Question 1

What stages of ECU tuning are available for my car, and what parts do I need to change?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1 Tuning: This optimises your stock vehicle's performance and acceleration without the need for any aftermarket performance parts to be added. This is a great option for those seeking to improve their vehicle's performance while maintaining near-stock engine noise levels and comfort. Adding an aftermarket intake or exhaust system will further increase power gains and give the vehicle a more sporty and aggressive sound.

Stage 2 Tuning: This increases vehicle performance significantly beyond stock figures. This is achieved by further improving the intake and exhaust flow, allowing the engine to breathe better, and then optimising the engine's tuning to take advantage of these modifications. For this stage, physical modifications are essential. We suggest an aftermarket downpipe with a high-flow cat and an aftermarket intake. An upgraded intercooler can further improve performance by keeping intake air temperatures cooler.

Stage 3 Tuning: This is designed to deliver maximum performance gains from your stock engine without compromising reliability or drivability. Stage 3 requires various bolt-on modifications before tuning can be performed, including an upgraded intake and intercooler, an upgraded turbocharger and an upgraded exhaust system. Fuel system upgrades are often required, including upgraded injectors, upgraded low- and high-pressure fuel pumps, flex-fuel sensors for ethanol, and, in some cases, additional port or methanol injection.

Question 2

Can I make changes to my tune later or revert it back to stock?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If we've tuned your car, and you'd like to change something about your tune or return your vehicle to stock, we can easily do that. Some of our tunes are also program-switchable, so that you can switch between various tuning stages via the vehicle interior.

Question 3

Why is TCU tuning recommended along with ECU tuning?

Accepted Answer

We recommend tuning the transmission control unit (TCU), as it has a major influence on how your vehicle drives, feels, and performs. Most people focus solely on engine tuning, yet the transmission is responsible for how that power is delivered to the wheels.

Factory TCU software is built to cover a broad range of driving styles, climates and fuel qualities, so it's often conservative by design. By optimising the TCU, we can improve shift speed, shift smoothness, torque management, clutch pressure and overall drivability. As a result, your vehicle will respond more predictably, shift more decisively, and better support the increased performance from an ECU tune or hardware upgrades.

One of the biggest limitations in a tuned vehicle without a matched TCU calibration is torque management. Many modern transmissions communicate directly with the engine ECU and will actively request torque reduction during shifts or when internal torque limits are exceeded. Even if your engine is capable of producing more power, the factory TCU can 'cap' real-world output by closing the throttle, pulling ignition timing or reducing boost to protect the transmission. This means you may not be experiencing the full potential of your tuned engine, despite having invested in performance upgrades.

Tuning the TCU lets us raise and recalibrate these torque limits safely, enabling the transmission and engine to work in harmony. This delivers smoother power delivery, stronger acceleration and a drivetrain that feels properly matched rather than electronically restrained.

Question 4

Is tuning safe for my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

​​Yes, tuning is safe for your vehicle when carried out by a trained professional with high-quality software and proper care. Mantra Motorsport is a registered dealer for Celtic Tuning and APR, two industry leaders who invest heavily in research, development and dyno testing. Their calibration files are engineered to stay within the safe operating limits of each engine and transmission.

It's important to note that more performance can lead to more wear, especially if you're driving your car harder. Using high-quality fluids and good fuel and servicing the vehicle more regularly are the best ways to keep a tuned car reliable. With proper maintenance, tuning can be both safe for your car and highly rewarding.

FAQ