Limiter Removal
At JME Performance in Blyth, we offer professional speed limiter removal (Vmax off) services, designed to unlock the full top speed capabilities of your vehicle. Many cars, vans, and even some agricultural vehicles come with factory or dealer-set speed limiters, which can restrict performance, particularly for motorsport, track days, or use on private land. Our expert technicians can safely and effectively remove these limitations, allowing your vehicle to reach its true mechanical potential.
What is a Speed Limiter (Vmax) and Why is it There?
A speed limiter, often referred to as Vmax, is an electronic restriction programmed into a vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) or a separate module. Its purpose is to prevent the vehicle from exceeding a predetermined maximum speed. Manufacturers implement these for various reasons:
Safety: To align with general road safety regulations or the vehicle’s design limitations (e.g., tyre speed ratings).
Legal Compliance: Certain categories of vehicles, such as commercial vans, goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, and passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats, are legally required in the UK to have speed limiters set at specific speeds (e.g., 70 mph or 60 mph for vans).
Fleet Management: Companies often limit their fleet vehicles to control driver behaviour, improve fuel economy, and reduce maintenance costs.
Market Segmentation: Some manufacturers impose limits to differentiate models or align with market-specific regulations.
While these limits serve a purpose, for enthusiasts, racers, or those operating vehicles in controlled environments, they can be a frustrating barrier to performance.
At JME Performance, we utilise cutting-edge diagnostic and remapping tools to provide a professional and precise speed limiter removal service. Our process involves:
Vehicle Assessment: We begin with a thorough diagnostic scan and assessment of your vehicle to identify the type of speed limiter in place (ECU-based, physical module) and confirm its suitability for removal. We also verify that your vehicle is not legally required to have a speed limiter (e.g., certain commercial vehicles).
Expert ECU Reprogramming: The majority of speed limiters are controlled by the ECU. Our skilled technicians will access your vehicle’s ECU and meticulously reprogram the software to permanently disable the speed limiter function. This is not a temporary override; it’s a permanent change to the ECU’s parameters.
Physical Device Removal (If Applicable): In some cases, older vehicles or specific commercial models may have a physical speed limiting device. We can identify and professionally remove such components.
Post-Modification Testing: After the Vmax off procedure, we conduct comprehensive testing to ensure the limiter has been successfully removed and that all other vehicle systems are functioning optimally.