What's the difference between Sports ECU and Engine Stage 1

[RoadRunner36]

I was reading the part descriptions for the parts in the GTAuto, but I found that both the engine stage 1 and ECU upgrades have extremely similar descriptions. Other than the thinner head gasket, both the ECU and engine upgrade specify that the ignition timing, valve timing, etc. are adjusted. Can someone explain the difference between the two?

 

[Sick Cylinder]

I was reading the part descriptions for the parts in the GTAuto, but I found that both the engine stage 1 and ECU upgrades have extremely similar descriptions. Other than the thinner head gasket, both the ECU and engine upgrade specify that the ignition timing, valve timing, etc. are adjusted. Can someone explain the difference between the two?

They have both been imagined by PD. The ECU and catalytic converter change will give you the best value performance increase. I believe that the engine stages increase the peak revs of the engine in the game.

In real life (before the days of ECU's!) stage 1 used to describe a series of changes which didn't include physical changes to the engine. Tuning was grouped by tuners into matched sets of changes which would work well together to suit the clients intended purpose. Stage 1 was normally a sports air filter, re-jetted carb, sports exhaust silencer. Stage 3 would be fast road - cylinder head port matching and big valves etc. Stage 5 would be full race - special pistons etc.

 

[coryclifford]

Computer maps are changed compared to mechanical parts. Like cam gears and the distributor timing.

 

[OdeFinn]

I was reading the part descriptions for the parts in the GTAuto, but I found that both the engine stage 1 and ECU upgrades have extremely similar descriptions. Other than the thinner head gasket, both the ECU and engine upgrade specify that the ignition timing, valve timing, etc. are adjusted. Can someone explain the difference between the two?

Engine stage 1 upgrade rises less redline, 100rpm, and ECU upgrade 300rpm.
If you want sharp torque response from engine use engine stage upgrades, and if you want less sharp but longer power curve use ECU.
Those are effective on grip, some setup doesn't like sharp torque and other peg for it.
With ECU you probably could(need) stiffer deceleration LSD 'coz less resistance from engine torque during braking, with engine upgrades you may go more open declaration locking.

 

[RoadRunner36]

Thanks for the info guys!