Is stage 2 worth it ?

[Madone]

I am at stage 1 with my edition 30 and the constant itch to tinker is growing. Thought are to get the high flow down pipe, cat and induction. However I really don't want any increase in noise if possible. For those who have gone/did go stage 2 was it worth it ?, the downpipe etc is looking like £700 ish and induction at £300 it's 1k for anther 30 or so bhp. Obviously stage 1 is best value per bhp but not sure if stage 2 will make the car worse than stage 1. In terms of drivability ?. Will for example fitting the APR downpipe make it louder ?, will it make any difference to the stage 1 software (whilst I decide which mapper to use for stage 2). Do all downpipes and high flow cats work with the factory cat back exhaust ?, are all sport cats equal. I was looking at miltek or apr.

Thanks !

[MC71]

It's always a case of ever increasing expense for ever decreasing increases in power but if you have the bug ........YES it's worth it.

As for the exhaust look at getting a BCS Powervalve Prestige TBE with 200 cell cat. Best of both worlds as its as quiet as the OEM system while pottling around but all hell is let lose when on WOT. Info on those systems on Page 1 of my build thread (although I have the Sport system).

 

[Sug]

As above I bought Evoms and loba pump new and managed to get a 2nd hand BCS downpipe and sports cat from a fellow R forum member. Approx £1100 software upgrade was free as already stage 1

You really need to be at stage 2+ to appreciate these engines.

[bigeyd]

It really depends what you want from your car,I try and track mine so went stage 2+ with a decat 3" turbo back which is noisy.
My lad said its like a dog wanting to go run and then you unleash it,I think its more like a rabid dog when the S mode is engaged (DSG) and ESP off.

[rdfcpete]

I've never seen a thread describing the disadvantages or regrets with going stage 2 as a concept  (without bringing a tuner brand specific debate into it...)

 

[rich83]

Stage 1..... faster
Stage 2..... a bit faster that stage 1
Stage 2+....... a bit faster than stage 2

Take your pick! 

[Madone]

Thanks all,

Well I took the plunge and ordered a full milltek, resonated as I don't want the noise. I have read a few people went exhaust with a change in panel filter for stage 2 and were happy with it, will try that first as I already have a VWR filter. Again I don't really want the noise a induction brings so will sacrifice a few bhp to keep the airbox. Everything I have ready says the exhaust (Down pipe and cat) are the most important parts to free the engine up.

Out of interrest does anyone class their induction as quiet ?

Knowing me and my need to tinker I will be looking at fuel pumps and inductions at some point !

[mk4gti-t]

Looking into stage 2 myself. What intercooler are you running? Was thinking of just cat back for now until the urge gets hold of me again

[Madone]

Not gone for a new IC yet, from what I have read rhe standard one is ok (unless you are on a track or driving really hard on a really really hot day). I don't think a cat back exhaust will do anything, the cat and the down pipe are the things which give you stage 2. Don't bother with cat back - at least that is what I have been told/read. It might sound better with a cat back but def won't give you stage 2. As you say, the urge to mod is there 

[MC71]

Standard IC is kak. Like the HPFP the a uprated IC will benefit even a stock car. For cheap look at an S3, for really good look at THS or the Darkside one or for great get s PERON.

Stage 1..... faster
Stage 2..... a bit faster that stage 1
Stage 2+....... a bit faster than stage 2

Take your pick! 

Made my chuckle! 

[xjay1337]

Oh another thread goes to talk about intercoolers

I'm off - SEE YA LATER!

[Shoduchi]

I already made a list of parts that I want to fit in my future Eddie and I'm going for a boxed CAI (from VWR due to MOT requirements in my country), IC (from Darkside or THS) and full TBE with sports cat Powervalve Prestige system from BCS (going for the current GB from BCS).

Also planning suspension and brake upgrades to cope with the added power.

I'm also after a quiet intake and exhaust while pottling around.

[Madone]

Am I missing something, why has he posted a picture of a chap with a beard ???, how is that relevant to discussing intercoolers ?

[rich83]

Am I missing something, why has he posted a picture of a chap with a beard ???, how is that relevant to discussing intercoolers ?

No idea.  Jay is a "special person"

[TaylorGTi]

Am I missing something, why has he posted a picture of a chap with a beard ???, how is that relevant to discussing intercoolers ?

The man with the beard does quite possibly the funniest vines going