Stage 1 Questions for the Rookie

[jbrown1977]

When I first drilled through this forum I couldn't find any specific information on the Stage 1 upgrade. Here goes:

1.) Price? I've heard around 350-400 dollars?

2.) Driveability? Any downsides?

3.) What are the fuel requirements?

4.) What's the real impact on performance?

5.) Any other requirements, like mandatory modifications? I've already ordered the K&N drop-in...

Thanks in advance.

JRB ("The Rookie")

[rice_killing_GT]

quote:Originally posted by jbrown1977

When I first drilled through this forum I couldn't find any specific information on the Stage 1 upgrade. Here goes:

1.) Price? I've heard around 350-400 dollars? can be had for EDIT $330.00 + $30.00 if you have autostick

2.) Driveability? Any downsides? no drvability issues, the downside is possibly more speeding tickets if you can't stay off the pedal and the expensive surgery to remove the permanent smile on your face [8)]

3.) What are the fuel requirements? premium fuel

4.) What's the real impact on performance? able to run higher boost without getting a CEL, redline about 6200rpms, some have gotten better gas mileage (I'm not one of them)

5.) Any other requirements, like mandatory modifications? I've already ordered the K&N drop-in... no mandatory requirements, but airbox silencers removed, K&N and exhaust wouldn't hurt but not necessary

Thanks in advance.

JRB ("The Rookie")

[Mike-in-Orange]

Well, let's see if I can go thru this point by point:

1) $350-400 is correct, depending on how well you shop around

2) Other than possibly shortened tire life and reduced fuel economy if you keep your right foot planted, there is no downside to driveability. If fact, the overall driveability is improved due to increased turbo response whether partial throttle or WOT.

3) You can get away with regular unleaded, but 91 octane is really the way to go if you want to get everything out of it.

4) Performance gains are 15-25HP, depending on whether you have a 215HP '03 or a 220HP '04 model and whether you choose to claim the high or low end of the 235-240HP numbers given. Plus the improvements noted in point 2 above. Unless you're like me and added S1 to a 180HP Turbo Lite, then jumping immediately to 235-240HP is a real eye opener!

5) No mandatory mods, but a nice air intake and exhaust couldn't hurt!

By the way, if you're looking to install it yourself and you have an '04 it's downright simple. All in all a great mod for $350.

[PT2NV]

quote:Originally posted by rice_killing_GT


1.) Price? I've heard around 350-400 dollars? can be had for $230.00 + $30.00 if you have autostick

???????? $230 ?????????? Where ?????

[rice_killing_GT]

quote:Originally posted by PT2NV

???????? $230 ?????????? Where ?????

Sorry bro, didn't mean to get you excited I mistyped the #'s it should read $330.00, this a for a 2003 GT the 2004 is $375.00. if still interested here's the link:
https://www.1stchryslerparts.com/pro...76b21d6701eb5e

[PTGT_Boy]

I'm not sure about the California emmission laws, but I think a Stage 1 is not for highway use (it's okay for the race track)??? I need some help on Cali's to answer this [^].

[rice_killing_GT]

quote:Originally posted by PTGT_Boy

I'm not sure about the California emmission laws, but I think a Stage 1 is not for highway use (it's okay for the race track)??? I need some help on Cali's to answer this [^].

I'm from Cali, I have Stage 1 and had an offline Smog Test done, it passed with flying colors

[Mike-in-Orange]

quote:rice_killing_GT Posted - 03/18/2004 : 11:34:57 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm from Cali, I have Stage 1 and had an offline Smog Test done, it passed with flying colors

I believe I've read somewhere else that someone did the same thing, with the same result - a good thing in my book! My dealer told me it would not pass CA emissions tests, but they told me all sorts of inaccurate things too, so I'm more inclined to believe folks who have actually done it!

[jbrown1977]

When I still had my Neon and I swapped out the PCM, I had to have the mileage flashed. Since I've got an '04 its my understanding that the upgrade only involves a similar PCM changeout -- am I still required to have a dealer scan the mileage in?

Thanks,

JB

[Mike-in-Orange]

JB, when I got mine I supplied the dealer with my VIN and mileage. Not sure why they need the mileage, but there you go. And yes, for an '04 the upgrade is just the PCM.