What "Stage 1" actually means
Stage 1 is a map written for a car that's mechanically standard. Factory turbo, factory exhaust, factory intake, factory everything. The only thing that changes is the software.
That constraint is the point. Because nothing has been added, the map has to work within what's already fitted, which keeps it well inside the components' limits and keeps the car easy to live with. It starts the same, idles the same, and passes an MOT the same.
Stage 2 and Stage 3 are the terms used once hardware changes are involved, and those are a different conversation. We can have it, because building engines is our day job, but most customers want Stage 1 and most customers are right.
What you'll notice
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It pulls from lower down. The single biggest change, and the one people comment on first.
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Fewer gear changes. Holds a gear up an incline instead of dropping two.
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Sharper response. Less lag between your foot and the car doing something.
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Easier when loaded. Four people and a boot full, or a trailer on the back, stops being an event.
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Better economy, if you let it. Same speed for less throttle. Whether that shows up at the pump depends on you.
What sort of gains?
It depends entirely on the engine, and anyone quoting you a single figure across all cars is guessing. A turbo diesel typically has far more to give than a naturally aspirated petrol. Two cars from the same range with different engines can be a long way apart.
What we'd rather do is give you the number for your car. Send the reg over and you'll get the actual figures for that engine, not a range.
What's involved on the day
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You bring the car to us at Barrow upon Trent. Fifteen minutes from Derby, five from the A50.
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We look it over before we touch the software.
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We read and store your original map.
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We write and load the new one.
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We road test it, then go through what's changed with you.
Before you book
Two things to know, and we'd rather you heard them from us:
1. Tell your insurer. A remap is a modification and you have to declare it. On a standard car with a Stage 1 map, most insurers charge little or nothing. Not declaring it can invalidate a claim, which is a far worse outcome than a small premium change.
2. If the car is in manufacturer warranty, a remap can affect a claim on the engine or drivetrain. We keep your original file, so it can go back to standard before a dealer visit. Ask us and we'll explain where you stand.
Get the figures for your car
Send us your reg. We'll come back with what your engine gains and what it costs. No obligation and no chasing.