Pop & bang maps. Overrun crackles. Burble tunes.
If you’re into car sound tuning, you’ve probably heard these terms thrown around. But what’s the actual difference — and what should you ask for?
In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly so you know what each one means, how they’re made, and what works best for your setup.
What Is a Pop & Bang Map?
A pop & bang map is an off-road ECU modification that creates loud exhaust pops when you lift off the throttle — typically in sport mode or higher revs.
- ✔ Uses ignition retard and fuel cut delay
- ✔ Best suited to turbocharged petrol cars
- ✔ Works well with decats and sports exhausts
The result? A loud, aggressive crack or bang on overrun and sometimes on downshift.
What Is an Overrun Crackle (Burble Map)?
Overrun crackles — sometimes called a burble map — are a more subtle version of pops & bangs. Think of it as a rapid-fire crackling effect when you lift off in a certain rev range.
- ✔ Calmer and more controlled
- ✔ Often activated in specific modes or rev bands
- ✔ Suitable for daily-driven performance cars
This map gives you that signature performance sound without drawing as much attention or putting stress on components.
What Setup Do I Need?
To get the full effect from either map, you’ll need a few things sorted first:
- Turbo petrol engine – these maps don’t suit diesels
- Sports exhaust or decat – helps release the sound
- Mapped ECU – your standard setup won’t produce these sounds safely or at all
We’ll assess your hardware, ECU, and goals before suggesting a sound map.
Are Pop & Bang Maps Safe?
They can be — but only when done properly. At Leicester Remaps, we:
- ✅ Use ECU-level ignition tuning only
- ✅ Never use excessive overfuelling (which can damage the cat)
- ✅ Offer control – mild in normal mode, aggressive in sport (where supported)
Some tuners flood fuel into the exhaust to create flames. That’s not how we do it — and that’s how you melt sensors and get fault codes. Our maps are off-road only and built with safe limits.
Which One Should I Choose?
Go for Pops & Bangs if you want aggressive, sport-mode drama and have a straight-pipe or loud exhaust system.
Choose Crackles or Burbles if you want something that still sounds sharp but keeps it subtle on the daily drive.
If your car is mapped properly, you can even have both — activated by driving mode, rev band, or throttle position.
Sound Tuning Done Right – We Come to You
We offer mobile ECU tuning for pop & bang and crackle maps across:
- Leicester
- Hinckley
- Loughborough
- Coalville
- Melton Mowbray and more
All files are written custom for your ECU. No dangerous fuel dumps. Just clean, safe sound — for off-road use only.
Book Your Map Today
Ready to give your car a proper soundtrack?