The process of remapping an ECU involves two separate areas, firstly a great deal of time is spent developing and testing the software to create the perfect power upgrades and secondly there is the delivery process of how that software is installed onto the cars ECU.

Thorney Motorsport has developed (and continues to develop) the ultimate software ECU upgrades for the Astra VXR in close conjunction with Superchips, our ECU mapping partner in all our tuning packages. Our partnership with Superchips has enabled us to develop an extensive range of levels of tune relating to your car and modify and fine tune these maps to suit whatever level of mechanical tuning your car has. The levels of ECU mapping include:

Stage 1 - Designed for a standard car. This ECU remap is designed to smooth out the power delivery and add low, mid and high rev range power and torque.  Typical gains are +30bhp and +35lb's of torque.

Astra stage 1 at flywheel

Astra VXR stage 1 at wheels

Zafira VXR Stage 1 at wheels

Zafira VXR Stage 1 at flywheel

Stage 2 - The addition of a full sports exhaust allows engine temperatures to drop enabling us to advance the map with higher boost and fueling characteristics. We retain the smooth power delivery we're renowned for but power is increased to approximately +45bhp and 50lb's of torque.

Astra VXR Stage 2 at flywheel

Astra Stage 2 at wheels

Zafira VXR Stage 2 at flywheel

Zafira VXR Stage 2 at wheels

Stage 3 - The addition of a larger front mounted intercooler allows ultimate air intake cooling to take place so we can maximise the performance of the engine without affecting longevity or reliability. Power is increased by approximately 50bhp but torque dramatically increased by over 70lb's over standard (it's a monster really)

The different stages of remap typically are installed by us on our rolling road and customised to the car where required. This has the downside that it means vehicles must be at our workshops in Milton Keynes which can be an inconvenience for some owners so we have worked closely with Superchips to develop the Bluefin - owner installed ECU remap.

Bluefin is more normally associated with the Ford marque, indeed the Bluefin range for the Focus ST alone has transformed the market and its reputation speaks volumes for the product.

Bluefin Unit

The process is simple, you simply order a Bluefin unit (either via our website, phone or email) install the simple software onto your PC (this registers the unit with us) and then plug the Bluefin into your cars diagnostic port (its under the handbrake) and follow the onscreen instructions. Basically you have to press one button - thats it! The Bluefin unit starts by downloading the standard code from your car, copying it then installs the level of tune you wish for your car. The units either come pre-installed with stages 1,2 or 3 (depending on what you have fitted to your car) or you can simply connect the Bluefin onto your PC and we can send a custom file to you.

Thats not all.......the Bluefin unit enables you to revert your car back to standard at any time, for example should you wish to revert to standard power (lending the car to friend, back to  dealership for servicing) you simply attach the unit and, press one button and the car is re-programmed back to stock, re-attach the unit again and you can map back up to full power again - as many times as you like.

The VXR Bluefin unit is also equipped with an OBD fault code reader. The VXR Astra has an excellent system of sensors which monitor the cars actions, should something go wrong a fault is logged and your engine management light is illuminated on your dash to alert you. Normally this means a trip to a dealership to firstly find out what the problem is and then another trip is likely to actually fix the problem. With Bluefin, should you get an engine management light on, you simply plug the unit into the car and it will display whatever faults are present. There will be a list of fault codes listed on our site so simply check what the code refers to and (if required) you can contact your dealer and actually tell them what fault is showing rather than simply turning up with a light on with no explanation - better for you and better for the dealer as it means they're off to a head start in diagnosing the problem. For minor fault codes you can even clear them with the Bluefin should the problem not require rectification. Aftermarket fault code readers are typically £200 on their own!

Bluefin unit

Whats the best news? The cost, the Bluefin for the VXR Astra is only £50 more than a Thorney Motorsport remap - £649 incl VAT. Even better, all upgrades (for Bluefins purchased from Thorney Motorsport) are free so you can start with a stage 1 and if you upgrade your car through us we will upgrade your map for free as you progress through the stages on your car. All stages of upgrade will be Bluefin compatable including our soon to be released stage 4 and 5.

To order a Bluefin for the Astra VXR or Zafira VXR simply click here or contact us on 01908 238 798 or email - info@thorneymotorsport.co.uk and start to fully enjoy your VXR - with full power!

Order on line via our secure Shop