Is it time to reclassify the Stages?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,276
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From: Bay Area
2015 E63S, 2018 E63S
Is it time to reclassify the Stages?
So I'm sitting here having breakfast this morning and I started thinking about the stages for the 55k cars. IMO I think some of the stages are out of order. If I had a shop here is my menu of stages.
Stage 1
Exhaust: Longtube Headers or Shorty Headers with X-pipe 2.75-3" exhaust with upgraded mufflers. (our manifolds are small so it doesn't make sense to force more air out when in stock form the air has trouble getting out) about 35hp increase without tune.
Stage 2
Cooling: A larger more efficient Heat Exchanger, 160 thermostat, -10 fan mod or you could separate the system or do the cooling box in the trunk.
(by increasing boost you increase the heat so this step should be first instead of second) no increase in hp but the car will perform more consistantly.
Stage 3
ECU/Pulley: "Everyone's favorite" 172,175,178,180 with upgraded wires & plugs. about a 50hp increase if not more depending on tuning.
Stage 4
Induction: A nice 3" CAI kit, or CF airbox with an upgraded TB 80-82mm.
35-50hp increase depending on tune.
Stage 5
Drivetrain: TCU upgrade with stall converter & LSD or Quaife
Stage 6
Valvetrain: Upgraded cams & heads, CNC'd port/polish larger valves.
hp increase unknown
Stage 7
Insanity:
hp increase unknown
After stage 3 all ECU upgrades are done at no charge. Again this is just my opinion feel free to change, add or just have fun with it!
Stage 1
Exhaust: Longtube Headers or Shorty Headers with X-pipe 2.75-3" exhaust with upgraded mufflers. (our manifolds are small so it doesn't make sense to force more air out when in stock form the air has trouble getting out) about 35hp increase without tune.
Stage 2
Cooling: A larger more efficient Heat Exchanger, 160 thermostat, -10 fan mod or you could separate the system or do the cooling box in the trunk.
(by increasing boost you increase the heat so this step should be first instead of second) no increase in hp but the car will perform more consistantly.
Stage 3
ECU/Pulley: "Everyone's favorite" 172,175,178,180 with upgraded wires & plugs. about a 50hp increase if not more depending on tuning.
Stage 4
Induction: A nice 3" CAI kit, or CF airbox with an upgraded TB 80-82mm.
35-50hp increase depending on tune.
Stage 5
Drivetrain: TCU upgrade with stall converter & LSD or Quaife
Stage 6
Valvetrain: Upgraded cams & heads, CNC'd port/polish larger valves.
hp increase unknown
Stage 7
Insanity:
hp increase unknown
After stage 3 all ECU upgrades are done at no charge. Again this is just my opinion feel free to change, add or just have fun with it!
Last edited by Hammer Down; Jun 13, 2009 at 01:33 PM.
