Stage 2 tuning - Things you need to know about it

If you are confused about what is stage 2 tuning and what is done in this stage of remapping and how it can enhance your car performance then here's an article for you. You can go through this post to get a clear idea of what stage 2 remapping is.

ECU remapping or chipping is the process of modifying the onboard engine control unit or ECU of a vehicle to enhance its performance and efficiency. Because the engine control unit or ECU is actually responsible for regulating and monitoring the performance of a vehicle's engine, ECU tuning makes it possible to remarkably boost the performance of a vehicle without any physical replacement or the need for any expensive hardware.

The engine control unit or ECU is able to fine-tune and monitor the performance of the engine by receiving information straight from the sensors throughout the engine system and then fine-tuning the components of the engine in order to deliver the desired performance to the engine and in turn, the vehicle. With just a few software tweaks, an ECU can be tuned or remapped to improve the vehicle performance, fuel efficiency and economy, and power, ensuring a smooth and reliable driveability.

Depending on how much and what kind of power and performance increase your desire to see and according to the make and model of the vehicle that needs to be remapped, you may have to get a particular and intensive remapping stage for your vehicle. Different stages of remapping or tuning are offered by the remapping companies based on your vehicle's condition, problems with the vehicle, and based on your preferences and requirements. Mostly, three stages of remapping are done in three different levels of complexity. However, it is always better to get your vehicle remapped by the best company to ensure a bespoke solution for your needs.

Here's a brief idea of the different stages of remapping.

There are 3 different levels or stages of ECU remapping or tuning which differ in terms of the vehicle problems, requirements, and complexities.

Stage 1 remapping:

Stage 1 remapping also known as the reprogramming stage is the most basic level of remapping or tuning and can be done on stock vehicles with stock hardware and involve air filters, box delete, etc. This first stage of tuning is technically quite simple and just needs software recalibration, making it a quick and effective way for improving the efficiency and performance of a standard vehicle without the need to do any hardware upgrades.

Stage 2 tuning:

As you may think that stage 2 remapping is more complicated than the first stage and may need intake or induction and exhaust, which again may need an intercooler. However, by tweaking the vehicle's ECU and by adding some minor upgrades like larger intercoolers and turbos, one can significantly enhance the vehicle performance and efficiency with far better overall results than any hardware upgrades.

Stage 3 tuning:

Stage 3 tuning is the most technically complicated ECU remapping and can be performed on vehicles with high pressure fuel pumps, hybrid turbo, low pressure fuel pumps, and most modern cars. This stage 3 remap package may take into account the existing upgrades or previous remaps while tuning a vehicle to accurately suit the driving style, desired performance and other driving conditions mentioned by the car owner, virtually turning the vehicle into a finely-tuned racing machine.

Custom remapping:

Custom remapping can be done in any of the stages, be it stage 1, 2 or 3 as a customised tuning as a further refined version of the remapping calibrated precisely for a particular vehicle. You can get your car custom tuned along with any stage of tuning without any additional hardware to accurately fit your driving requirements.

Now, let’s see what stage 2 tuning involves.

Stage 2 remapping is more effective than the first stage of tuning with proper use and tuning of the software and the enhancements made in this stage. Although the details of the second stage or stage 2 remapping can vary or differ based on the makes and models of the vehicles. Some general requirements for stage 2 remapping include: -

Performance intercoolers:

Intercoolers are the radiator-like devices that help in cooling the air entering the engine of the vehicle in order to increase the power and torque of the engine. These intercoolers use a basic and scientific principle that is cold air is denser and contains more oxygen per cubic centimetre that makes the combustions more powerful, improving the engine’s performance and allowing the ECU remapping to overclock the engine without generating any excess heat.

Aftermarket exhaust system:

Aftermarket exhaust systems are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and purposes, though all are designed to enhance the flow of the exhaust gases out of the vehicle’s engine witho or without improving the noise levels. As a vehicle engine can generate power only if it can vent exhaust gases, enhancing the exhaust system of the engine can enable your vehicle to keep up with the increased level of combustion rates that the ECU remaps allow and improve the exhaust flow.

Now, you might be thinking that can you straight go to stage 2 remapping?

Do not get confused and fooled by the naming system, the levels of remapping are not an order and only refer to the level of complexity, and extent of the works they entail. So, if your car is having problems that need the stage 3 tuning, you can go right to stage 3 instead of stage 1 or 2. While most car owners start with stage 1 tuning, having the misconception that they have to start with stage 1, this is not really necessary and you can practically take your vehicle for whichever stage of tuning your vehicle needs as per the recommendation of a professional and reliable remapper.

Let's see what's the difference between stage 1 and stage 2 remapping here to get a better idea.

Stage 1 remapping modifications:

During the stage 1 remapping, the remapper connects a computer to the vehicle's onboard computer and then tweaks the settings of the ECU ( engine control unit ) using a special software. Although the particular tweaks may differ and vary depending on the makes and models of the cars, one thing that remains common among all the remapping stages is that the modifications in all the stages will only change the ECU settings and there won't be any hardware requirement and no physical changes will be required. Also, note when opting for any stage of remapping, be it stage 1, 2, or stage 3, make sure to get permission from the insurer as they can either cancel or raise the premium of your insurance.

Stage 2 remapping modifications:

Much like the stage 1 remapping, stage 2 remaps also involve tweaking of the ECU software, though stage 2 also includes added physical tweaks like add-ons or new engine parts. While the hardware requirements can greatly vary, some common things included are performance intercooler systems and aftermarket exhaust systems.

Significance of stage 2 remapping:

Stage 2 remapping is one of the most commonly suggested tuning levels. This is because it is the mid-stage and with this you won't regret getting lower power gains and won't have to worry if you don't want to go for the stage 3 remaps. Stage 2 remapping offers a good balance of modifications a vehicle needs. But always get it done from an experienced and trusted remapping company to get the most out of the tuning service for your vehicle.

Things you need for stage 2 remapping.

As stage 2 remaps are much more complicated as compared to stage 1 tunes, you must find the best remapping company first in your area. Remapping involves tweaks and modifications to the vehicle's ECU software including-

Aftermarket exhaust system: The aftermarket exhaust systems are necessary for enhancing the performance of the vehicle's engine in stage 2 remapping as these systems improve the engine system's through-flow, allowing for more power and revolutions.

Performance intercoolers: The performance intercoolers lower the temperature of the air that enters the engine to increase the engine power and oxygen level, enabling the ECU to overclock the engine for maximum power increase.

And now if you are thinking how much can stage 2 remapping cost you then you need to know that the cost may vary depending on the vehicle model, the problems with the engine, the location, and your requirements. Find the best remapping company in your preferred location and discuss the pricing according to these factors.

Andrew Gilcrist is an expert remapper associated with the top ECU remapping company in Australia, ATF-Remapping. The author has shared the article to let you know everything about the stage 2 tuning of a vehicle engine.

Highly passionate about cars, car modifications and maintenance. And also a proficient and expert car tuner associated with a renowned engine tuning company.