When we talk about remapping and tuning of vehicles, there are a range of options available. With all the talk of standard and modified vehicles; remaps are typically broken down into different stages, which were created predominantly via the tuning community and businesses. This allows us to provide a 'rough' idea of the various differences and tuning levels for modifications that are required for more power. We explain these remap stages below:

Stage 1:

This refers to the early stages of vehicle modification whether for economy or performance.

A Stage 1 remap could be a simple economy map aiming for more MPG, or more commonly, drivers want it to enhance their car’s performance. This calibration is designed to lift the performance within the manufacturer’s parameters giving more power without major mechanical alterations.

It consists of:

• Stock vehicle no modifications required.
• Tuning Software Stage 1.

Stage 2:

This calibration requires a small number of modifications. The supporting modifications allow the engine to be more freely flowing, providing slightly more power and are typically bolt on performance parts that are used. This will raise the power nearer to the manufacturer power limits and is still typicall safe to be used on healthy vehicles.

It consists of:

• Tuning Software Stage 2,
• Induction kit / air intake.
• Intercooler upgrade (not necessary but provides larger mid-range gains).
• Exhaust system downpipe upgrade (full decat / DPF removal required).

Stage 3:

This is where the fun really starts!

This is much more than just a basic tune; a lot of extra time and customisation of the remap needs to be taken i.e. time on a dyno or road logging before carrying out further work, for instance, an initial run or two to see the existing power and health of the vehicle.

Following this a custom package is required to cater for the customer’s needs, for example the car will typically have existing modifications from Stage 2. At this point, it is mainly down to the customer’s needs and how deep their pockets are to the power levels that can be achieved!

Initially:

• Intake kit.
• Full exhaust system.
• Intercooler and hard pipes with silicone couplers.

Following a consultation, the further hardware can be discussed for more power.

• Turbos and supercharger upgrades.
• Injectors and fuels pumps with upgraded regulators.
• Camshafts and pulley upgrades.
• Exhaust manifolds with or without external waste gates.

Additional kit might be

• Oil coolers and catch cans.
• Water meth injection and/or nitrous.

After this, depending on the engine stock hardware it would be advisable to completly forge the engine for further utilisation of the hardware fitted, in order to release the most power and reliability.

This might include.

• Pistons and con rods.
• Crankshaft and bearings.
• Oil pumps and headwork.

In conclusion, after Stage 2 everything becomes a lot more personalised depending on what is required from the car and how much money you are willing to spend. Much of this work will require development and customisation on all of the components fitted, thus the developments can be a long process in order to fine tune for the safest reliable power!