stage 1 i didnt really see the need for the extra money to be spent
The cost of the 2 chips is about the same. the difference in money is regular vs midgrade gas.
I have the stage 2 so I can't compare it to a stage 1, but in my book, I like to go for as much ignition advance as possible and that is the main difference between the stage 1 & 2.
The advanced ingnition must come on at low speeds as the most noticable differece after the chip was the ability of the engine to pull between 300 and 1000RPM without stalling. I have a stick shift and I can pull at least one gear higher at the same RPM without stalling.
To me this low end power is important as I tow and drive off-road on occasion.