"Just add boost!" owning a 300whp jetta

"PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power" (petarvn) 09/04/2016 at 11:30 • Filed to: None

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Five days ago, I got out of bed, showered and dressed, and then went out to meet my friend who was waiting. I hopped in his 2014 Camaro, and we set off to a local shop. “So, how fast do you think it’s gonna be?” he asked. I looked at him “faster than this thing?” he teased. That’s when I smiled “yeah actually, it will be.”

We soon arrived at our destination, a tuning shop in Redmond, WA that specializes in making VW’s and Audis a lot faster than they have any right to be. Their name? Achtuning. Inside the shop, sat a little red GLI, just waiting to be taken out for a spin.

“Alright, the new clutch and diff gotta be broken in, so take it easy the first 750 miles. Don’t want you breaking anything” I vaguely remember them telling me this as I keyed the ignition on the car. The car cranked over once, fired and proceeded to run through it’s cold start cycle, burbling away through it’s newly mounted 3" downpipe, high flow cat, and AWE touring catback. In front of that downpipe sat the crown jewel and the most beloved turbo of the VW mk6 community; the Borg Warner K04.

On the Mk6 platform, this turbine could easily be fitted to most cars, allowing for huge power gains. it turned the relatively docile GTI and GLI in to total monsters in a straight line, but that wasn’t all. My particular car got a Wavetrac LSD as well. this meant that the car could now be taken in to any turn, and be taken through the turn at Wide. Open. Throttle. no ‘if’s’ or ‘but’s’.

since then, I’ve put about 550 miles on the car, and gotten to see what it can truly do, and my god the things it will do.

Picture this: A jetta.

Before recieving it’s new exhaust... it’s bigger (and louder) now :)

Now, picture yourself driving a fine German sports sedan, like an E90 335i, or maybe even a 2010 C63 AMG. now, imagine this little red Jetta being able to not only keep up with you in a straight line, but outpace you, and then manage to accelerate up the on-ramp at speeds at which your powerful RWD German sport sedan would only scoff at, as it initiates a huge speed-shedding powerslide.

THAT is the exact experience this car has delivered, and I’ve yet to truly wind it out.

AS it sits now, the GLI makes (give or take) 300 front wheel hp, and 325 front wheel torque. it will gladly spin it’s pilot supersports all the way to 60 MPH, and it will not hesitate in vigorous acceleration at speeds that would be considered illegal and dangerous by most governments of the world.

the car is pushing 31psi (or about 2.31 bar) of boost with no issues, and there is room for more still.

Driving it is hilariously fun. the grip around on-ramps verges on the border between stupid and unreal. the acceleration makes the car punch way above it’s weight class, and it definitely drops jaws of the drivers of much more expensive cars when it keeps up.

So, next time you spot a GTI or GLI somewhere, just consider the fact it may be K04 (or even GTX) equipped, and then that GTI or GLI will turn in to a GTbye or Lbye.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 11:34

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This is fantastic.

Opposite Locksmith > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 11:36

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You don't even have a gli

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 11:39

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Not to mention the hilarious overcaffeinated squirrel noises coming from the K04 and supporting hardware.

Steve in Manhattan > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 11:46

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My question is the same as always - are all the pieces that need to be upgraded upgraded? Crazy horsepower is great, but if something breaks, you’ll be stranded. But then again, I’m an asshole.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Steve in Manhattan 09/04/2016 at 11:53

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He changed the diff, clutch and tyres I think? Should be fine depending on how hard its driven.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 12:04

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This is great. This may be one of the fastest cars on oppo currently. I still think an S600 would take it in a straight line but you’d almost definitely take me in the twisty bits. It is terrifyingly competent at taking long sweeping corners at stupefying speeds though. Awesome car man !

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Opposite Locksmith 09/04/2016 at 12:05

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Wut ?

Matsayz > Steve in Manhattan 09/04/2016 at 12:28

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31 psi does sound like a lot. Hopefully it’s a safe tune. Reading your comment makes me think about internals though. But that’s for “later”, when it breaks!

Steve in Manhattan > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 09/04/2016 at 12:33

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I am so set in my ways - if I had to buy a car now, give me something stock. So worried that anything that’s changed voids the warranty or wears out the differential, other parts ... GAAAH! Just ignore me - I live in Manhattan and won’t be buying a car ever again. I’ll show myself out in the next Camry Hybrid taxi that comes along ....

DipodomysDeserti > Steve in Manhattan 09/04/2016 at 12:38

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He's only running 300hp, so the stock non forged internals should be fine.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Steve in Manhattan 09/04/2016 at 12:44

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I would never buy a car that was previously nodified unless I knew the owner and they knew what they were doing. But I’d be happy to change things on my own car.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Steve in Manhattan 09/04/2016 at 12:48

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Stock DSM motors can take about 40. I beat mine for a year with 28psi and no issues at all

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 12:52

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Lol. my AWD DSM was 300whp and would destroy that off a launch.

Also remember thats 300 through front tires...

Great that you love making your car fast and i approve of that but soon young padawan you will learn that AWD and RWD are far superior ways to have power put down.

C62030 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 13:25

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People like you prove how fun FWD can still be.

cluelessk > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 13:48

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K04 pushing 31lbs. That thing even efficient at that level?

K04 is the stock turbo in my Cobalt and they run out of steam in the 21-23lbs ish range.

Good for about 300whp and 325wtq with a downpipe and intake.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > cluelessk 09/04/2016 at 15:00

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Well I’m full bolt ons around the turbo, and it seems efficient enough. As for MPG efficiency, I’m averaging 27mpg combined so not horrible

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Steve in Manhattan 09/04/2016 at 15:05

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Yep, pretty much everything is up to par, but I’ll be getting solid engine mounts, and overkill-big brakes soon.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 09/04/2016 at 15:06

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They are, but from a 60 roll, does it really matter? 

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/04/2016 at 15:07

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Fastest? Maybe... I’ve yet to try the 100 octane race tune, then we’ll see :)

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 15:09

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We’ll see what happens when I treat my S600 to a ECU tune

ForzdaZE96 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 16:34

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Do you have a specific build sheet other than the bolt ons? I’m interested in a like setup. Also, what years is your car in particular?

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/04/2016 at 16:38

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...do they even make those for S600s? I think I heard of one, but it’s like $12k since it has to be tailor made for each specific car.

jkm7680 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 16:39

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Noice!

When I get a B5 S4, I’m gonna go with a Frankenturbo F21 setup. But maybe K04s down the line.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > ForzdaZE96 09/04/2016 at 16:39

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I’ll send you one over when I’m home from work, and mine is a 12

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/04/2016 at 16:41

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True, but you’ve got 5000 lbs of wood l, leather and metal. I’m at 3200lbs

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > jkm7680 09/04/2016 at 16:42

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Nah no Franken turbo those leak oil bad. You’re better off going K04's

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > C62030 09/04/2016 at 16:42

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It can be stupid fun! Especially when WOT is possible at every occasion

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Opposite Locksmith 09/04/2016 at 16:43

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Uhhhhhb yeah i do? I called it a jetta though

jkm7680 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 16:50

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Ehhh, I’ve heard of some people having oil leak issues. But for the most part, not really.

AM3R shamefully returns > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 16:54

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Hmmmm. Would love to try you in my 335i.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > C62030 09/04/2016 at 17:00

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I think that the Fiesta ST is proof enough that FWD is plenty fun. Being able to keep up with much faster cars on a twisty mountain road is nice.

uofime-2 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 17:14

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Are upgraded head studs a thing for vws?

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/04/2016 at 17:21

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Nope. Renntech will sell you a ECU/TCU tuner that you plug into your OBD port for as little (relatively speaking of course) as $3000. That one will take your S600 up to 625 hp and 745 torque. I plan on having it before next summer...

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 17:21

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This is very true. 620 hp/ 745 torque tho...

citizennick > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 17:53

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eh...

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 18:46

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you can still spin from a 60 roll. ask me how...

Little Black Coupe Turned Silver > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/04/2016 at 19:21

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Maybe one of the fastest FWD, but there’s a lot right in that same range to give it a run for it’s money.

TheHondaBro > Opposite Locksmith 09/04/2016 at 19:25

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It's a GLI. I've seen his car in person.

TheHondaBro > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 19:26

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That’s it. You and I are having a race. Everett to Renton. You take I405 and I take I5, we’ll see who’s fastest.

Opposite Locksmith > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 19:45

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Nah dude nah

Opposite Locksmith > TheHondaBro 09/04/2016 at 19:45

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Nah he doesn't have a car nah

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 19:51

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That engine will handle over 31psi indefinitely? Did you have to switch to studs?

Discerning > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 20:12

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I knew a guy with a 300whp gti who thought he was pretty quick. His car didn’t even trap 110.

Have you taken it to the track yet?

Discerning > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 20:32

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Hold on a second... a C63 traps over 115 with ease. I think you’re over estimating your cars potential.

For reference, a c5z weighs roughly 3000lbs, makes about 360 to the wheels, and trap about 115-117.

I have a hard time believing a 300whp, 3200lb car is trapping over 115.

LongbowMkII > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 20:50

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Only sushi chefs do rolls.

TheDutchTexan > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 20:59

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I really like the body style on those. Audi, but not quite. I hope to come across one down the line in my quest for more car reviews. It would be an awesome car to finally drive, even in stock form I bet!

FromCanadaWithLove > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 22:24

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Daaaaaamn. How much does it weigh? I reckon that might outrun my M235i. 

Steve in Manhattan > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 22:31

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Brakes are good. Bigger brakes are more good. Keep us informed.

Dave the car guy , still here > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 22:50

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Congrats, I’m only about 270 hp at crank on my VR6, but I know where you’re coming from. Eventually my car will be a bit over 300 at crank but not at wheels. That has to be a ton of fun.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/04/2016 at 22:58

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300 wheel is a great number. You said it’s running 30 psi. Have there been people having reliability issues with that much boost?

Spaceball-Two > Opposite Locksmith 09/04/2016 at 23:04

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Yes he does. I've met him and seen the car.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/05/2016 at 00:43

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Nope, none. Some people run even more hahah

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > jkm7680 09/05/2016 at 03:07

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and i’ve heard horror stories on FT’s. i might be biased, but i love the K04

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Steve in Manhattan 09/05/2016 at 03:08

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will do!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/05/2016 at 03:08

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:)

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 09/05/2016 at 03:08

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oh ya! they’re awesome!

Zachary Oberle > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/05/2016 at 03:24

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No shit man! modern VW/Audi group bottom ends and transaxles are no joke. The 2.5 liter 5-cylinder is the same way. Add a turbo and you are good for 350 WHP all day every day.

I just got back from Bluewater Performance in Denver, gonna be writing a piece or two on them soon. They’ve got a 5-cylinder swap MKV R32 land-speed racer that laid down more than a thousand
horsepower to the wheels . Sure, it’s a built bottom-end, but they’re doing it with an un-sleeved block and the stock ECU! When they started it up for me the damn thing went through a regular cold-start cycle just like my shitty 2001 Jetta. It was unreal!

Volkswagens man...

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Benjamin Rolland > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/05/2016 at 09:01

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I mean.... There’s people with corvettes and a guy with a Ford GT, not to mention gizmo with his 750 hp XLR.....

jkm7680 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/05/2016 at 09:46

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I’ve heard mainly positive things from 2.7t owners, the K04s are too expensive.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/05/2016 at 11:13

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Not really any major ones :)

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Dave the car guy , still here 09/05/2016 at 11:14

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It’s hilarious fun, especially when you outpace cars twice your price!

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/05/2016 at 11:23

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That’s impressive. I’d expect bottom end or trans problems with more power.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Benjamin Rolland 09/05/2016 at 11:28

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Holy shit! I didn't know his XLR was making that much power. Also, the ford GT guy sold both of them.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Benjamin Rolland 09/05/2016 at 11:29

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Why were you greyed ?

Opposite Locksmith > Spaceball-Two 09/05/2016 at 11:31

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Psh nah

Roadster Man > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/05/2016 at 12:11

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Nice! How much tire are you running?

Benjamin Rolland > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/05/2016 at 12:13

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Lolidk

Benjamin Rolland > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 09/05/2016 at 12:14

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What about the people with vipers?

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Benjamin Rolland 09/05/2016 at 12:15

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True.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/05/2016 at 13:07

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Well, the car’s 2nd gear synchro is not long for this world, but so long as i don’t go WOT in 1st and 2nd (something that’s impossible with the ammount of wheelspin and wheelhop i get) it’s 100% fine

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Roadster Man 09/05/2016 at 13:08

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225-wide pilot supersports all around. I’ll be running a 215 winter tire on some winter wheels through snow season, but next spring the car will have a set of 235-wide RE11's all around.

You can’t really fit anything wider on these.

jordang1028 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/05/2016 at 18:12

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I’m sure your car is very quick, but considering a C63 has about 383hp at the rear wheels (assuming a 15% drivetrain loss), I don’t think you will be outpacing too many of them. I’m sure you can walk 335s all day though.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/05/2016 at 21:04

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can u not - I’m trying to buy a car in a few months and this is NOT HELPING ME AVOID A BAD DECISION.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 09/06/2016 at 03:54

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I was gonma buy a brand new mustang GT. This is better. Boost what you have now :)