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Engine Remaping

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WarthogARJ:
I hadn't seen the reports on the PowerCommander and various exhausts: they are very interesting.

But to clarify something, as far as I can see, if my sensors are working correctly and if adding a different exhaust has indeed made me run leaner and hotter, and perhaps pop/backfire, I cannot do anything about it with my existing set-up. It's not like a carburetor bike where you can adjust mixtures or timing yourself: it's all done by the BMS K, via a "map". Correct?

So if I change that map, it stays like that unless I change it again.

If I add a PowerCommander I have some flexibility.
But I need a dyno to really fiddle properly: but the GS-911 helps because of its real-time potential.
Correct?

And the option I'm looking at from HillTop, by changing the BMS-K firmware to a more interactive system (that "learns") is in between these things.
I've been told that it really DOES work.
And I can go back.
So I guess if I do it and then decide I want to go further and add a PowerCommander I can.
Correct?

WarthogARJ:
Here's the reply to my post on the GS Forum:
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350407

And some feedback:
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348990&highlight=HillTop
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301959&highlight=HillTop
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255076
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350419&highlight=HillTop

HillTop says:
I asked all the above questions today, and was told.. it should improve mpg as the engine will be more efficiently through the rev range.

OK, this refers to 4 wheels, but it's the same...

So why should I remap my ECU?

When vehicles are distributed throughout the world, manufacturers adopt a one map fits all policy. This one map has to take into account many different factors that are necessary for each export country. Areas such as climate, emissions, fuel quality etc all have to be considered by the manufacturer. What this means is that a vehicle ECU is never optimised for one individual situation.

So how can remapping help

They will actually read your own engine's map file, modify it and then upload it back to the ECU. The company should always take the time to find out your own individual requirements and what you want to achieve from a remap. They will then tailor the map to suit before it is uploaded back to the ECU. By remapping your ECU it is easily possible to release extra power and torque from your engine without any reliability issues. Many owners also report that they have seen improved fuel economy once their engine has been remapped (chipped). Be aware that although many customers experience improved fuel economy, this depends on your own driving style and how heavy your right foot is.

The increase in power and torque that is gained using ECU remapping provides a much smoother drive, with increased flexibility throughout the rev range, allowing for smoother acceleration and better overtaking.

By remapping a normally aspirated engine ECU, you would normally expect to see a 10 - 15% increase in power (bhp) depending on your exact engine specification, and around a 15 - 20% increase in torque (Nm) throughout the rev range. This improves engine response on a lighter throttle.

You will notice an improvement in power and torque right throughout the rev range, along with the possibility of improved fuel economy.

I was concerned regarding the warranty, but even if the bike is "plugged in" at a dealers, they can't tell the ECU has been remapped, it won't show up on their diagnostic equipment.

He offered me 2 "tweaks", the one that will smooth the engine out, which will get rid of the sluggishness (not so much on the twin cam engine) or the "GLF" (Go like F**K) which will give much better torque and throttle response throughout the rev range

StephanT:
my opinion (and only MY opinion):

If it is done individually, i.e. your bike on a dyno, then I think you could find some dramatic improvements.

If it is a generic map (improved map, but still for a model range), then the improvements and gains will be less dramatic...

best,
Stephan

WarthogARJ:
Thanks.

Well from my understanding of it, it's not a remap.
He replaces the entire firmware with his own routines/software.
And it does the engine management interactively.
He says it "self learns".
Uses the input from the sensors.
So it's not just a map that goes into the existing BMW firmware.

I said I was surprised that the processor capacity is enough to do that.
And he says the file is not so big and there is the capacity.

He has done 100 or more BMW's, as well as other bikes.
Including professional racing bikers I'm told (I don't know the names: is not a sport I follow).

WarthogARJ:
Well, I'm not zigakly sure WHAT gets done at HillTop.
Speaking to Geoff from HillTop on the phone he said they replace the entire firmware in the module.
There's an interesting link here to a guy who had his R1200RT bike done: http://www.ebbo.org/remapping.php

So it says that the existing BMW fuel map is backed-up then deleted, and replaced by 5 fuel maps.
Your bike selects one of them depending on which speed and throttle you are using.

The increase in power was from a measured 86 to 98 bhp.
I understand that the overall numbers are somewhat relative (atmospheric pressure, humidity etc), and vary from day to day, and dyno to dyno.
So the important thing to note is the relative increase: about 14%.
Torque increased by 16%.

And the owner says it is much smoother.

Anyways, I plan to go there quite soon.

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