In short (TL;DR)
- What it is: ECU software for a petrol turbo or supercharged engine, adapted to modified hardware (exhaust, intake, intercooler, turbocharger, fuel system).
- What we do: the software work. We do not sell parts or do mechanical work.
- Price: from €100. The final price depends on the engine and the hardware.
- For what: petrol cars with a turbocharger or supercharger and modified hardware for which Stage 1 software is no longer enough.
- Limits: the fuel system, ignition, turbocharger, clutch and gearbox must withstand the higher load. We discuss this before the work.
- Legal position: a power increase and hardware changes may not match the type approval and may affect insurance. We recommend informing your insurer about all modifications.
For a petrol turbo or supercharged engine, Stage 2 and Stage 3 mean software created for the hardware that is actually installed. A petrol engine is more sensitive here than a diesel: the limits of the ignition and fuel systems matter.
How Stage 2–3 differs from Stage 1
| Level | Hardware | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Factory hardware | Lowest – the software is adapted to factory hardware |
| Stage 2 | Usually a modified exhaust system, intake, intercooler | Fuel–air ratio, knock, temperatures |
| Stage 3 | Usually a modified turbocharger, fuel system (pumps, injectors) and other main parts | The highest load on the engine internals, clutch and gearbox |
What must be assessed before the work
- Fuel system. Higher pressure and power require more fuel. If the pump or injectors are not enough, the mixture stays too lean, which harms the engine.
- Ignition. Spark plugs and coils must withstand higher pressure.
- Fuel. A higher load often requires higher-octane fuel.
- Clutch and gearbox. Higher torque loads the transmission – for the limits see the article on gearbox programming.
What we do not promise
We do not promise a specific power or torque gain in advance: it depends on the engine, the hardware and the ambient conditions. Before the work we tell you what result can reasonably be expected. We do not promise lower fuel consumption either.
Price
Petrol turbo and supercharged Stage 2–3 costs from €100. The final price depends on the engine, the ECU type and the installed hardware; we give it after the discussion. For diesel cars see diesel Stage 2–3, for BMW – BMW Stage 2–3.
Frequently asked questions
How does Stage 2 differ from Stage 1?
Stage 1 is adapted to factory hardware. Stage 2 is for when important parts have been changed (usually the exhaust, intake, intercooler) and the software is created for that. Stage 3 covers even larger changes, such as the turbocharger and fuel system.
Is software alone enough?
No. Stage 2–3 software without suitable hardware makes no sense, and unsuitable hardware or a weak fuel system can harm the engine. That is why before the work we discuss everything that is installed.
How much power will you add?
We do not promise a specific number. Before the work we tell you what gain can reasonably be expected in your engine with your hardware.
Do I need higher-octane fuel?
Often yes. It depends on the software and the engine; before the work we tell you what fuel is needed.
Can the factory software be restored?
Yes. Before the work we save the original ECU software.
Do I need to inform my insurer?
Yes, we recommend it. A power increase and hardware changes are modifications that can affect insurance and warranty.