Stage 1 remap at your home or workplace
A Stage 1 remap gets more power and torque from a standard engine by changing its software, with no new parts needed. It costs £275 + VAT, and we come to wherever the car is parked anywhere in the North West.
What Stage 1 means
Stage 1 is a software-only tune for a car on its factory hardware. The map adjusts fuelling, turbo boost, ignition timing and torque limits, using the margin the manufacturer left in the engine.
Because nothing gets bolted on, a Stage 1 ECU remap is where most people start. The price is a flat £275 + VAT for cars, and a typical appointment is finished in 60 to 90 minutes.
What you'll notice after a Stage 1 tune
The difference is easiest to feel in everyday use, on slip roads, hills and B-road overtakes.
- Stronger pull through the middle of the rev range
- Fewer downshifts when the road climbs or the car is loaded up
- Sharper response when you press the accelerator
- Often a small mpg gain on diesels, if you keep a light right foot
- Smoother progress at motorway speeds, with the engine working less hard
Cars that suit a Stage 1 car tune
Turbocharged engines gain the most, because the map can ask the turbo for more boost and add fuel to match. Diesels such as the BMW 320d, VW Golf TDI and Ford Focus TDCi are classic Stage 1 cars, and so are turbo petrols like the Golf GTI.
Non-turbo petrol engines gain much less, so we'll tell you before booking if Stage 1 isn't worth it on your car. You can check your make on our vehicles page, including BMW remapping.
How your Stage 1 appointment goes
Book and confirm
Book online or call with your registration. We check your engine can be mapped and confirm the £275 + VAT price.
Pre-map check
The technician arrives, plugs into the diagnostic port and reads any stored fault codes.
The remap
Your original file is saved, then the Stage 1 map is written to the ECU. You can stay with the car or carry on with your day.
Back to you
We clear the codes, start the engine and explain what to expect on your first run out.
Stage 1 or Stage 2?
| Stage 1 remap | Stage 2 remap | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Standard, as it left the factory | Upgraded parts already fitted, such as an intercooler or exhaust |
| Who it suits | Anyone wanting more from a standard car | Owners who've invested in performance parts |
| Parts fitted by | No parts needed | Your own garage or specialist, before we map |
| Price | £275 + VAT | £275 + VAT |
If you plan to add parts later, start with Stage 1 now and move to a Stage 2 remap once they're fitted.
What Stage 1 customers say
What does a Stage 1 remap cost?
It's £275 + VAT for a car, and that includes the pre-map fault check and the remap itself. Our remap cost guide explains why prices vary so much between tuners.
Will my clutch cope with Stage 1?
A healthy clutch normally copes with Stage 1 torque. A clutch or dual-mass flywheel that's already worn can start to slip once the extra torque arrives, so if yours is near the end of its life, get it looked at first.
Can I add a gearbox remap at the same time?
Yes. On DSG and automatic cars, the engine and gearbox package is £440 + VAT, which raises the gearbox's torque limits to match the new map. See our gearbox remap page.
Do I have to declare a Stage 1 remap?
You should tell your insurer, because it changes the engine's output. It's also worth reading your warranty terms if the car is still covered. Our guide on remaps, insurance and warranty goes into more detail.
Is Stage 1 safe on a high-mileage car?
Mileage matters less than condition. A well-serviced engine with no fault codes is a good candidate at any mileage, and we'll flag anything we find in the pre-map check.
Book your Stage 1 remap
Pick a slot online or ring us with your registration, and we'll confirm your car is suitable before we arrive. The work happens on your street, office car park or yard.
Eccles, Manchester M30 0SF