What’s the Difference Between Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3

What’s the Difference Between Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 Performance Parts & Tunes?

If you’re looking to make performance modifications to your car, odds are you’ve come across products with “stage 1” or even “stage 3” in the title. While there is no hard-fast rule for how each stage is defined, there are some generally accepted notions of what you can expect.
Stage 1, 2, & 3 in the automotive aftermarket refers to different levels of performance that can be expected out of the parts or service in question. Stage 1 parts and tunes are the most entry-level parts, while stage 3+ parts and tunes can offer the most significant performance gains. The higher you go in stages is reflected in the highly-engineered performance you can expect out of the parts.

Part Stages Overview

Stage 1 Performance	Typically moderate gains to maintain OE look & layout
Stage 2 Performance	Significant performance gains, supporting mods typically necessary
Stage 3 Performance	Best for dedicated racers and fully-built track cars
Stage 4 & Beyond	Physics is your only limit, and even that can be defied

Stage 1

Stage 1 Performance Parts

Stage 1 parts are the most accessible option, offering a smooth entry point into the performance parts aftermarket. These parts can be used in isolation, meaning they don’t require other supporting modifications to be used. A good example of this would be a cat-back exhaust. You might get some moderate performance gains with a less restrictive (or non-existent) muffler, but you won’t necessarily have to change much of anything else to get the benefit you’re looking for.

Stage 1 Tune

A stage one tune or reflash offers moderate improvements over engine performance and maintains a similar-to-stock ride. This, of course, varies from vehicle to vehicle. Most cars come stock with conservative tunes that optimize fuel efficiency over performance, meaning there is more performance to be had with a simple tune.

Stage 2

Stage 2 Performance Parts

Stage 2 parts open up the realms of possibility when it comes to attainable horsepower and push towards the limits of what’s streetable. However, these modifications will typically require other supporting modifications to work properly.
Let’s say, for example, you’ve fitted a set of high-flowing injectors on an otherwise bone-stock car. While they may work without any other modifications, you likely won’t be able to see any performance difference with them since none of the other related systems have been upgraded to actualize the parts’ full potential. You can trust the experts at Boostin performance to know what needs to be done to extract the most power out of every modification.

Stage 2 Tune

A stage 2 tune goes hand in hand with stage 2 performance parts. If you’ve upgraded components like your intake, cylinder head, turbo, or other components aside from simple bolt-ons, you’re going to need a proper tune to see their full benefit. Depending on your application, it may also be necessary to include a standalone ECU as part of your stage 2 upgrades for optimal adjustability with your engine mapping.

Stage 3

Stage 3 Performance Parts

As you break into stage 3 performance parts, you enter the arena of dedicated track cars and full rebuilds. The performance demands of a track car can only be met by purpose-built parts, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with stage 3 performance parts. While these parts can make for incredible performance gains, they will require a platform prepared to contend with the newfound power.
Let’s say you opt for a stage 3 turbo. With a bigger turbo, you’re going to need a fuel pump and injectors that can keep up, a bottom end that can hold up to the added stress, an intake that won’t restrict the increased flow, and a manifold designed to fit your new turbo. That’s just on the engine side of things, too. You’ll likely need to add in strengthened axles, a stockier transmission, a stronger clutch, etcetera. All of these and more can be found at Boostin Performance, your local performance shop.

Stage 3 Tune

A stage 3 tune will give you the highest level of track-centered performance. Your idle might not be as comfortable, and your fuel mileage might dwarf your fuel cell, but you’re going to maximize your vehicle. If you’re implementing things like two-step or anti-lag for more than just the crackles and pops, instead of chasing after every second you can shed, a stage 3 tune is for you.

The Beyond

Given the wide variety of performance modifications and the performance they can offer, you may even see stages 4, 5, & higher performance parts. They follow a similar pattern with the previous stages, building power and complexity. Take, for example, our Red Demon spec parts. The laws of nature saw it impossible to get 1,500+ WHP out of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. We disagreed. Learn more about the new limits you can reach with a call to Boostin Performance.

Set Your Stage With Boostin Performance

If you need help deciding what’s best for your build and achieving your power goals, you need a local performance shop on your side. We at Boostin Performance are eager to serve all of your performance vehicle needs, whether it’s finding the right parts, getting them on your vehicle, or optimizing your tune for peak performance. With both our passion and experience invested in your vehicle, you’ll be raring to race in no time. Give us a call today to open a discussion on how best to serve you and your vehicle.