Why choose Occult?

Other tuners give you software. We give you your car.. but better. We are not the same.

It's about the whole package, not just the boost level. Occult takes the long route to the destination - we care about the end product. Firstly the performance parameters are the core of what we do, it's how the drivetrain behaves. Careful tuning and testing ensures smooth operation and great response and power. Then comes the other software features, which elevate the experience beyond what is expected. These are things such as altered dials, real coolant gauges, stop/start reversal, exhaust burbles, to name a few.

How does your software work? What am I actually buying?

It's sometimes hard to show what our product actually is. The easy version - the software affects the parameters of the ECU or TCU, in order to raise the limits on your cars' performance. As well as this is the features that are included with the software that are not directly performance improving. These vary by vehicle type, so check with us or a dealer.

Another thing included in the sale is the Occult dealer process - see below.

What is the Occult dealer process?

When your car has been matched with the correct performance software, our distributors undertake a valuable ritual on your vehicle. This consists of a health check before any software gets loaded on your car, to ensure it's been serviced correctly, the drivetrain is healthy, and ready to be tuned. If work needs to be done before tuning, our dealer may be able to perform the work, or you are free to get it done elsewhere.

After the vehicle has been verified, the software is loaded onto your vehicle. If hardware needs to be fitted (for example, a stage 2 pack), the dealer can perform that work. The vehicle is then data-logged again to make sure that the software is working as intended and the vehicle is still up to specification.

Will this affect my reliability or servicing?

Maintaining reliability is one of our core values when altering performance characteristics. Our software is extensively developed and tested in order to maintain a similar level of reliability as a standard car. However, the biggest factor when it comes to how reliable a vehicle is, is how well it is looked after and how it is treated. We recommend shortening service intervals, mainly oil and filter changes, depending on your driving habits. If you drive no different at all, you would not need to alter your service schedule, however most people like to use a bit more power when they have it. We recommend leaving oil changes no longer than 10k miles between changes, and use manufacturer recommended or premium synthetic oils with high quality filters.

How will software affect my fuel economy?

We test fuel economy during our development and hold it in high regard during the tuning process. Under stock power conditions (low to medium throttle usage) you should see the same economy. If you have a file which is set up for premium fuel (and you are using premium fuel) you may have slightly higher economy due to the increased efficiency caused by a more advanced ignition angle.
Sometimes people see economy decrease if they are consistently using full throttle multiple times a journey. Under the new high load conditions above stock operating levels, more fuel is injected for a given amount of air in order to keep the combustion gases and chamber cool, and to prevent metals reacting with excess oxygen.