What Stage 1 means in practice
There is no legal or industry standard definition of “Stage 1”, so it is worth being clear. When we use the term we mean a calibration intended for a standard vehicle, written with the existing hardware's limits in mind. Typical changes are to fuelling, boost targets and torque limiters, with the aim of improving response and mid-range drivability rather than chasing a peak number.
A Stage 1 calibration keeps the factory DPF, EGR and SCR/AdBlue systems operating. We do not combine road-going Stage 1 work with emissions deletes.
Checks before a Stage 1 remap
Before writing any new software we want to know the engine is healthy. That means no stored engine fault codes that point to a real problem, sensible boost and fuel-pressure behaviour, a clutch that is not already slipping, and a DPF that is regenerating normally on diesel engines. If something is wrong we will explain it and you can decide whether to have it repaired first.
We also ask whether the vehicle has been remapped before. A previous calibration, a tuning box or an unknown file history changes what we can sensibly do.
- 01Fault code scan of engine and related modules
- 02Discussion of clutch and gearbox condition
- 03DPF soot loading and regeneration history on diesels
- 04Confirmation of existing software and any previous modifications
How we approach a Stage 1 remap
We start with suitability rather than a sales pitch. Before any calibration is written to a control unit we want to know the vehicle is healthy: existing fault codes, boost or fuelling problems, a slipping clutch, a worn gearbox or a blocked DPF all need to be dealt with first, because tuning is not a substitute for repair and can make an existing weakness more obvious.
Where the vehicle is supported we explain what the proposed calibration is intended to change, what checks are needed and what the agreed scope of work includes. We do not publish universal power, torque or fuel-economy figures, because results depend on the individual vehicle, its condition, its software and how it is driven. If a remap is not the right answer for your vehicle, we will tell you.
What to send us before booking a Stage 1 remap
The quickest way to get useful advice is to send the registration and a short description by WhatsApp or through the quote form. Support and suitability vary by engine, gearbox, control unit and software version, so a registration lets us check the right information instead of guessing. Any estimate given remotely is provisional until the vehicle has been seen and the required checks are complete.
- 01Vehicle registration and approximate mileage
- 02Make, model and engine size, if known
- 03Any warning lights, messages, symptoms or fault codes
- 04Existing remaps, tuning boxes or hardware modifications
- 05How the vehicle is used — commuting, towing, short trips or heavy loads
- 06Whether the vehicle is currently in limp mode or will not start
Visiting the workshop for a Stage 1 remap
All work is carried out at our single workshop at Unit 2, Lancaster Works, Kingsbridge Road, Manchester M9 5SP. We do not run a mobile remapping service and we have no other branches, so every a Stage 1 remap enquiry is booked into the same Manchester workshop. Visits are by arrangement: please call or WhatsApp before travelling so we can confirm the vehicle, the time and what the visit will involve.
Access is through the black gate. Call when you arrive so we can let you in, then keep left towards the rear of the site. We are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 8am–1pm, and closed on Sunday. If the vehicle is in limp mode, showing a serious warning or will not start, tell us before setting off so we can talk about whether it is sensible to drive it or whether transport should be arranged.