Thinking about remapping your car?
You’ve probably come across the terms Stage 1 and Stage 2. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly—which is better for your car?
Whether you’re chasing more power, smoother drivability, or better throttle response, it’s essential to choose the right type of remap.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Stage 1 and Stage 2 remaps, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which one is right for you.
At Remaps Bradford, we’ve tuned hundreds of vehicles at both levels—and we’re here to explain it all in plain English.
What Is a Stage 1 Remap?
A Stage 1 remap is the most common and widely recommended tuning option.
It’s a software-only remap designed to work with a completely stock vehicle—meaning no hardware upgrades are required.
This makes it ideal for first-time remappers or anyone who wants safe, reliable performance improvements without changing parts.
We connect to your vehicle’s ECU, extract the original software, and reprogram it with a new map tailored to your specific engine.
What Are the Benefits?
- Increased horsepower and torque
- Improved throttle response
- Smoother power delivery
- Better drivability
- No hardware changes required
- Quick and affordable—usually takes 1 to 2 hours
Who Is It For?
Stage 1 is perfect if:
- Your car is stock (no mods)
- You want better performance without hassle
- You use the car daily and want to stay road legal
- You want a balance of power, safety, and value
We recommend Stage 1 to 80% of our customers at Remaps Bradford. It gives the most noticeable upgrade for the least cost and effort.
What Is a Stage 2 Remap?
A Stage 2 remap builds on Stage 1—but requires specific hardware upgrades.
It’s designed for vehicles with performance modifications like:
- High-flow exhaust or de-cat
- Upgraded intercooler
- Cold air intake
- Bigger downpipe
- Enhanced clutch (for manual cars)
These upgrades allow your engine to handle more boost, flow more air, and stay cooler under pressure. The Stage 2 software takes advantage of this by delivering even more power and sharper response.
What Are the Benefits?
- More aggressive power increase
- Maximises gains from your hardware upgrades
- Stronger mid-range torque
- Sharper throttle and boost response
- Bigger top-end pull
Who Is It For?
Stage 2 is best if:
- You’ve already fitted performance parts
- You’re happy to upgrade hardware for more power
- You want track-ready or fast-road performance
- You don’t mind spending more for better results
At Remaps Bradford, we write custom Stage 2 maps based on your exact mods and driving goals. No two cars are mapped the same.
Key Differences: Stage 1 vs Stage 2
Let’s break it down clearly:
| Feature | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Upgrades | Not required | Required (intake, exhaust, etc.) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (due to parts and tuning) |
| Power Gains | Moderate | High |
| Installation Time | 1–2 hours | 2–4 hours (including mods) |
| Warranty Risk | Lower | Higher |
| MOT Compliance | Easier to pass | Can be harder (de-cat may fail) |
| Insurance Declaration | Required | Required |
| Ideal For | Daily drivers, first-time tuners | Performance enthusiasts |
What Power Gains Can You Expect?
Here are some real-world examples based on cars we’ve tuned at Remaps Bradford:
VW Golf GTI 2.0 TSI
Stage 1: +40 bhp / +80 Nm
Stage 2: +70 bhp / +120 Nm (with intake and downpipe)
BMW 320d 2.0
Stage 1: +35 bhp / +70 Nm
Stage 2: +50 bhp / +100 Nm (with intercooler and EGR delete for track use)
Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 EcoBoost
Stage 1: +30 bhp
Stage 2: +55 bhp (with turbo-back exhaust and intake)
These figures vary based on the exact vehicle and modifications—but the trend is clear: Stage 2 gives more power, but comes at a cost.
Is Stage 2 Worth It?
That depends on your goals.
If you enjoy working on your car, have fitted performance parts, or want to get the most out of your build—Stage 2 is worth it. It delivers serious gains and turns your car into a much more capable machine.
But if your car is standard, and you want a boost in power without extra expense or risk, Stage 1 is the smarter option.
Many drivers go for Stage 1 first, then upgrade to Stage 2 later once they’ve added parts.
Are Both Legal and Roadworthy?
Yes—but there are some points to watch:
- Stage 1 is almost always road legal, MOT-friendly, and won’t trigger emissions issues
- Stage 2 may not pass MOT if it involves removing the catalytic converter or DPF
If you go Stage 2, keep your legal obligations in mind. At Remaps Bradford, we can guide you through what’s safe, what’s legal, and what’s worth doing.
We never remove emissions systems on road-going cars and we tune responsibly.
Will Remapping Affect Your Warranty?
Yes, both Stage 1 and Stage 2 can affect your manufacturer warranty.
Even if the car hasn’t had hardware changes, a software modification may void coverage on the engine, turbo, or gearbox.
If your vehicle is under warranty, speak to your dealer first—or wait until your warranty ends.
We keep a copy of your original ECU file, so we can return your car to stock if needed.
Do You Need to Tell Your Insurer?
Yes.
A remap is a modification and must be declared—whether it’s Stage 1 or Stage 2.
Some insurers charge a small premium, others are more relaxed. Either way, being honest is essential to protect your cover.
We can supply proof of the remap if your insurer asks for documentation.
How Much Do Stage 1 and Stage 2 Remaps Cost?
At Remaps Bradford, we keep pricing fair and transparent.
- Stage 1 remap: from £250
- Stage 2 remap: from £300 (excluding hardware)
You’ll also need to budget for any required parts—intake, exhaust, intercooler, etc.—if you’re going Stage 2.
We’re always happy to provide a custom quote based on your goals.
Can You Upgrade from Stage 1 to Stage 2 Later?
Yes, easily.
Many customers start with a Stage 1 map and then come back for Stage 2 once they’ve upgraded their hardware.
Because we store your original ECU file and tuning data, we can adjust your map to match new mods without starting from scratch.
It’s a smooth process—and we’ll make sure everything works in harmony.
Final Thoughts – Which Remap Stage Is Right for You?
If you want a big improvement in how your car drives—without changing parts or spending a fortune—Stage 1 is your best bet.
It’s safe, fast, and offers great value for daily use.
If you’ve got performance parts fitted or you’re chasing maximum gains, and you don’t mind a bit of extra cost, Stage 2 will give you the power and thrill you’re after.
Still not sure? Talk to the team at Remaps Bradford. We’ll look at your car, ask about your goals, and guide you to the best option for your needs.
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