Is a "Stage 1" worth it?

[Whiskers181]

I've got a Mk7 Golf GTI, DSG with 92k miles on it. It's been well looked after and not had any mechanical problems. I'm starting to want a little more power out it and wondering if a "Stage 1" flash tune is worth the cost?

I don't want to do any big mods to the car (air intake, exhaust, etc) and unsure if smaller mods (turbo air inlet pipe, snow guard) will make much of a difference. I'm reading mixed reviews about a flash tune or "Stage 1" and I would like some opinions please.

I'm assuming I'd need a TSU/DSG tune with that as well. Can that be done at home or do I need to take it to a custom tuner? Or are the home tune kits asking for trouble?

If not, any opinions on what's the better/reliable kit (Cobb, Revo, APR, etc?)

 

[BudgetPhoenix]

Yes 100% just do it and you dont need anything.

 

[Salami]

Stage 1 is like warm apple pie

 

[Boje]

Go to eqtuning.com and buy a Cobb Accessport with Stage 1 ECU and TCU tunes and flash it at home. Grab a booster to plug into the battery when you flash, like this one. Swap out the air filter in the intake for a high flow one like this one.

Then come back to this thread and drop a pic a year or two from now when you’re pushing 800whp with a hood exhaust and a huge wing on the back

 

[BigLips19]

Very little reason to not go stage 1, I have an EQT tune sitting on an accessport but haven't installed it yet and I'm quickly running out of excuses.... I'm a little worried about my clutch but moreso I'm running summer tires and it's gonna be below freezing when I drive to work tomorrow. So once the snows get swapped on I'm gonna do it and you should too

 

[scslite]

There's also the JB4 route which doesn't throw a TD1 flag if you really are apprehensive with an ECU flash. I've had both and gone up to Stage 2 with EQT/Accessport and car is perfect.

 

[AzteCypher]

If you're planning on doing a down pipe, intercooler, and a clutch (to support the extra horsepower) down the road, then I recommend saving up for the Stage 2. I went from stock to Stage 2 and I couldn't be happier. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Treadup]

Do it. Many reputable companies offer tune from home options. EQT and APR are the top off the shelf supppliers.

 

[DSC808]

 

[NoGodGetOverIt]

I recently upgraded from a JB1 to an IE ECU Stage 1 and TCU tune. Love it...should have done this years ago. You just need a mobile phone, the provided dongle, and a battery tender to install (as mentioned above).

 

[seanmcd1]

Do an APR stage 1 of your choice (I highly recommend the 93 octane low torque) and then enjoy the car.

 

[golfdave]

You're just south of me...do a stage 1 tune (&DSG) remap not "add on box", doesn't need anything else for engine add ons..& go for a good company like Revo as easy to find in UK & more used to our cars/fuel...

Use Shell V-power or top end BP fuels, change the oils more frequently & keep up on the maintenance...

Revo dealer in Glasgow is "Auto-Tec Performance" at 5 Queen Street, Port Glasgow..

 

[Acadia18]

 

[Acadia18]

Very little reason to not go stage 1,

I was gonna say... TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE, WE JUST TALKED ABOUT THIS

I have an EQT tune sitting on an accessport but haven't installed it yet and I'm quickly running out of excuses.... I'm a little worried about my clutch but moreso I'm running summer tires and it's gonna be below freezing when I drive to work tomorrow. So once the snows get swapped on I'm gonna do it and you should too

But then you covered it

 

[McBrian]

Zero regurts on Stage 1 for basically any modern turbo car. It's huge gains for no loss except the cost of better gas and the tune itself.