Car tuning is the modification of a car to optimize it for a different set of performance requirements from those it was originally designed to meet. Most commonly this is higher engine performance and dynamic handling characteristics.
It will be hard to define performance tuning overall but we can answer a few common questions about tuning to make it easier to understand it.
Does tuning make your car faster?
Any European turbo charged car can get a performance tune to be faster!
Our tuning packages can vary from stage 1 or stage 2 or some complex tunes which will modify the factory settings of your carâs computer (ECU) or transmission`s computer (TCU).
- raising the restriction on top speed,
- raising rev limit,
- changing launch control settings
- adjusting the air/fuel ratio.
ECU tuning does not harm your carâs engine if tuned properly.
The settings change aim to increase performance without much regard to emission and fuel consumption.
/ Stage 1
What is a stage one tune?
A stage 1 tune is an ECU remap or chip tune. This is the most cost-effective way to modify any vehicle for performance. New turbo-petrol vehicles respond extremely well to stage 1 tuning and commonly see a 20 â 40% increase in bhp and torque.
A stage 1 tune is best combined with a high-performance air filter such as those from K&N or other aftermarket manufactures, and we always recommend that the customer runs their vehicle on the highest octane available to burn off all of the buildups in the engine and prolong the life of all mechanical components.
/ Stage 2
What is a stage two tune?
A stage 2 tune involves fitting free flow pipes in the exhaust system. In this case, this system is designed to improve airflow from the engine and is also well-known for improving the sound of a car.
A stage 2 tune at the very least needs to be performed by somebody who can buy the right parts and fit them without any risk of getting it wrong. It is also at this stage that an upgraded induction kit is usually installed to improve airflow to the engine.
Depending on the car manufacture we can get stage 1 + 10%-20% increase in power.
/ Stage 3
What is a stage three tune?
A stage 3 tune is considered by most to be a level thatâs best invested in for track or drag racing. Thatâs because it can be very expensive. It usually involves upgrading cooling, fueling, spark plugs, inlet valves, intake and more in addition to all stage 2 modifications.
This stage will require a car to be set up on a rolling road or dyno to optimize the fuel and timing and correct exhaust emissions.
It is also at this stage that the stock turbo on a car needs to be upgraded, although this is recommended as the final modification to complete vehicle tuning.
/ Stage 4
What is a stage four tune?
Stage 4 is the last stage of tuning for most cars. Whatâs modified for a tune to be classed as stage 4 is open to interpretation, but at the very least, it is here that an upgraded turbocharger/ supercharger, such as a hybrid turbo, is installed. Along with that enforcing the engine with forged pistons, rods, bearings, crankshafts, gaskets, sleeves. Stage 4 may also include an upgraded oil cooler, port injection.
In the vast majority of cases, stage 4 cars are not for road use and are instead track-only cars.
