Modding - what's your opinion?

[grum]

Hi Folks,

Obviously a lot of you are into modding your cars. Fair play, but I have to say I've always avoided it.

Cosmetically I guess I'm just shy and don't like drawing attention to myself ;) whilst mechanically, although the idea of boosting power or flexibility of the engine appeals, I've always shyed away due to having the mechanical knowledge of a hedgehog and being fearful of sh@gging the longevity of the engine, invalidating the warranty and sending my insurance premium sky high.

Am I right to be fearful? Maybe some of you could put me right.

On one of the other threads there's talk of an engine re-mapping for Corrola T-Sports. I have to admit this is quite appealing (not necessarily for more power, but it would be nice to develop a bit more torque lower in the rev-range). What would I be looking at in downsides here (obviously you don't get something for nothing). Would I face anything worse than increased fuel consumption (and how bad would it be?) Would Toyota laugh at me the first time I made a warranty claim or tried to get the car serviced? Also, how (un)sympathetic are insurance companies to engine mods (and is re-mapping something they'd be likely / able to check for in the event of a claim)?

Any experience / opinions welcomed.

Cheers,

Grum.

[John Barlow]

Hi grum,

First of all Toyota engines are renowned for being bullet proof so don't be scared to experiment. Re-mapping the ecu will eliminate flat spots in the rev range and can even help economy (depending how you drive!!!) Secondly Toyota will only invalidate a warranty if they can claim that the upgrade you have fitted is responsible for the damage caused. Something like a re-map wouldn't even show up on a service unless they are actually looking for it which they wouldn't on a routine service. As for insurance different companies look at mods differently. I wouldn't tell them about a remap.

John

[spwolf]

well remapping your ECU will definetly make your engine more thirsty... but thats why you get more power...