I have heard different things about stage1-2-3

I have a stage 1 generic map on my vRS, but thinking about going for stage 2.

What is need in simple terms.

FMIC, K04 live map ???

Also i have heard upgrading brakes and clutch.

So my things to think about what is the simplist why.

Google!

APR VW 1.8T - APR ECU Upgrade

Performance ECU Tuning Software by Revo Technik

They list required and optional engine mods.

This is a general review of what each stage is and doesn't apply to all companies.

Stage 1 for most companies is just their generic remap, i.e. they don't take into consideration any mods the car has had done to it already or the individual characteristics of the car, it is just a load and go map, although they may rolling road the car before and after to check for any faults and give you a before and after power/torque graph.

Stage 2 is a custom remap, they will take into consideration the other mods you may have added (turbo back exhaust, TIP, CAI) and also the characteristics of the car. It will typically spend more time on the rolling road and the map will be tweaked until it is at it's optimum. Most companies will recommend certain mods before doing a custom remap, these usually include a turbo back exhaust, front mounted intercooler and some also specify a 4 bar fuel pressure regulator. You can put a custom map on a standard car and get slightly higher figures than a generic map but to work best, stage 2 needs the other mods to have been done first.

Stage 3 is a custom map designed for a non-standard turbo set-up, e.g. a K03S hybrid, K04 or IHI/GT28, this will be the same as stage 2 but the fuelling and boost pressures will differ as the turbo can flow more air. It assumes you would already have all the parts you would need for a big turbo set-up (bigger injectors, MAF, manifold to suit the turbo etc.).

Brakes and suspension should really be uprated for any map (even stage 1) but when you are going for a stage 3 with a bigger turbo then uprated discs and pads on their own won't cut it and you'd need to look at bigger calipers.

This is a general review of what each stage is and doesn't apply to all companies.

Stage 1 for most companies is just their generic remap, i.e. they don't take into consideration any mods the car has had done to it already or the individual characteristics of the car, it is just a load and go map, although they may rolling road the car before and after to check for any faults and give you a before and after power/torque graph.

Stage 2 is a custom remap, they will take into consideration the other mods you may have added (turbo back exhaust, TIP, CAI) and also the characteristics of the car. It will typically spend more time on the rolling road and the map will be tweaked until it is at it's optimum. Most companies will recommend certain mods before doing a custom remap, these usually include a turbo back exhaust, front mounted intercooler and some also specify a 4 bar fuel pressure regulator. You can put a custom map on a standard car and get slightly higher figures than a generic map but to work best, stage 2 needs the other mods to have been done first.

Stage 3 is a custom map designed for a non-standard turbo set-up, e.g. a K03S hybrid, K04 or IHI/GT28, this will be the same as stage 2 but the fuelling and boost pressures will differ as the turbo can flow more air. It assumes you would already have all the parts you would need for a big turbo set-up (bigger injectors, MAF, manifold to suit the turbo etc.).

Brakes and suspension should really be uprated for any map (even stage 1) but when you are going for a stage 3 with a bigger turbo then uprated discs and pads on their own won't cut it and you'd need to look at bigger calipers.

Nice summary there...