Stage 3

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alimoalem

Diamond Member
Sep 22, 2005
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I was just wondering, what does it mean for something to be Stage 3? For example, a Stage 3 clutch.

What other stages do we have?
What do the different stages mean?
Is a stock part a certain stage? Or are aftermarket things only classified by stages?
What parts can have different stages?

The only thing I could find out by searching on my own is that the higher the stage, the performance-oriented the part.

TIA for any help.
 
exdeath

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
It's just a generic performance classification everyone likes to use. Generally most people use three stages and stage 3 would be their top end setup, though some like go to stage 4 and 5 and that is usually race car only stuff (eg: full face unsprung ceramic clutch discs, etc).

It can really only be use to describe a single manufacturers part relative to their other "stages" and doesn't universally mean anything.
 
Demon-Xanth

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Stage 1: 8800GT
Stage 2: 8800GTS
Stage 3: 8800GTX

...and as exdeath said, you can't compare one manufacturer's stages to another's. It's just a naming system that the company uses. There's bound to be atleast one company that defines stage 3 as "painted yellow".

Now, there are "stages" of nitrous that are often referred to when someone utilizes multiple systems to be able to more evenly control the flow into the engine. But usually those are only a first stage plate and a second stage nozzle kit or vice-verse. Generally manufacturers don't sell them like that though, it's how they're used.
 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
In general, and as it applies to engines:

Stage 1: A re-tuned computer with stock mechanicals, possibly a modification to the intake.
Stage 2: Modifications to both intake and exhaust along with a computer re-tune.
Stage 3: Major mechanical modifications (may include camshafts, forced induction, etc).

Typically clutches will skip Stage 1 and Stage 2 since those modifications can almost always be handled by the stock clutch. Stage 3, which is getting serious, needs the higher grip of a stronger clutch and usually a stronger pressure plate as well.

A "Stage 3" clutch will be grabby and will have more of an "on/off" feel than the stock clutch. It will be more difficult to modulate smoothly.

As far as stock parts, they are sometimes referred to as "Stage 0", though, more often, "Stage 0" refers to the basic going-over done to an older car before modifications are started (for example, when I bought my S70 I did a "Stage 0" on it, which meant renewing the vacuum lines, the intercooler piping boots, plugs, coil, wires, distributor cap and rotor, all before doing any modifications).

As others have said, one parts company's "Stage 3" is not always the same as another's, so it's difficult to compare across companies, but as a rule of thumb, the descriptions I gave should be reasonably accurate.

ZV
 
Y

yelo333

Senior member
Dec 13, 2003
990
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Thanks for asking this question. It's one I've had myself for a long time, but felt too stupid to ask it. Now I know. :thumbsup:
 
A

alimoalem

Diamond Member
Sep 22, 2005
4,025
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Thanks for the replies people. And thanks for the detailed description and examples ZV.

yelo333, no problem. I've had a bigger problem finding someone to ask...then I remembered AT Garage :D
 
Gillbot

Gillbot

Lifer
Jan 11, 2001
28,830
17
81
It's a gaming term from Gran Turismo that people think is commonly accepted in the performance world.
 
HannibalX

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
9,359
2
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It's silly video game speak that ricers use because they don't know what else to say. They can't actually describe what they have done/will do to their car so they use these generic terms instead.
 
exdeath

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
Originally posted by: Gillbot
It's a gaming term from Gran Turismo that people think is commonly accepted in the performance world.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking no...

http://www.roushperformance.com/vehicles.shtml
http://www.dinancars.com/store/home.php?cat=456
http://specclutch.com/cars/Ford/Mustang/2003/Single
http://www.moparsupercenter.co...s_search&mode=products

Some people just make shit up and apply those labels to their own random upgrade combination eg: what the hell is a stage 3 Honda. But if someone says stage 3 SRT-4 you know they are talking about the well known factory Dodge stage 3 upgrade package straight from the Mopar catalog and have a pretty good idea exactly what they are running without having to enumerate.

But to recap what's been said, typically it's something like:

stage 1: mild flash tune and intake (stock boost)

stage 2: stage 1 + more aggressive tune + exhaust + turbo waste gate and boost controller or supercharger pulley if forced induction present (most boost)

stage 3: stage 2 + injectors and air metering upgrades, adding forced induction if not present or upgrading stock turbo/blower (typically the most you can safely get from a stock engine, without rebuilding internals)

Of course somewhere along the way you can find random fluff like lowering springs and "upgraded" coil wires thrown in.
 
Gillbot

Gillbot

Lifer
Jan 11, 2001
28,830
17
81
It started with gran turismo, ask any seasoned veteran in the performance world and they'll tell you it's a recent term.
 
halik

halik

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
25,696
1
81
Stupid, generic marketing term for bolt on modification. Doesn't actually mean anything.

edit: Yeah from gran tourismo or fast & furious or some such crap.
 
Kadarin

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
Originally posted by: halik
Stupid, generic marketing term for bolt on modification. Doesn't actually mean anything.

edit: Yeah from gran tourismo or fast & furious or some such crap.
Click to expand...

It actually predates all that crap, I think.

And yeah, it's pure marketing.
 
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