posted in the tuning room but it seems dead so will shift over to here knowing that its far more busy. 

 

On a mk1 octavia VRS 1.8t 180, you often here people say stage1, stage2 and stage3 

 

Could someone please explain the stages?  what modifications are fitted and what bhp do you typically get at each stage.

 

Thanks. Matt

In short the stages are made up and will vary from tuner to tuner.

 

But generally:

Stage 1 = standard car with a map.

Stage 2 = exhaust/intake/cooler mods (2 out of the 3... but depends on tuner).

Stage 3 = More mods... generally the last stage you'd take a daily.

Stage 4 = Because race car.

 

A tuner could offer stage 5..6..7 there are no rules/standards.

Yeah there isnt a set rule, as Dan says each tuner offer packages and will name them, thats about it. 

Stage 3 is usually a bigger/better turbo i thought.

I dont really get why people apply stages to tuning as there is so much diversity.

But the typical consensus is as follows:

Stage 1 - remap = 210-215 bhp

Stage 2 - intake/ intercooler/ exhaust and remap - 230bhp

Stage 3 - turbo upgrade and map upto 300?

None of this takes handling mods into account. Depending on what you want out of the car I would recommend fitting a limited slip diff.

Even with a stage 1 map it will make a huge difference.

I've been in a "stage 2" octavia with wavetrac diff around brands hatch and we were getting past Porsche carrera 4s

Its not the same for everyone but I would go like this.

 

Stage 1 is usually a remap which is easy to get done and cheap and reliable way to improve the performance.

 

Stage 2 will depend but could include an uprated intercooler/injectors/fuel pump/exhaust system and a remap to suit.

 

Stage 3 would most likely then add a larger Turbo and remap to suit.  

 

Above that you are into the how big is your wallet territory.

Ahh ok! I was really just looking for where i fancied being. I think around 230 would be great.

 

So i guess a stage 2 setup is where i want to be. Take a standard VRS, and fit -

Decat exhaust system with a singe silencer
Front mounted intercooler
Large open cone filter

Then remap and i should be able to see 230bhp? 

 

Im gessing a Ko4 from a TT/leon 225 would see some more power?   Though I've read these aren't direct fit? 
 

That's about right, again as said it depends who is doing it, 200 cell sports cat would be more expensive but less hassle at MOT time. There are a few options for air intake, insulated cold intake systems, cold feed cone, cone/heat shield or even just a modified air box with a panel filter and cold feed (cheapest option, probably just as effective). When you get up there though you will feel the need for handling improvements so it could be worth factoring that in.

If I was you I'd start stage 1 aiming for about 210, no rush for mods then, you'll get good benefits as you steadily head towards the next stage. Its an expensive business when the bug bites!

Yeah i would plan some AP coilovers and braided lines as well as some decent quality discs and pads. 

 

Cheers guys.

I just got a remap by revo and I made 229.1 275lb with stage one only got Exhaust and filter going for a stage 2 soon

Thats a great result! What do the 150bhp cars map to?  Whats different?  

The 150s map the same. Only difference is software from the factory i believe

I think the 150bhp would just be a little less but if you get a exhaust and filter and intercooler and a stage 1 map you should see about 230

Didn't realise that it was only a software difference. I will look for an AUM 1.8T 150bhp something or other in that case.

150bhp cars can have either the ko3 turbo (only mappable to 195bhp) or the ko3s turbo (same as the 180)

I dont know exactly the changeover however. I think if its fly by wire throttle its the ko3s and if its cable driven its the ko3

I'm looking for an AUM engined car then.

Also i notice a lot of you guys saying exhaust and your over 220bhp!

Its the downpipe off the turbo thats the limiting factor.

With stock downpipe and supporting mods you cannot go over 210bhp! Thats the limit.

I was running all mods for stage 2 (massive fmic / 007p / carbonio) all except upgraded downpipe and couldnt get passed 210bhp and that was at rtech and they know what they are upto

Yeah, I *think* the 150bhp 4x4 maps higher than a VRS because it has a less restrictive downpipe. 

I got the down pipe and dcat back and filter then had it mapped and made 229.1

my brother's 4*4 elegance mapped to basically the same ~220bhp as goochie's fwd back in the day. there isn't a k03s