McLaren 570S Stage 1 vs Stage 2 — M838T 3.8T V8 Tuning
The McLaren 570S produces 562 HP from its M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 — McLaren's entry-level supercar that's already faster than most rivals. McLaren deliberately software-limits the 570S below the 600LT and 650S. ECU tuning unlocks that hidden potential, pushing the 570S into 600-series and even 720S territory for a fraction of the cost.
Stage 1 — 640 HP, Software Only
A Stage 1 tune increases boost pressure and optimizes ignition timing for ~80 HP over stock — pushing the 570S past the factory output of the 600LT (600 HP). At 1,313 kg dry weight, every additional HP translates directly into faster acceleration.
| Spec | Stock | Stage 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 562 HP | ~640 HP |
| Torque | 600 Nm | ~700 Nm |
| Hardware | — | None required |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.2s | ~2.8s |
Stage 2 — 720 HP with Exhaust
Stage 2 adds a sport exhaust or catless downpipes. At ~720 HP, the 570S matches the stock output of the 720S — essentially turning a 570S into a 720S for a fraction of the price.
| Spec | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | ~640 HP | ~720 HP |
| Torque | ~700 Nm | ~780 Nm |
| Hardware | None | Downpipes + exhaust |
| 0-100 km/h | ~2.8s | ~2.5s |
Full Comparison
| Factor | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Over Stock | +80 HP | +160 HP |
| Hardware Cost | $0 | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Install Time | 1-2 hours | 6-10 hours |
| Daily Drivable? | Yes | Yes |
| Reversible? | Fully | Yes |
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| ECU Calibration | $1,800-$2,500 | Included |
| Downpipes | — | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Sport Exhaust | — | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Labour | $200-$500 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Total | $2,000-$3,000 | $6,000-$12,000 |
The 570S offers the best tuning value in the McLaren range — Stage 1 delivers 600LT power for under $3K, and Stage 2 delivers 720S power for under $12K.
Reliability
The M838T is McLaren's most produced engine with a strong track record. Forged internals, dry-sump oiling, and the 7-speed SSG transmission handle Stage 1-2 power without modification. Maintain McLaren service intervals with quality 0W-40 synthetic.
M838T vs M840T
The 720S uses the M840T — a 4.0-litre evolution with a larger bore. Both share architecture and tuning philosophy. The 570S's smaller displacement means it reaches peak output sooner but the M838T has proven equally reliable at elevated power levels.
Which Stage?
Stage 1 to match 600LT power with zero hardware. The best value modification in the McLaren lineup. Stage 2 to match a stock 720S at ~720 HP — essentially buying 720S performance for a 570S price plus exhaust hardware. For owners who track their 570S, Stage 2 is the ultimate setup before considering turbo upgrades.
FAQ
Q: How much HP does a Stage 1 tune add to a 570S?
~80 HP, bringing total output to ~640 HP — surpassing the factory output of the McLaren 600LT (600 HP) with software alone.
Q: Can a tuned 570S match a 720S?
Yes. A Stage 2 570S at ~720 HP matches the stock 720S output. The 720S is lighter but the power delivery is essentially identical.
Q: Is the McLaren 570S M838T engine reliable when tuned?
Yes. The M838T has forged internals and has proven reliable at Stage 1-2 power levels across many builds worldwide.
Q: How much does it cost to tune a McLaren 570S?
Stage 1 costs $2,000-$3,000 total. Stage 2 with exhaust hardware costs $6,000-$12,000 — still far less than buying a 720S.
Q: Which McLaren models use the M838T engine?
The 570S, 570GT, 540C, 600LT, 650S, and 675LT all use variants of the M838T 3.8T V8. Tuning approach is similar across all models.
See also: 720S Stage 1 vs 2 | What is ECU Tuning? | Stage 1 vs 2 vs 3