BHP Check • OBD Data • Real Numbers
Want to know what power your car should make, and what it is making right now? A quick BHP check helps you spot power loss, verify a remap, and avoid guessing with online calculators.
Most “BHP by reg” sites only show factory figures. That is useful as a baseline. It does not tell you if your car is down on boost, blocked on a DPF regen, or pulling timing. An OBD test can.
Quick links
- Stage 1 remap for safe daily gains
- ECU remapping benefits and what you can expect
Why check your car’s BHP
BHP (brake horsepower) is a simple way to talk about how hard your engine can work. It helps when your car feels slower, uses more fuel, or you want proof after maintenance or tuning.
Good reasons to check
- You’ve just bought the car and want a baseline
- You suspect a power drop, limp mode, or boost leak
- You’ve had a remap and want to verify the result
- You’re planning a Stage 1 remap and want a before-and-after reference
Two quick ways to check BHP
1) BHP by registration lookup
Fast. Gives the manufacturer’s stated power for your model when new. Perfect as a starting point.
- Great for comparing trims and engines
- Useful for a quick stock baseline
- Helps you sanity-check what you were sold
It does not reflect age, carbon build-up, faults, or previous tuning.
2) Live BHP estimate using OBD data
Better for real-world accuracy. It uses live ECU data to show how the engine behaves under load. That is what online estimators cannot do.
- Helps you spot power loss causes
- Useful after a service or repair
- Good for comparing before-and-after tuning
It is still an estimate. A dyno remains the most accurate.
Method 1: Check BHP by reg
A reg lookup gives you the factory BHP for your exact model and engine. Use it as your baseline. If your car feels slow, the reg result helps you understand what it should feel like.
Best for
- Buying and selling checks
- Comparing trims and engine variants
- Setting a target before tuning
Factory figures do not account for wear, poor fuel, clogged filters, boost leaks, or emissions faults. Treat the result as “when new”, not “today”.
If you want gains you can feel on a healthy car, start here: Stage 1 remap. Or read what changes and why: ECU remapping benefits.
Method 2: Check BHP with an OBD tool
An OBD tool reads live ECU data. That matters because you can see whether the car is actually hitting the targets it needs to make power. A reg lookup cannot show that.
What you need
- A quality OBD-II adapter
- A trusted logging app
- Correct vehicle weight and tyre size entered in the app
How to get a cleaner result
- Warm it fully. Engine oil and coolant at normal operating temperature.
- Pick a safe location. Private road or controlled environment.
- Use the same gear each time. Keep it consistent for comparisons.
- Log a smooth pull. No wheelspin, no sudden lift.
- Repeat. Do a few runs and average them.
Do not test in unsafe conditions or where you cannot stay within the law. Your safety matters more than a number.
If the OBD run shows low boost, high back-pressure, or repeated timing pull, your “BHP” issue is not a tuning issue. It is a health issue. Fix the cause first, then measure again.
When a dyno power run makes sense
A rolling-road dyno is still the best way to measure power accurately. Book one if you have supporting mods, suspect a big power drop, or you need before-and-after proof.
Dyno is worth it if
- You’ve fitted turbo, intake, intercooler, or exhaust parts
- You want proper printouts for before and after
- You suspect clutch slip or transmission losses
Common mistakes that skew BHP results
- Cheap adapters that drop data mid-run
- Testing with cold oil or low tyre pressure
- Wrong weight entered in the app
- Wind, slope, or inconsistent gears
- Hidden faults like boost leaks, tired MAF, or DPF restriction
What to do if your BHP looks low
Start with health checks
- Scan for fault codes and fix the cause, not the symptom
- Replace the air filter and check MAF readings
- Inspect boost and vacuum pipes for leaks
- If diesel, check DPF regen history and back-pressure signs
If you want a proper answer, we can data log the car and tell you why the numbers look off. That avoids wasted money on parts you do not need.
Once the car is healthy, you can look at safe gains: Stage 1 remap and the full breakdown of what you get: ECU remapping benefits.
Book a proper BHP check or a remap
If you want numbers you can trust, we will diagnose first and log the car under load. If it is healthy, we can then talk about tuning.
- Diagnostics and live data logging
- Power loss checks (boost, airflow, fuelling, emissions restrictions)
- Stage 1 tuning for safe daily gains
FAQs
Can I check my car’s BHP using the registration number
Yes. A reg lookup shows the manufacturer’s stated BHP for that model when new. Use it as a baseline.
What is the most accurate way to measure real BHP
A rolling-road dyno is the most accurate. A quality OBD log can still show useful real-world trends and highlight power loss.
Does remapping increase BHP
Yes, on a healthy car. A Stage 1 remap can increase power and torque without hardware changes. Read what changes and why here: ECU remapping benefits.
Why does my car feel slow but the reg lookup looks fine
Because the reg lookup is the factory figure. It cannot see faults, restrictions, boost leaks, DPF issues, or timing pull. That is where diagnostics and live data logging help.
