What is a Stage 2 remap? (2023)

What happens on a stage 2 remap?

Much like stage 1 remaps, stage 2 remaps involve tweaking the software of your ECU, though they also add physical tweaks like new engine parts or add-ons. While hardware requirements can vary greatly, common additions include aftermarket exhaust systems and performance intercooler systems.

Most start at Stage 1 & quickly progress to stage 2. We recommend you go straight in at stage 2! Keeping the car within manufacturer tolerances but optimizing it for driver preferences and extracting the very best from a stock OEM setup in good condition.

A stage 3 remap is the pinnacle of remaps. This will give you the most power and performance your vehicle can produce and like stage 2, some modifications will allow for the full potential to be reached.

Stage 2 mods tend to offer larger power gains than stage 1 but will require additional work on other parts if you want them to work reliably. Like stage 1, stage 2 mods are usually a DIY fit but will require more specialist knowledge and tools.

Revo quote gains from 55HP up to 90HP depending on what settings are used with their software. The required hardware for their stage 2 software includes a full turbo-back exhaust with a sports-cat and a high-flow air intake.

Tuning Stage 2 gains

Stage 1 tuning results in an increase of around 20-30% in power and torque in the case of forced induction vehicles. Stage 2 tuning doesn't typically have the same level of gains – you can realistically expect a further 5-10% increase in power and torque.

Some people are concerned that engine remapping could cause problems with their car. But it shouldn't affect reliability if you use a reputable company. Remapping does put extra strain on an engine, but not a dangerous amount if it's done properly.

You can expect a 20-30% increase in bhp and torque after a remap. This extra performance is accessible across the rev range, particularly at low revs and in the mid-range. A typical 30-70mph run will be reduced by 1.5-2 seconds, and your car will pull better at higher speeds.

You can expect to spend around $200 to $500 on stage 1 modifications and $450 to $850 on stage 2 tunes. In addition to stage 1 mods, stage 2 includes induction kit mods to increase airflow. Moreover, a turbo-back can be added to improve airflow from the engine.

Stage 4. Stage 4 is the last state of tuning for most cars. What's modified for a tune to be classed as stage 4 is open to interpretation, but at the very least, it is here that an upgraded turbocharger/ supercharger, such as a hybrid turbo, is installed.

What is a Stage 5 remap?

Whilst Stage4 software is designed to be run with all the bolt-on hardware, Stage 5 is the next progression and has been developed to maximise the potential of cars running fully built engines with uprated valve-train. Stage 5 software is a full 'Race' map, giving performance levels that could embarrass most supercars.

Will remapping my car make it louder? No remapping a car does not make it louder. The car's engine may act differently producing more RPM (Revs per minute) at different and producing more power but does not make it louder.

Yes, you need to tell your insurance provider if your car engine has been remapped. In car insurance terms, remapping or chipping is considered a car modification, even if it's one you can't actually see. If you don't inform your insurance provider, it could invalidate your policy.

Overall, the disadvantages of remapping a car include: Remapping only really benefits turbo engines. There are serious diminishing returns when remapping a non-turbo engine. Engine strain from remapped cars is significantly greater, given the greater speed, power and performance of an engine.

The Stage 3 kit improves torque by up to 24% over original equipment and gives you up to 39% more horsepower.

Exhaust Upgrade

An aftermarket exhaust system is another key component of a stage 2 remap, and in most cases, a full turbo-back exhaust system is required. This will comprise of a decat or sports cat downpipe, depending on your intended use, coupled with an oversized cat-back exhaust.

Remapping your car can increase how many miles per gallon you can go, improving your overall fuel economy. As your remapped car will now be able to do extra miles for every gallon of fuel, this means you will find yourself filling up your fuel tank less often, thus lowering your fuel costs.

You can use products like this to calculate 0 – 60, 0 – 100 plus more before and after a remap. From our experience, on cars that are up to 2.0-litres (turbocharged or not), you can expect a stock 0 – 62mph time to be beaten in a remapped car by 0.2 seconds.

Remapping a car changes the manufacturer's default settings and software on the ECU, replacing it with new software which can be tweaked and customised to the owner's specifications (within legal limitations).

Can insurance see a remap?

Motorists often ask, “can insurance tell if a car is remapped?” The answer is no, but they may find out. Insurers don't inspect cars before giving them cover, so, in reality, your insurer won't randomly check your car for remapping even though some policies may say the insurer can inspect a vehicle if they want to.

Is a Superchips remap detectable by the dealer? In most cases, no. Some manufacturers can tell that something has changed, but not necessarily what. If and when you need to return your vehicle back to the original remap, you will need to do one of the following, depending on your purchase.

An engine remap doesn't put any stress on the engine, so it doesn't affect the longevity of it as long as it is done by a garage like AP Autocare who have the equipment and expertise to do it properly and safely.

So, if you're wanting to increase your car's performance and efficiency, and you're driving a car built before 2000 then you will need a chip tune. If you're driving a car after 2000, then you need ECU remapping.