Stand-Alone VS. Piggyback VS. Remap

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Stand-Alone VS. Piggyback VS. Remap

One of the major decisions in tuning is determining how one will control the engine. The selection made at this point will dictate the number of engine operating parameters you have control over, and further, the amount of control you have over those parameters. The dilemma comes down to piggyback, stand-alone or a simple remap. Do you run the stock ECU with a remap, add peripheral computers to tweak engine performance or trash the ECU and run a programmable aftermarket ECU? A big factor is the expected power levels. But if you're stepping up to boost, engine control is even more critical.

In general, remaps and piggyback computers are more cost-effective, easier to pull off and simpler to tune. Remaps are limited by the stock ECUs capabilities, on the flip side, some piggyback computers only add fuel or control timing; not both, and they offer a limited number of tuning points. Sometimes more than one piggyback unit is necessary, which can nullify the cost advantage of this method.

Historically, stand-alones are seen as expensive, hard to understand and tune. Most of all stand-alones have the reputation of being a nightmare to wire, often requiring custom harnesses and additional sensors. Their capacities and complexity usually make them best suited for race cars. However, the leading-edge technology and high specific output of many of today's import street cars need this level of control to keep the power flowing reliably.

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