Stage 1 - Johnny come lately

[JohnM]

I intalled the stage 1 kit on my '03 on Saturday, and I'm really happy with the results. As most everyone who's reported on S1 has said, the power and auto trans programming is a great improvement. The part throttle power increase is really nice too. This thing is getting fast enough that it needs suspension upgrades to keep up with the speed!

The installation of the injectors is kind of a PITA, and I hope I don't have to de-install to pass inspection here in Dallas. I went for a new sticker last week to put it off as far as possible.

While I had the upper manifold off, I also installed new plugs and Mopar performance wires. I found that one of my spark plugs was not fully tight and the plug was blackened on the outside. This is with 12K miles on the car with the factory installed plugs.

Oh .... and I got pulled over while doing the auto trans quick learn. I told the officer that I had to go through this series of kickdown downshifts to program the new engine computer that I had just installed. He said that since I had such an original story, and my driving record was spotless, I got off with a warning!! Whew.

[Culprat]

JohnM,

With the down pipe from scott mesh already installed
you are getting a little extra. I know this because I
did the install- Stage-1,Scott Mesh down pipe,Amx inlet
pipe.Each part helping the one be for it prefrom that
much more efficient.

[JohnM]

Agreed Culprat. I believe that the exhaust is especially important to maximizing the combination. This belief was influenced by 3BarBoost's posts, but it also goes way back to my SBC V8 hot rodding days.

My expectations for stage 1, big downpipe and cat, Mopar catback, Mopar (K&N) dropin filter & Mopar plug wires are 240 HP. Fairly modest I know, but only a guess. Either way, it's enough HP for the tires and suspension. I can understand the traction limitations reported by those who go to the track.

P.S. I got to drive a genuine Chevy Nascar stock car at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday at Team Texas's driving school. Now That's power!! An experience I'll never forget, but one I want to repeat asap.