No, ive never had a stage 1.
Ive always got R-tech to do my custom maps for me...so stage 2 custom mapped.
When you push power, the stock maf housing becomes restrictive, only allowing about 187g/s of air through it....so you need a bigger housing to flow more air and get adjustments in the ECU. SAme with the injectors, they are on max duty cycle at 235ish bhp.
Oh, need a good fuel pump too.
Pickles....Nope....precess of ellimination really with vagcom. Dremel or a good file will be enough.