Is Stage 1 tuning safe?
The biggest question everyone asks before tuning: does tuning damage the engine? We go through what research and experience actually say.
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9 min
Knowledge Hub
Tuning knowledge, straight from SSSTuning
Everything you need to know about chip tuning, Stage 1 and Stage 2 optimisation, gearbox tuning and specific engines. Written by the people who work on these cars every day.
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What is Stage 1 tuning?
The complete guide explaining what Stage 1 tuning is, what happens inside the ECU, and why it is the most common upgrade enthusiasts make. The perfect first step if you are new.
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Stage 1 · Grunnleggende
All articles
21 articlesStage 1 vs Stage 2 tuning
What is the actual difference, and which should you choose? An honest comparison of power, cost, hardware requirements and everyday use.
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10 min
How much power does Stage 1 tuning add?
Concrete hp and Nm figures for the most common engines, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
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8 min
Does Stage 1 affect fuel consumption?
Especially popular with diesel owners: can tuning actually reduce consumption? We explain the link between optimisation and fuel economy.
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8 min
BMW B58 tuning guide
The 3-litre turbo engine found in everything from the 40i to the Toyota Supra. One of the strongest modern platforms for performance gains.
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11 min
BMW N57 tuning guide
The legendary 3-litre diesel. Robust, strong and with enormous potential for both hp and torque when optimised correctly.
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10 min
BMW B47 tuning guide
BMW's newer 2-litre diesel. Efficient in daily use and surprisingly responsive to Stage 1 optimisation.
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10 min
2.0 TDI tuning guide
Perhaps Norway's most common engine. From Golf to Tiguan, the 2.0 TDI is everywhere and responds excellently to software optimisation.
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11 min
3.0 TDI tuning guide
The V6 diesel in the A4, A6, Q5 and Q7. Plenty of untapped potential and a linear torque curve that is transformed with the right tune.
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11 min
EA888 tuning guide
The 2.0 TSI engine behind the Golf GTI, Golf R, Audi S3 and Cupra. One of the most tuned engines in the world, for good reason.
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12 min
Mercedes OM654 tuning guide
Mercedes' modern 2-litre diesel with ISG. Advanced, but with significant potential for both power and economy.
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10 min
Mercedes OM651 tuning guide
The 2.2-litre diesel found in countless Mercedes models. Well-proven technology and a safe platform for consistent power gains.
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10 min
What is DSG tuning?
The VW Group's dual-clutch gearbox can be optimised for faster shifts and better holding. Here is how it works in practice.
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9 min
What is TCU tuning?
The TCU is the brain of the gearbox. We explain what a TCU optimisation does and when it pays off in combination with engine tuning.
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8 min
ZF8HP tuning guide
The 8-speed automatic from ZF is found in BMW, Audi and more. One of the best gearboxes ever made, and it gets even better with tuning.
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10 min
Engine and gearbox tuning together
Why most people who tune the engine should also consider the gearbox, and which synergies you miss out on by not doing so.
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9 min
Is chip tuning legal in Norway?
A neutral walkthrough of what the Norwegian regulations around chip tuning actually involve, and what the terms mean.
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9 min
Does tuning have to be registered with the road authority?
Why SSSTuning works exclusively on deregistered vehicles and does not offer approval for road use.
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8 min
How does tuning affect insurance?
How insurers typically treat modifications, and what the duty of disclosure means in practice.
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9 min
Periodic inspection (EU-kontroll) and tuning
What the periodic inspection actually checks, and how modifications are typically handled during inspection.
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8 min
The best MQB cars to tune
Golf GTI, Golf R, Audi S3, Cupra Leon and Octavia RS — a guide to the most popular MQB cars for tuning.
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8 min
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