[bootdinker]

New ST owner here, and I'm seeing "Stage 1" or "Stage 3" all over the place, and while I'm gathering it's an upgrade process, what the hell does it mean? What's Stage 1? It's clearly not related to trim models.

I did a search but didn't come any closer to figuring out the definitions because most of the threads already assume you know what they mean. Please feel free to respond, and you can even be a jackass if you want. I really don't know.

Thank you.

 

[willfromfreeport]

Stages are used to give and idea of what mods are on a car. Stage 1 is usually an intake filter, rear motor mount, and tune. Stage two adds a full intake and fmic. Stage 3 adds a downpipe.

It can be very vague saying your car is stage 2, especially when you're talking to someone who doesn't have the same car.

 

[shineboy]

I think a good place to start is maybe Cobb Tuning website... Sort of gives you an idea of parts and what the tune gets you

 

[bootdinker]

Stages are used to give and idea of what mods are on a car. Stage 1 is usually an intake filter, rear motor mount, and tune. Stage two adds a full intake and fmic. Stage 3 adds a downpipe.

It can be very vague saying your car is stage 2, especially when you're talking to someone who doesn't have the same car.

Thanks. That explains it a bit. If I understand it correctly, a tune is an ECU adjustment?

I wish someone would start a glossary thread for us olds.

 

[willfromfreeport]

Thanks. That explains it a bit. If I understand it correctly, a tune is an ECU adjustment?

I wish someone would start a glossary thread for us olds.

Yes. The tune is reflashing the ecu with new adjustments.

 

[bootdinker]

I think a good place to start is maybe Cobb Tuning website... Sort of gives you an idea of parts and what the tune gets you

That helps if Cobb defines the stages. Are the stages just Cobb related?

 

[stylo]

Thanks. That explains it a bit. If I understand it correctly, a tune is an ECU adjustment?

I wish someone would start a glossary thread for us olds.

There is a massive Glossary called google LOL

Try https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sou...F-8#q=google stage 1 stage 2 car mods meaning

It's never too late to learn mate.

 

[closedeyesopenedmind]

That helps if Cobb defines the stages. Are the stages just Cobb related?

I think that general modification path description is thrown around quite a bit throughout the "car community". Obviously, turbo and na cars take a different approach.

 

[bootdinker]

I'm a dumbass.

There is a massive Glossary called google LOL

Try https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sou...F-8#q=google stage 1 stage 2 car mods meaning

It's never too late to learn mate.

Yeah, yeah:
Let me google that for you

I'm properly humbled. I thought there was a set number of stages particular to a Focus ST that I had to follow. There was a thread about someone complaining about "Stage 3" and I realized I didn't even know what "Stage 1" was. I'm just trying to get up to speed.

I think it's pretty cool we're discussing the same car and I'm in Washington, DC and you are in Australia. The ST has that going for it, at least

 

[stylo]

Yes, the internet is a BIG place !

 

[stylo]

There are fortunately a lot of tuners for the ST ... have a read of this one to get you started LOL

http://www.focusst.org/forum/focus-st-performance/1154-sct-tune-unleashed-tuning.html

Like others have mentioned above, take a look also at COBB, STRATIFIED, MOUNTUNE .. lots to read and lots to learn

 

[Twizzty]

The ST from the factory uses a torque based tuning strategy. Therefore when you upgrade parts like intakes or downpipes, they can make small power gains, but nothing too crazy since the car will still try to hit the same torque target. Therefore, when you combine these parts with a tuning option (like the Accessport), you can modify the car's factory tuning tables to hit higher torque targets and defeat the built in power limiters.

Our Stage 1, 2, and 3 packages are just an easy upgrade path you can follow. We spend weeks in the dyno figuring out which modifications the car likes, and the best order to do them in. For example, we found that the biggest restriction on the stock car is the factory FMIC, and therefore we think its best to upgrade this area (intake + FMIC) before making exhaust modifications. Sure, some of its marketing, but its mostly just helping people find the easiest and safest way to go faster!

Ian

Quote from COBB, 2013.