Define "bolt on" upgrades

[Rob.]

I was just having a ponder, and thought I'd open it up to debate.

 

Statements like "MK1 Fabia vRS can double it's power with some bolt on mods" are true... But it also includes a remap... So is a remap a bolt on? 

 

I'm not sure it is, as in most cases you can't take it back off that easily... But then.. if you don't keep the OEM parts, neither is a FMIC. Some maps can be taken on and off by the owner with the hand held units can't they.. so maybe they are indeed a bolt on?

 

Or, does bolt on mean "off the shelf". That just makes its even less clear with maps though..

 

If this sinks, then fair enough.. but wondered what folk might think about the definition "bolt on".. is a custom exhaust bolt on? It's not "off the shelf"..

[Titanium_Man]

For me, bolt on refers to parts that are from another car that can be fixed (bolted on) without further modification. I.E hardware like turbos and brakes. A remap is a software update and therefore I don’t consider as a bolt-on part. 

[Rob.]

Ah right.. so, like OEM+ type stuff...