that while the Federal Department does not assess, endorse, or approve GCM upgrades, it equally does not restrict or prohibit GCM upgrades. Lovells understands this longstanding position has not changed.
Importantly, this means that:
Vehicles that Lovells has previously modified are legal in all States and Territories.
Lovells is permitted to plate vehicles with gross vehicle mass (GVM) upgrades and towing capacity upgrades under the approved RVD (as stated in Lovells SSM approvals and as noted on current RVDs).
Lovells is permitted to modify GVM/GCM/towing capacity or variants of these modifications in all States and Territories prior to first registration.
Important information regarding towing & operating at maximum GCM
Due to increased drivetrain operating temperatures at maximum GCM, Lovells suggest engine, transmission/gearbox, transfer case and differential (s) oil changes to be carried out at half the Original Equipment Intervals. Eg. half the interval of the OEM oil changes, say from 24months/200,000km to 12months/100,000km. Failure to accommodate this may result in premature failure of drive train components which may affect warranty. Constant operation of the vehicle at maximum GVM, Towing Capacity and GCM will reduce the Duty Cycle and life of components, and this must be taken into consideration by the vehicle operator.
Is the GVM and BTC upgrade legal in all States and Territories?
Yes. Rest assured, The Federal Dept of Transport have the final say on all Second Stage Manufacturers Approvals and we cover everything and more as required by the ADRs.
Warranty Terms
Coil Springs: 5 year/unlimited km from date of fitment
Leaf Springs: 5 year/unlimited km from date of fitment
Shock Absorbers: 3 year/70.000km whichever occurs first
Platinum Series Shock Absorbers: 4 year/100.000km whichever occurs first
Suspension Components: 2 year/40,000km whichever occurs first
Towing Components: 2 year/40,000km whichever occurs first
Warranty – OE components
Once the Lovells SSM compliance plate is fitted to the vehicle, then Lovells Springs bare full responsibility and will warrant any failure directly associated with the GVM and GCM increase. Please see excerpts from Lovells undertaking in all Overview Documents.
‘IS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WARRANTY AFFECTED WHEN FITTING A LOVELLS GVM UPGRADE?
As a SSM approval holder, Lovells takes full responsibility for the changes the revised GVM, GCM and the Rated Towing Capacity may have on the duty cycle of the vehicle systems and sub-systems (for example, Brakes, Automatic Transmission, Tow Coupling etc) and any follow-on effect on warranty claims by vehicle owners.
‘Vehicle warranty is not affected when a GVM or BTC Upgrade (Rated Towing Capacity Upgrade) is fitted. Our testing and analysis procedures are stringent and undertaken by an accredited Automotive Engineering Consultants to ensure original equipment components are not compromised. Modifications and load limits are within theoretical service/safety factors to ensure the integrity and longevity of OE (Original Equipment) parts associated with increasing the vehicles load carrying capabilities. As Lovells are a Second Stage Manufacturer, it is our responsibility to document these tests and thus take responsibility for the GVM, GCM and Rated Towing Capacity Upgrades (BTC Upgrades) and their compliance.
Therefore, should an OE (Original Equipment) component fail and be directly attributed/caused by the vehicle carrying loads to a maximum GVM, GCM and Rated Towing Capacity or part failure associated with the GVM, GCM and Rated Towing Capacity Upgrade modification, Lovells will take full responsibility to cover warranty of any failed component after written proof and testing by an independent body has been lodged and confirmed the failure is due to the vehicles increased GVM, GCM and Rated Towing Capacity.
Warranty excludes any component or system which has been identified by the OEM as having a potential failure or problem.
For example:
Toyota Landcruiser LC70 variants:
Toyota has identified an ongoing issue with potential front differential oil leaks on Toyota Landcruiser LC70 variants, (Toyota Technical News Flash TNF-79/19), Lovells SSM warranty excludes any gazetted failure of OEM components. This exclusion includes parts and labour.
Based on Lovells differential testing, CAD modelling and FEA analysis, there is no satisfactory correlation to the potential premature failure of the differential center
securing bolts loosening/breaking as a direct result of Lovells suspension upgrades
Ford Ranger PX3 2.0 litre bi-turbo:
Based on Ford Customer Service Bulletin released on 4/3/20, Lovells will not assume any warranty or responsibility for transmission failure on the Ford Ranger 2.0 litre engine variant.
