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!