The question of power is what drives almost every tuning decision. But «how much» is not a single number. It depends on the engine. Here we give you a realistic picture.
What is realistic to expect?
As we explain in the main guide, Stage 1 unlocks power already latent in the engine. How much can actually be unlocked depends on how much reserve the factory built in.
In general terms:
- Turbo diesels: large reserves, typically substantial gains in both hp and Nm.
- Turbo petrols: moderate to large reserves, depending on the engine.
- Naturally aspirated engines: smaller reserve, less to gain from Stage 1.
- Motorcycles: often fewer hp to gain, but big improvements in response and delivery.
HP vs Nm: what do you notice?
Many focus solely on hp (horsepower), but it is often the torque (Nm) you notice most in everyday driving. Torque is the «shove» you feel in your back when you press down, especially from 2,000 rpm upwards.
A car going from 200 to 280 Nm feels radically different when overtaking, out of corners and uphill. That is why diesel owners often react most strongly to tuning: diesel engines already have plenty of torque, and it can be increased substantially.
The figures below are typical observations for healthy engines on the correct fuel. The actual gain on your car depends on model year, software version, condition and fuel quality. We always confirm the potential for your specific engine before starting.
Figures for common car models
Here are typical gains for some of the engines we work with most. For a deeper dive, we have dedicated engine guides.
| Engine | From (typ.) | Stage 1 (typ.) | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI (VW/Audi/Skoda) | 150 hk / 340 nm | ~190 hk / 420 nm | +40 hk / +80 nm |
| 3.0 TDI (VAG V6) | 245 hk / 580 nm | ~300 hk / 660 nm | +55 hk / +80 nm |
| EA888 2.0 TSI (GTI/R/S3) | 245 hk / 370 nm | ~320 hk / 450 nm | +75 hk / +80 nm |
| BMW B47 2.0d | 190 hk / 400 nm | ~230 hk / 480 nm | +40 hk / +80 nm |
| BMW N57 3.0d | 258 hk / 560 nm | ~320 hk / 660 nm | +62 hk / +100 nm |
| BMW B58 3.0i | 326 hk / 450 nm | ~390 hk / 550 nm | +64 hk / +100 nm |
| Mercedes OM654 2.0d | 194 hk / 400 nm | ~235 hk / 480 nm | +41 hk / +80 nm |
| Mercedes OM651 2.2d | 170 hk / 400 nm | ~210 hk / 480 nm | +40 hk / +80 nm |
For details on each engine, see our dedicated guides: 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI, EA888, BMW B47, BMW N57, BMW B58, OM654 and OM651.
Motorsykler
Motorcycles often have fewer hp to gain in pure numbers, but tuning often changes the character considerably. By optimising the ignition and fuel maps, the factory's mid-range «damping» is removed and the bike responds instantly to the throttle. For superbikes and the R1 class, this can mean a substantially different riding experience even if the peak number does not move as much.
Why the figures vary
Several factors affect what your particular car will give:
- Model year and software version. Newer factory programs can have less reserve.
- Condition. A worn engine gives less, and has less safe room to give.
- Fuel. RON 98/100 on petrol unlocks more than RON 95.
- Measurement basis. Factory-quoted figures vs. measured wheel power vs. crank power.
We always state the potential as realistic ranges, not absolute promises. The only way to know exactly what your engine gives is to test it. We are happy to help set realistic expectations before we start.
Want to know if Stage 1 is safe first? Read our article on tuning and engine safety, or compare with Stage 2.