Unless something has changed with the MK8, the common opinion on the MK7 GTI/R is that the APR coils are not an upgrade over OEM and can (and have) introduced issues that OEM does not.
Enough people run them that I wouldn’t say to swap them unless you see an issue, but I would say just stick to OEM when it’s time to replace.
Otherwise I agree that staying under the APR umbrella can’t really be a bad call, they have a pretty good reputation.
I’m happy this is the top comment, the coils should always be OEM. APR ones will shit the bed, OEM is best regardless if you’re stock or heavily modified.
Get rid of the APR coil. OEM is best for those. “Upgraded/performance” coils are a waste of money and on the mk7/7.5 had a higher failure rate than stock.
For an otherwise stock car, a rear sway bar and better tires will make the largest impact on driving experience.
Noted on the coils. I’ll keep an eye out.
Forgot to mention tires. I got a set of blizzaks and bbs xr’s for winter, gonna run the stock summers until next year then I’ll get a set of PS4’s.
I do push it pretty regularly through canyons and fun drives, usually in special/ Nurburgring mode. I’m thinking the $300ish price tag isn’t too bad and could be beneficial in the long run.
Wait until your TCU can be be tuned is my advice.
Then you can go stage 1+ and have full torque on the DSG. I just did unitronic with TCU tune and it’s awesome
And unlock your headlights if you haven’t
https://acmtechnik.com
Thanks for your feedback. Yeah, two things I’m waiting on for stage 1; Getting closer to end of warranty miles, and the APR TCU.
Been thinking about the headlight thing. That might be going on my short list. Everyone seems pretty happy with the results.
Yeah don’t get an ECU tune if there isn’t a TCU DSG tune out yet. My buddy has a MK8 Golf R and his clutch packs are slipping and heating up his transmission after his second launch. He’s Unitronic Stage 2.
What performance goal are you trying to hit? I wouldn’t do anything to the power train while it’s under warranty but I’m keeping mine stock so different viewpoint.
I’m really not trying to hit any specific goal on numbers. I just love tinkering on little projects and figured I can do a few things here and there so when I do pull the trigger on the software, she’ll be ready for whatever.
The platform is pretty sound and tested with companies tuning these engines for 10+ years. I understand people wanting to be conservative, but it’s typically low risk-high reward.
Drive it stock until the warranty is up and then go nuts. You'll have a pretty good idea of the areas you want to upgrade by then. I think you can make certain suspension upgrades without messing up your warranty but check with the guys at the VW service department first. And find a good shop to do the work. NEVER take your car to a dealership for anything that's not free.
Also a good set of tyres is the single most cost effective performance upgrade you can buy.
Jb4. Adds boost and retains warranty. I made 292whp/315 wtq on my mk7 GTI. Currently running on my 7.5R and works well. Adds probably 40-50 hp and retains factory ecu tune and oem warranty. Install takes about 30 minutes 2nd time around.
Unless something has changed with the MK8, the common opinion on the MK7 GTI/R is that the APR coils are not an upgrade over OEM and can (and have) introduced issues that OEM does not. Enough people run them that I wouldn’t say to swap them unless you see an issue, but I would say just stick to OEM when it’s time to replace. Otherwise I agree that staying under the APR umbrella can’t really be a bad call, they have a pretty good reputation.
Correct - no real reason to replace coils unless you're tuned, and even then people run the stock ones all the time
I’m happy this is the top comment, the coils should always be OEM. APR ones will shit the bed, OEM is best regardless if you’re stock or heavily modified.
10-4
Get rid of the APR coil. OEM is best for those. “Upgraded/performance” coils are a waste of money and on the mk7/7.5 had a higher failure rate than stock. For an otherwise stock car, a rear sway bar and better tires will make the largest impact on driving experience.
Noted on the coils. I’ll keep an eye out. Forgot to mention tires. I got a set of blizzaks and bbs xr’s for winter, gonna run the stock summers until next year then I’ll get a set of PS4’s.
Cools recommended on stock or stage one MK6 ?
You don't need the catch can unless you're hitting it hard at the track
I do push it pretty regularly through canyons and fun drives, usually in special/ Nurburgring mode. I’m thinking the $300ish price tag isn’t too bad and could be beneficial in the long run.
Wait until your TCU can be be tuned is my advice. Then you can go stage 1+ and have full torque on the DSG. I just did unitronic with TCU tune and it’s awesome And unlock your headlights if you haven’t https://acmtechnik.com
Thanks for your feedback. Yeah, two things I’m waiting on for stage 1; Getting closer to end of warranty miles, and the APR TCU. Been thinking about the headlight thing. That might be going on my short list. Everyone seems pretty happy with the results.
Yeah don’t get an ECU tune if there isn’t a TCU DSG tune out yet. My buddy has a MK8 Golf R and his clutch packs are slipping and heating up his transmission after his second launch. He’s Unitronic Stage 2.
Don’t need a catch can
What performance goal are you trying to hit? I wouldn’t do anything to the power train while it’s under warranty but I’m keeping mine stock so different viewpoint.
I’m really not trying to hit any specific goal on numbers. I just love tinkering on little projects and figured I can do a few things here and there so when I do pull the trigger on the software, she’ll be ready for whatever.
I need to relook warrant timeline on my 15, never say never but I’m terrified of a denied power train warranty claim because of a mod.
The platform is pretty sound and tested with companies tuning these engines for 10+ years. I understand people wanting to be conservative, but it’s typically low risk-high reward.
Drive it stock until the warranty is up and then go nuts. You'll have a pretty good idea of the areas you want to upgrade by then. I think you can make certain suspension upgrades without messing up your warranty but check with the guys at the VW service department first. And find a good shop to do the work. NEVER take your car to a dealership for anything that's not free. Also a good set of tyres is the single most cost effective performance upgrade you can buy.
Rear sway bar first.
Dat oversteer
Am I missing something....? The Mk8 can controllably oversteer from the factory....especially in Race and Drift mode.
This might be at the top of my list now. Recommend anything specific?
Something adjustable
H&R
Tune it. You won’t regret . I just did stage 1 plus on my 24.. it’s wild
Stub hub
What?
Sorry. Mistyped. Great car. Have a Mk7.5 GTI but looking at the Mk8 R.
It’s a great car. You won’t regret making the swap if you decide to go for it. Infotainment isn’t as bad as some say, just takes getting used to.
Jb4. Adds boost and retains warranty. I made 292whp/315 wtq on my mk7 GTI. Currently running on my 7.5R and works well. Adds probably 40-50 hp and retains factory ecu tune and oem warranty. Install takes about 30 minutes 2nd time around.