The horsepower gains you get with chip tuning depend on several factors: the engine type, whether a turbo is already installed, and how the manufacturer's software is configured. In practice, gains range from approximately 5 hp to over 100 hp , depending on the engine type and the chosen tuning stage.
Turbo = more profit
The greatest gains are achieved with engines that are factory-equipped with a turbo . The software is modified to increase turbo pressure and optimize injection. This often results in significant improvements in both power and torque. Average gains with stage 1 chip tuning :
- Turbocharged petrol (e.g. 1.4 TSI, 2.0 TFSI, 1.5 EcoBoost): +25 to +60 hp
- Turbodiesel (e.g. 2.0 TDI): +20 to +50 hp
- Without turbo (e.g. 1.6 petrol): +5 to +12 hp
Why are the numbers different?
Not every car responds to chip tuning in the same way. The exact gain depends on several factors, such as:
- The manufacturer's engine software (some engines are deliberately 'throttled')
- The state of maintenance of the car
- The fuel quality
- Heat management and turbo size
Note: A tuner can promise high numbers, but reliable tuning always considers the engine's safety margins. Overly aggressive software can lead to excessive wear or engine damage.
More horsepower? Then often additional upgrades are needed.
Want to go beyond stage 1? Then you'll soon reach stage 2 or 3 tuning . These require additional upgrades to ensure reliability, such as:
- Downpipe
- Intercooler
- Fuel pump
- Air intake
- Reinforced clutch or modified DSG software
JT-Products supplies these parts but doesn't perform tuning ourselves. We are happy to advise you on the correct order and components for a safe and sustainable power upgrade.
Advice from JT-Products
Don't be guided solely by horsepower. Always ask about torque (Nm) and how the engine responds to the tuning. A car with "only" 30+ hp can feel much faster in practice thanks to improved torque buildup at low revs.
Want to know how much power your car can safely gain with chip tuning, or what upgrades you need? Contact our reliable chip tuning partner via WhatsApp.
