A Guide To Tuning (2024)

Tuning your car refers to adjusting its ignition and fuel timing to optimise performance for a specific need or requirement. As a standard factory setting – cars are typically tuned or optimised for the “median” or “average” user – ‘tuned to perform best for daily driving’.

So, when car fanatics and experts like us talk about “tuning”, we’re generally talking about optimising your car to put out as much reliable power as possible. This means were after more horsepower, torque, and a more enjoyable drive! Optimising performance to get optimal performance.

When you hear about car tuning, you typically hear about Stage 1,2 and 3 in conjunction. This is because cars are tuned at these stages – each at their own price range and modification requirements.

Stage 1 Tune

A Stage 1 Tune simply refers to an ECU remap or ECU tune. As this is the initial stage of the tuning process, its typically the most affordable out of the three stages and requires minimal mechanical modifications. Although it’s the first stage, an ECU tune can commonly see 20%-40% increase in BHP and torque.

Stage 2 Tune

A Stage 2 Tune refers to fitting a turbo-back exhaust or a cat-back exhaust system (depending on whether the vehicle is turbo-charged or not). In either case, a Stage 2 Tune aims to improve airflow from the engine, the sound of a car and its power. A Stage 2 Tune also requires an ECU remap to maximise your cars performance.

As a Stage 2 Tune requires mechanical modifications to your car we always recommend for a car technician to handle your tuning.

Stage 3 Tune

Most car enthusiasts would agree that a Stage 3 Tune is best fitted for the track. This is because it can be quite expensive as a Stage 3 Tune requires all the modifications of a Stage 2 Plus:

  • Upgraded turbo
  • Intercooler,
  • Head gasket
  • Inlet valves
  • Spark plugs
  • Manifold gasket.

That’s a lot of upgrades!

With this long list of additional upgrades, you can expect a Stage 3 Tune to drastically improve your car’s horsepower and torque. As follows with a Stage 2, a Stage 3 Tune should only be done by a car specialist/technician.

Have you had your vehicle tuned? Maybe a Stage 1 Tune or Stage 2 Tune? Share you opinion with us!

And if you’re looking to get your car tuned, give us a call!

A Guide To Tuning (2024)

FAQs

Can I do ECU tuning myself? ›

ECU Tuning - The Movement. It might seem hard, but tuning your ECU on your own isn't difficult. It just requires some basic tools, a lot of patience and plenty of research.

What does stage 1 tuning do to a car? ›

Stage 1 Tuning

An example of this would be ECU remapping, or engine remapping, which alters the functions of the vehicle's engines without changing any of the working parts. A comprehensive stage 1 tuning package would usually include: ECU remapping/engine tuning.

Is tuning illegal? ›

California's tight restrictions make it a little more challenging to customize cars, and tuning may be one of the most difficult areas to handle legally. Unless you're modding a pre-1976 vehicle exempt, most significant performance modifications are considered illegal car mods.

Is stage 1 legal? ›

Is A Stage 1 Remap Legal? In the UK, stage 1 remap is legal as long as it complies with emissions regulations.

How much horsepower does a tune add? ›

' A 'tune' is a device that will update your car's ECU or computer and give it different instructions on how to deliver power to the engine. You will unlock your engine's full capacity with this tune. It can add 15-30 horsepower and 20-30 lb-ft of torque on most basic cars.

What is the disadvantage of ECU tuning? ›

Ecu remapping is the process of reprogramming a vehicle's engine control unit to alter performance. The benefits include increased horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency, however, there are also potential downsides like increased wear and tear on the engine and transmission and issues with emissions.

What are the cons of tuning your car? ›

If you've tuned your car's engine, you'll most likely lose the manufacturer's warranty. However, this only applies to newer vehicles – older cars don't have a valid warranty either way.

How much does a tune usually cost? ›

A very basic tune up typically costs between $40 and $150. Although, how much is a tune up can vary, based on the cost of parts and labor where you live. Full tune up.

What is a stage 5 tune? ›

Stage 5: this would be a custom high compression big bore combination. It includes comprehensive headwork and aggressive cam. Requires larger throttle body & injectors as well as additional supportive mods. Would be considered fuel & tune sensitive.

What is a stage 3 tune? ›

A stage 3 remap is the most extreme form of engine tuning, and it should only be carried out by experienced professionals. Stage 3 remaps involve significant modifications to the engine, turbocharger, and intercooler, and they can result in power gains of over 50%.

What is a stage 4 tune? ›

Stage 4 tuning:

But at the least, it is in this stage of tuning where an upgraded turbocharger or supercharger like a hybrid turbo is installed. Also, along with this, most remapping companies also get installed a ported and enlargd wastegate and a re-circulating dump valve.

What does stage 2 tuning do to a car? ›

A Stage 2 Tune refers to fitting a turbo-back exhaust or a cat-back exhaust system (depending on whether the vehicle is turbo-charged or not). In either case, a Stage 2 Tune aims to improve airflow from the engine, the sound of a car and its power.

Is Stage 3 tuning safe? ›

If this work is done by a professional and experienced tuner and the changes to the tables are within the safe range of the engine and the ECU, stage 1 or even stages 2 and 3 remapping will not harm the engine."

How much does stage 3 tuning cost? ›

As a result, the cost of a Stage 3 upgrade is typically higher, ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on the extent of the modifications and whether additional upgrades, such as high-performance throttle bodies or exhaust systems, are included.

How much HP does a stage 3 tune add? ›

Typically, a stage 3 tune can result in a horsepower increase of anywhere from 20% to 40% over the stock figures. For some cars, this might mean an additional 50 HP, while for others, it could mean an increase of 100 HP or more. The starting horsepower of the vehicle plays a significant role.

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