Tuning stages / TUNING levels 1, 2, 3 explained!

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Recently updated on October 2, 2023 at 12:11 am

[Update: 02.10.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. An explanation of the tuning stages Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 etc. is not as easy as you might think. In the tuning industry, these subdivisions roughly describe the various modifications to the vehicle. The terms are used by tuning companies, accessory manufacturers, tuning organizers and of course by the tuners/owners themselves. In this guide you will find out exactly what is behind the stages.

UNRELIABLE OR RELIABLE?

To uniformly delineate the various stages of performance improvement can not, because sometimes the stages only describe the various tuner options. However, one can roughly approximate the differentiation. Every tuner, every manufacturer and every professional tuning workshop may give a different explanation for their Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3, but the result is the same they resemble each other usually. So let's take a closer look at the typical points of each stage.

EVERY VEHICLE IS DIFFERENT

Because every car is different, it also varies the order of modifications. What some absolutely need as a first change may be much later on the list for others. Let's take a BMW Z3 as an example, where a Compressor kit can be installed. The kit usually contains a compressor with accessories, the right software and the right mounting material. With the conversion, however, changes often have to be made to the oil cooler, the water cooler or the clutch. If you have everything planned for a Golf 3 VR6, then it can be completely different again.

In our opinion, the following explanation serves as an explanation for most cars, in an order that best possible at a fair price to get out of the vehicle. At the same time, the longest possible service life should be guaranteed. Basically, the development of the tuning stages takes place Step by step and the definition varies greatly from tuner to tuner. We therefore offer a guarantee of completeness or sovereignty of definition CAN'T!

STATEMENT ON STAGE 1

As complex as the topic is: Stage 1 is the very beginning and is considered the first programming level (Chiptuning). In this stage, for a very new vehicle, the software is developed on the dynamometer. In this phase is mostly not really known yethow much the vehicle and the components can actually withstand. Therefore, the performance increase is only in small steps made and this happens until the increase in performance and the increased load correspond to the wishes. It is intended for a vehicle with standard parts, without any aftermarket parts. Often, however, tunings are already used for Stage 1 at least 98 octane (Super Plus) provided. Better still premium fuels like Shell V-Power or Aral Ultimate.

Tuning stages explanation: Although discord Caution is required, the driver must normally save worry more. Because the vehicle manufacturers almost always build in generous reserves. Not so that you can tinker with it for hours, but because cars are confronted with different conditions around the world and have to deliver different performances. Regardless of whether it is the temperature, humidity or the fuel. In Stage 1 it is therefore first of all a matter of Software to adjust. The use of the reserves enables a higher performance of the vehicle. But please consider, we're talking about here modern vehicles, With the turbocharger or Compressor kit are equipped and not by a classic naturally aspirated engine. You can also modify this using software, but not nearly as effectively as a supercharged engine.

Tip: Only opt for a performance upgrade for a healthy vehicle. Vehicles that are more than 100.000, 150.000 or even 200.000 km should first be examined thoroughly. An increase in performance is often discouraged.

Cost of tuning at LEVEL 1:

• The tuning cost for Level 1 can vary greatly and are of course vehicle-specific, which is why no precise information can be given. And the cost of the tuner also depends on the region and workshop. Level 1 tuning costs usually only relate to software optimization, which can cost between €400 and almost €20.000. While maybe round in a simple version of a Golf 400 € are incurred, a five-digit sum may have to be calculated for a McLaren 720S. By the way, it's even cheaper with a tuning box. This can be installed yourself and sometimes starts already 30 Euros. In terms of Quality We certainly don't have to explain anything in more detail about such an increase in performance here.

EXPLANATION OF TUNING STAGE 2

The Stage 2 usually also deals with Hardware changes such as intake/exhaust modifications or a better and/or larger one Downpipe or intercooler. Also the Intercooler will (if available) usually modified or replaced at Stage 2. The conversion measures also depend on the respective vehicle type. As soon as the hardware conversion has taken place, a corresponding software customization (Stage 1) take place. The fuel factor is just as important in this context. Stage 2 usually requires at least 98 octane (Super Plus). Better still premium fuels like Shell V-Power or Aral Ultimate.

EXPLANATION OF TUNING STAGE 3 OR HIGHER

From stage 3 or higher, the tuner deals with the matter even more intensively. Now he is interested, for example, in strengthening the engine in the form of forged ones Pistons and connecting rods, a stronger one Clutch, a more powerful one Powertrain, a customized crankshaft and many more options. Also belongs to Stage 3 often one specially tailored to the vehicle Sports exhaust system. However, not only in the form of a few rear silencers, but completely from front to back. Best with a sports catalytic converter & Co. Other components are often larger turbochargers, intercoolers, fuel pumps, injectors, air intake and exhaust valves, springs, larger air flow sensors (MAF), manifold absolute pressure sensors (MAP), a racing clutch, etc.

Tip: If you choose cheap, you buy twice. This well-known saying can quickly become the order of the day when tuning. That's why the motto is: it's better to invest a little more money to get good parts with a certificate than to get annoyed later about problems with durability.

INDIVIDUAL TUNING – EXPLANATION TUNING STAGES

Often the tuner decides that they are satisfied after Stage 3. But of course there is the icing on the cake: Stage 3 +. The next step would then be that Stage 4, which goes hand in hand with completely individual tuning and manufacturing. Depending on the installation of the Hardware must have a corresponding one here too Software be tailored to the project. Vehicles with Stage 4, sometimes even have completely new trunk engines (or a Crate engine), they might even have one Methanol injection / nitrous oxide injection to an individually made one Motor control portion installed. vehicle, the one Stage 4 performance upgrade or even higher under the hood are mostly intended for drag races and professional use on the race track. But here, too, exceptions prove the rule.

EXPLANATION AND QUINTESSENCE OF THE TUNING LEVELS

As seen in this article, explaining tuning stages is a real challenge. Because instead of hard facts, the statements are often vague. Nevertheless, here is a brief summary of the various stages how we interpret them:

• Stage 1 = chip tuning / tuning box
• Stage 2 = Stage 1 + downpipe, intercooler, sports air filter, possibly upgrade turbocharger / upgrade compressor kit
• Stage 3 = Stage 1 + Stage 2 + engine reinforcement, complete exhaust system, modified intake / air flow
• Stage 4 = Stage 1 + Stage 2 + Stage 3 + custom engine control unit, nitrous oxide injection, methanol conversion, displacement increase, crate engine

Info: This post relates exclusively from "tuning stages" in terms of a performance increase. Here actually has to be between diesel/petrol engines be distinguished. Depending on the type of tuning, different stages can also optics affect. Stage 1 about with new ones alloy wheels, Stage 2 with various spoilers, Stage 3 with Wide body kit. If Stage 4 maybe there will be big changes like chopping or sectioning (or both) to it. You could do the same now Masterclasses in view of that Interior, on Lightweight, on the Hifi & Co. expand. Basically, any type of tuning and any type of component can be divided into different stages.

From basic to special: the levels of tuning

Auto tuning is done in different levels of coordination. Designated in the tuning industry Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and so on the specific modifications to the vehicle. However, a universal definition of the stages is not clear, as different tuners and manufacturers have their own interpretations. In general it can be said:

• Level 1 focuses mainly on software optimizations such as chip tuning.
• Stage 2 tuning expands the modifications to include hardware changes, e.g. to the intercooler or the exhaust system.
• Level 3 adds intensive hardware upgrades like forged pistons, stronger clutches and custom exhaust systems.
• Ab Level 4 It's about individual tuning, with the focus even being on complete engine revisions and specific adjustments.

The fascinating world of tuning stages: A deeper insight

Different Tuning stages are an ever-present topic. These stages, often referred to as Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3, represent the different levels of modifications a vehicle undergoes to achieve improved performance.

Understanding the tuning stages: insight into the complexity

The clarity regarding the demarcation between the different Tuning stages is often as cloudy as a lake during an algae bloom. The terms Stage 1, Stage 2, etc., may vary depending on the tuner and the specific modifications they make. The basic assumption, however, is that the essence of the stages is mostly similar, even if the exact modifications and their order can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Stage 1: The beginning of the tuning process

• The Stage 1 is the starting point and mainly refers to the software optimization. In this phase, the vehicle's performance is increased in small, safe steps to test its performance and resilience. The idea is to use the reserves that manufacturers have built in to increase performance without overloading the original components.
• Costs for Stage 1 tuning: The Costs for Stage 1 tuning can vary greatly, starting at around €400 and up to €20.000 or more, depending on the brand of vehicle and choice of tuner.

Stage 2: The hardware tuning intervention

• In Stage 2 The modification goes beyond pure software and delves into the Hardware a. Typical changes may include an improved or larger downpipe, modified intake or a larger intercooler. The hardware modifications are accompanied by further software adjustments to get the best out of the new components.

Stage 3: Intensive engine reinforcement

• Stage 3 is for those who are ready to dig deeper into their pockets and get more serious about tuning. Serious engine reinforcements are made here, including forged pistons and connecting rods, a stronger clutch, a stronger drivetrain and much more.

Individual voting: The way beyond Stage 3

• To Stage 3 you can choose one individual coordination decide to further optimize the performance of the vehicle. This includes specific tuning of the software based on the previously installed hardware modifications.

Bottom line: The continuous tuning path

The understanding and implementation of the Tuning stages is not easy and requires a deep knowledge of both the vehicle and the tuning techniques. Each stage represents a deeper level of modification, allowing drivers to improve performance step by step. The Tuning stages are a way to fully exploit the potential of a vehicle.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

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