Ok. So what we want here is a clear, concise list of what a stage 1 file should consist of.

Guidelines that must be adhered to:

1. Safe for STOCK HARDWARE.
2. Safe for either 91 or 93 octane
3. Simplicity

I think we start with a list of maps. If you feel something should be included, post your reasoning. I will be cleaning this thread up periodically to make sure it stays easy to follow

My list:

LDRXN - requested load cap (increase boost)
NMAX - rev limiter (easy, because it is a single value!)
VMAX - speed limiter (easy, because it is a single value!)
LAMFA - one of three ways to do fueling.. I'm not sure it is the easiest, because it requires two somewhat confusing related changes:
1) req torque axis - changing axis data is tricky, and to make matters worse, stock axis values are kinda screwed up
2) low pass filter/time constant changes - the time constant value is somewhat odd, in that its units are strange.

We could alternately do fueling via BTS or KR, but both have their own oddities. Opinions?

KFZW/KFZW2 - timing. The easiest thing to do for the guide is to tell the noob to just keep the two maps the same in high load/rpm areas... would talking about cam position make things overly complicated?

NWPMBBR/VMPMBBR - allow left foot braking (easy, single values!)

Step 1. Learn about internal combustion engines and understand how and why they work.

Then everything else can fall into place.

Far too many people don't seem to understand even basic concepts absolutely vital to engine tuning of any kind.

Most people have no idea why timing should be removed somewhere and added else where except for maybe they've heard/read that peak TQ will have the lowest value (not always true) or something to that respect. Or why targeting a certain lambda value on one engine/setup won't work for another. Most don't understand the other many influences that happen in a dynamic running engine.

If just creating a flow chart is the purpose of this thread then ignore my comments I suppose.  But changing a bunch of numbers around that someone can only relate to as more is better here and less is better there because someone said so isn't "tuning".

My vision was to treat the process like an apprenticeship, seeking out a few mentors to take people willing to learn through the process.

After looking at the VAVMX/VMAX (Speed Limiter) that Nye referred to (value displayed in km/hr) I decided to leave mine at the stock 143 mph (230 kph) level because that is faster than I anticipate driving.

Is Grad C a unit?

Where van i get such Nice defined M xdf? Would you share?

I would love to learn the process! I am a mechanic and fully understand the basics of engine operation, but I have never played with software and just need guidance on how a certain setting not only changes parameters of the aspect it pertains to, but how it references other associated paramters to come up with a final value.
Say ignition timing for instance. In a distributor style ignition system you really can only adjust base ignition timing and the advance curve. In my 2001 GTI with a 1.8t I believe that timing not only changes due to engine speed, but boost level, driver requested load value, coolant temperature, ambient temperature, knock detection, etc., and is capable of varying individual cylinder timing if I'm not mistaken.

Basically I would love for someone to guide me through what changes affect what, and how it affects everything around it so I can grasp the whole big picture of how the Motronic system manages an engine.