It's been awhile since I've posted an update. I picked up a used vent gauge from a local guy. This reads boost, checks & clears codes, and has a 0-60 timer. This thing is pretty cool.

I've been wanting to go to the track to get some baseline runs before the mods begin. The only change I made was I installed a set of Firestone Indy 500 tires. I was expecting low 14's, but didn't think I'd run this well. I was having major traction issues when launching.


After the track, the mod bug bit me. There were a couple of Spring sales that I couldn't pass up. I ordered an Integrated Engineering intercooler and Black Forrest Industries Stage 1 mounts (engine, transmission, & dog bone insert). I also took advantage of the APR sale and flashed stage 1 ECU/TCU tunes (engine & transmission). The car is a beast now! The mounts have not shipped, yet. They are supposed to go out this week and then I plan on hitting the track again after I install them. I'd like to run 13.4 or better. I'm planning on finishing up everything I need for FBO stage 2 during Black Friday. I'll probably end up buying a pair of lightweight 17's for the front with MT tires and I'll be shooting for 12.5's.

 

^ You're apparently not at all worried about warranty being voided.

Awesome dude, car looks sweet!

 

I love those gauges they make for VW/Audi. The fact they integrate perfectly into the interior is so cool.

Sounds like you gained just a little bit of performance too. The mod bug can never be kept at bay.

 

Nice Adam! Your car will easily do 12s with DSG / Stage 2.

I don't sleep on GTIs / Golf Rs ... they can be made very quick.

 

I was trying to make it a full year, but going drag racing did me in. After watching a bunch of videos of Stage 2 cars, I couldn't wait any longer. The major weak point on these is the turbo. If it blows, I'll just upgrade and go bigger.
I've always loved the look of this gauge and when one popped up for sale locally, I couldn't pass it up.
I've been keeping my eye on a few different turbo set ups that have recently come out. They are breaking into the 10's with very reasonably priced turbos. I just don't know how the long-term reliability is, yet. For now, I'm happy to be as quick as I can on the stock turbo.

 

I had a busy couple of days. My dad and I planned a track night to run against each other. He has a stock 2013 5.0 Mustang. He got the best of me that night running 13.1 @ 108. I had trouble launching, of course, but FWD problems. These were my best runs of the night. The 60' tells the story.




A couple of days prior, I came across one hell of a deal on a set of Golf R wheels and tires. I had been keeping my eyes open for a set, so I had to jump on them. I made an almost 8 hour round trip drive to pick them up. These are 19x8, flow formed, 21 lbs, and made by BBS. They are very sought after OEM wheel in the VW community and I'm in love with how they look! After the track, I cleaned up the car and threw them on. The spacers might be a little too aggressive, but so far it's not rubbing.

 

Don't take the spacers off for something less. Fitment looks perfect. Car looks really good.

 

A greed.

 

Love those wheels. My favorite VW wheel.

 

Jason just wants the spacers on so he's not the only one that can't take his spacers off.

 

After much debate and a little bit of rubbing, I ordered a pair of 10mm spacers for the front. It's hard to see in the photos, but the tires have a lip protector that sticks way out past the fender. I think it will put them exactly where I want. Once I upgrade to some sticky tires, I'll have the option to play with spacers depending on how wide/narrow the new tires run.
Thanks, me too! I almost bought a set a few months ago for $1300 with minor curb rash. I picked these up for $850

 

I'd buy them for that price too.

 

As I've commented on your IG photos, looks PERFECT.

Also, mid 13s @ 105 is really solid for just a tune .. the fact you're only a few car lengths behind a 5.0 goes to show you how great a linear powerband & DSG is.

Love it man

 

Damnnn.. that's great.

 

Especially with that weakass 60'

 

Ah shit, you already made fun of yourself in that regard

 

Wheels look great too!

 

Agreed, 60ft could be worked on.

He would easily be deep into the 13s with a better launch.

 

I'd just be happy with it.. a dig okay, technicals, but damn it can fly.

 

I like the fact he's within 3mph on a 5.0 with just a software tweak ...

 

hells yeah.. checks out carsdotcom for GTIs

 

Thanks, Tyler! I couldn't be happier with how its coming along. I have a feeling a bigger turbo is in the future.
Yeah my launch was crap. I'd love to race my dad from a roll, I think we would be even. I took him off the line and he wasn't able to reel me in. I'm sure I'd trap a little higher if I was able to hook up.

 

 

Yeah, Adam...crazy but I know how addictive this little 2.0t is to drive...absolutely love it.
I get it, I wouldn't bacon fenders over some aggressive fitment either, especially when spacers on German cars are so easy.

 

 

LOL...
I wonder how I could get it...

I might drop back to 12mm from the 15's too...if I rub.

 

God! That is hawt!

 

So...lemme know when you want to sell those Pretorias...

 

 

Need updates!! I love the Prets - great choice.

 

back off brah, I had first dibs.

 

Those are some damn good looking OEM wheels

Updates Adam, updates!

 

I've been gone for a while, but seeing the progress of your GTI made it so worth coming back. Looks amazing with the new wheels! And your 1/4 times match my Charger R/T's best.

 

Hey guys, I have lots to update! I've been very busy with this car since my last post.
Intake upgrades, emblems, new tires.







Found a local guy selling a used APR catback







Next was time to upgrade to stage 2. I bought an APR downpipe, Unitronic turbo inlet pipe, and APR boost tap. I went back to the track, but struggled to launch. Too high and it wheel hopped. Too low and it bogged. Best run of the night was 13.5 @108mph









Most recent photos

 

Two nights ago I placed my order for an IS38 hybrid turbo, the Littco L450. Guys on the forums are making 400whp/400wtq on 93 pump gas. This turbo will hit max boost 28psi at 3200rpms and hold it all the way until redline. If I upgrade fuel pumps, I'll be able to run an e-blend tune and make 430-450whp. I still need to order a Cobb accessport from my tuner and then I'll take the car to my guy to install everything. This car will be a monster once I'm done tuning. I'll probably end up with a pair of 17's with drag radials for the front. That should look pretty mean driving around town with that setup. I'll post updates when the turbo gets installed.

 

What RPM are you launching at? Are you still in the 2s range for 60ft times?

 

Not high at all... somewhere between 2000-2500 and my 60' was 2.5. I was also launching in Sport mode, which causes wheel hop when TC kicks in. I've done all the traction mods through OBD11 and should try with TC fully off next time. I think a 17'' tire with more sidewall and better compound will help.

 

Yeah, definitely turn off traction in the future.

I'm also wondering if the dog-bone insert you have is too soft. I'm running the Powerflex hybrid (it replaces the lower puck and is an insert for the upper puck) along with the RocEuro stabilizer bar, and I highly recommend it. Even with the BFI mounts, NVH is minimal compared to stock.

 

My setup is definitely DD friendly. I have zero vibrations from my BFI/APR combo. Hows the NVH from your Powerflex? After my mechanic tuned my car and took it for a ride, he was surprised how great it felt. I forget what he has on his car, but it had tons of vibrations. I'm not a huge fan of the RocEuro bar. It doesn't look very beefy and guys are having issues with the bolts backing out.

 

I love your car and updates, Adam.
I'd love to hear your farts in person one day.
Dutch oven style.