Thoughts on Modifying a MK6 GTI

Kinja'd!!! "federicomos" (federicomos)
09/29/2018 at 14:24 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!0 Kinja'd!!! 9

Hi Oppo,

I’m currently thinking of modifying my 2012 GTI after almost 7 years of ownership. The car has 80k miles on it and I’m concerned that throwing money to modify it at this mileage seems irresponsible.

But for the sake of financially irresponsible decisions here’s what I have in mind:

I’ve been looking at the Stage 1 and 2 ECU tunes from APR, Cobb, etc... Also interested in lowering the car a touch and doing some type of exhaust system (I know power gains are minimal, but I want to d o it for the sound!)

The car is used only once or twice a week to get groceries, short roadtrips (i.e. San Diego to LA) and the occasional commute to work (40 mile round trip all highway).

All in all I want to make it faster for the highway (somewhere in the 250 - 260 whp range on 91 , originally would have liked 300 whp but looks like it’s impossible with the stock turbo) and   improve the handling for the great canyon roads we have out here.

Thoughts? Would really appreciate the community’s input!

Kinja'd!!!

DISCUSSION (9)


Kinja'd!!! bob and john > federicomos
09/29/2018 at 14:53

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instead of throwing that much money at old car, consider a mk7 that comes with the bigger turbo stock.

and then those are 300WHP with just a tune


Kinja'd!!! My citroen won't start > federicomos
09/29/2018 at 14:58

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If it has the DSG. No

If it has manual. Yes, but with the caveat that you could get a MK7 that probably is a bit better and as Peter mentioned, comes with a bigger Burto. 


Kinja'd!!! ToyotaFamily > federicomos
09/29/2018 at 15:00

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I’d find a shop near you that may do package deals on tunes with an intake & down pipe . While the Mk6 is no match for the Mk7, it’s still a fun DD, that with a bit more power comes alive, at least IMO.

Also, join a VW group/forum. You’ll always find people selling good parts for a lot cheaper than new. 


Kinja'd!!! federicomos > bob and john
09/29/2018 at 15:03

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Point taken. I did have a go in the new mk7, don’t like how you can only get the 4 door now and finding a used 2 door one is almost impossible.


Kinja'd!!! federicomos > My citroen won't start
09/29/2018 at 15:03

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nope, good old 6 speed in mine! 


Kinja'd!!! Sovande > federicomos
09/29/2018 at 15:41

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I bought my car with 108,000 on the clock and then modified it to the point of adding about 75hp and 125 ft/lbs. It’s never stumbled. The key is to simply make sure the engine is healthy and then bolt shit on like it’s your job. And crank up the fuel and add a ton of timing. And then just hope.

Of course I don't drive a VW and have no idea what those motor as are capable of. 


Kinja'd!!! nermal > federicomos
09/29/2018 at 16:02

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The responsible thing to do would be to trade your GTI in on a 3-5 year old Toyota Camry, and drive it until the wheels fall off, for minimal cost .

But screw that, because it’s boring.

Adding ~$5k in mods to a car you have paid off because you want to isn’t a bad proposition. That should get you a reasonable combo of tune, intake, exhaust, and suspension. Don’t forget to replace the bushings if you’re doing suspension stuff already.

Do it!


Kinja'd!!! SlickMcRick > My citroen won't start
09/29/2018 at 22:26

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Why no if it had the DSG? I have a manual but it seems people love getting the DSG since it’s easy and quick to modify without worrying about a clutch.


Kinja'd!!! OmerCarrothers333 > federicomos
09/30/2018 at 10:39

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I drive a completely stock Mk6 GTI as well, and found mine in San Diego too.

Paddy McGrath (sp?) at Speedhunters has an excellent series of posts on what he’s done to his GTI. Including a bigger turbo. Just look up “Project GTI”.

I’ve noticed that here in Utah the preferred VW/Audi tuning/aftermarket parts house is Integrated Engineering. They’re local, so I get it. I like Cobb’s stuff myself, because I always thought tuners that don’t require me to have a PC-based laptop to plug into the car are awesome.

At the end of the day, it’s your money and your car. Have fun and go wild!