What Exactly is Race Tuning?

You’re probably more than familiar with language like “stage 2 turbo” or “stage 3 tune” but if we really pressed you on the different stages of tuning, would you be able to lay out a definitive set of guidelines for what those stages actually mean? Does bumping up each stage mean I’m going to double my horsepower? Triple? Dare I say it, quadruple?! Well today on B2B, Uncle Jerry is going to get into the stages of tuning, and answer all your questions. Every question you have, he'll answer.

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[jord.n]

“Yeah that’s right buddy, I got stage 5 blinker fluid in this bad boy”

[fatal]

Straight to Stage 7 “ejecto seato cuz”

[User-unwt]

My stage 6 Duct tape on the steering wheel mod is laughing at this video rn

[jiface]

I think I actually like each presenter equally at this point. Pretty incredible. Everyone brings their own vibe but it all feels Donut.

[discordbaron]

My stage 3 cancer doesn't feel like a performance upgrade

[redhednitemare]

"1000 horsepower? Try 2000"
"Try 3000"
"Try 5000"

[lukethenuke]

What is race Tuning?

Me, who drives a diesel KIA Cee'd: Imma need this.

[skyty]

TLDR; stages are what they call seasons in Initial D

[dylansilva]

"I'm 15 grand into this project already" lol I felt that

[bendooley]

Stage 1: bolt ons. Intake, exhaust, wheels, springs, exterior accoutrement.
Stage 2: headers, turbo (if equipped) back exhaust, seats, steering wheel, suspension (street), small aero improvements, brakes.
Stage 3: turbo (or s/c, all required now except big block) full ecm/tcm, upgraded suspension and brakes required, cage (probably) specific function in mind, aero is undoubtedly a problem now, chassis imptovements (tube frame?)
Stage 4: fully everything in that category as far as bolt on or off the shelf parts, ready to attack the track (in whatever form) from what you could find on summitt or Jegs, custom aero, no interior, frame mods, etc...
Stage 5: purpose built. Say no more. You have a goal and a plan to meet it. All manufacturers and all records are calculated. You know when you're here.

[eric]

This makes me think that a more in depth series on ECU tuning would be really cool.

[PercentAshamedOfU]

I’m going to start a tuning company and label my stages like Cold Stone ice cream sizes.
1. Like it.
2. Love it!
3. GOTTA HAVE IT!!

[koolkardad]

At first glance I thought the title said: “What exactly is rice tuning?”

-Instant flashbacks to when Donut modded a McLaren using Autozone parts. 🏎

[MrJamesshipman]

A stage 6 air intake is amazing!! I am so going to use that. And other things like "stage 4 wipers" aerodynamic for more speed. Or stage 5 Schrader valve caps. ( the little rubber stems used to fill air in your tires).

[johnsanko]

The "Stage" nomelclature actually existed before Grand Tourismo, though I'll agree that the game did expand it's usage to the wider audience.

The one example I'm super familiar with is the Buick GS/GSX series starting in 1968 through '75 used "Stages" as an upgrade package options. Stage 1 got you the Wildcat 455 cubic inch engine over the Buick 350, dual exhaust over single, and a larger 4 barrel carb, arriving at the 360hp, 510ft/lb torque monster. Stage 2 was a very rare package option that was sold as a dealer option, or to wrench happy individuals and were shipped out in the trunk of the car, and less than 5 Stage 2 GSX packages were actually installed by the factory. High flow heads, high flow intake manifold, custom exhaust porting, a more aggressive camshaft, hollow pushrods for improved lubrication, forged piston heads, a tuned up 4 barrel carb are what's known, but there could have been other race-inclined options included. Their factory example had a much higher rear differential ratio than the usual GS (at 4.78) to help transfer all that torque to the tires, but I don't know if that was a thing that came with the Stage 2 package or not.

[michaelmartin]

"Big ole honkin turbosharger"

*Shows a Picture of a procharger*

[Izzytakamono]

I want a ‘my other car is a Donut Jerwagen’ sticker

[lebronjames]

Jeremiah has the most thorough and detailed Videos and Donut did a great job continuously Bringing him in

[caleblancaster]

Its hard to conceptualize a 2.0L making 500+ hp and 500+ ftlb torque. The Jerwagon is a truly remarkable car and what an incredible tune

[oOZiegeOo]

For me it was always like this:
Stage 1: Changing Software related stuff without changing anything physically
Stage 2: Changing external motor parts like exhaust, air filter, intake/exhaust manifolds, turbo related stuff
Stage 3: Swapping internals of the motor like camshaft, crankshaft, pistons, rods...