What to do after APR Stage 1 on gti pirelli........

[aplayboy2nv]

I got mine 1 week old (2nd hand if you want to call it that) in immaculate condition for $550, but they were around $750 brand new until APR took over distribution rights a few months ago. Since then, the price has risen significantly...same old story with APR products.

The standard APR intake (the Carbonio one) is not really a worthwhile upgrade in my opinion, i used to have one and sold it to a work collegue. As the air still travels through the restrictive engine cover, gains are minimal and sound difference is minimal too. Honestly wouldn't bother with the Carbonio it unless you can pick one up 2nd hand for circa $300-350. Its more for looks than performance or sound.

If you like the look of the VWR intake, then perhaps consider the Forge Wintake which i linked to in my previous post, they look quite similar. I wouldnt bother with the twin twin air filter version of the Forge (Twintake) as i just installed one of these on my friends Mk5 GTi a few weeks ago - it looks messy with the 2 air filters.

ahh cool thanks for the info...

If i choose to buy one of the forge ones or 2nd hand, are they relatively easy to install?

And most of the pictures on those website, the engine cover isn't on. With the cold air intakes, do the engine cover not fit onto the car anymore?

finally, apart from the price of the VWR one, do you like it? compared with others (your friends?)

[Lucas_R]

ahh cool thanks for the info...

If i choose to buy one of the forge ones or 2nd hand, are they relatively easy to install?

And most of the pictures on those website, the engine cover isn't on. With the cold air intakes, do the engine cover not fit onto the car anymore?

finally, apart from the price of the VWR one, do you like it? compared with others (your friends?)

If you have some basic tools and some DIY knowhow, then you will be able to install any one of the aftermarket intakes in less than 1hr. You will need Torx bit (T20 / T25 size from memory for the screws), some multigrip pliers, and a couple of screwdrivers and/or some small sockets (8-10mm from memory).

There is a good DIY thread here which applies for your car too > http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread....lf-quot-R-quot

All the aftermarket intakes are pretty much similar in the installation process. As you mentioned. the engine cover no longer fits when you have an aftermarket intake. Many people are happy with the coverless-engine (cosmetic only anyway), but there are aftermarket alternatives if you want a cover - for instance i have a cover from an Audi TTS on my car.

When i said that i didnt particularily like the Forge one i installed on my friends car, i was referring to the twin airfilter setup of the Twintake. It just looks a bit messy in my opinion and was a bit of a bugger to get it all fitted due to space limitations. The single air filter version (Wintake) of the same intake is the one i would pick. And yes, im very happy with my VWR one, but just couldnt justify paying $975 for it.

[aplayboy2nv]

Cool thanks for the info... it made my decision easier.

As for the engine cover, from your research which ones fit into golfs? As I like the engine cover it's a cleaner look.

[Lucas_R]

Cool thanks for the info... it made my decision easier.

As for the engine cover, from your research which ones fit into golfs? As I like the engine cover it's a cleaner look.

The Audi TTS cover is very easy to install and will cost you about $240 for the engine cover itself and the 3x mounting bolts required to mount it. There are several aftermarket covers available (Evoms is one i can think of) but they look pretty cheap/crappy in my opinion.

See here for part numbers and a picture of the Audi TTS cover on my car: http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread....l=1#post225897

[GLIDN]

Did not really read all the other posts. I would however pop into your APR dealer and get the New software for your car, Should be no cost to you.
Should notice a massive difference.

As for as performance mods go, are you after better handling, Power, Speed?

Handling - WhiteLine Anti Lift Kit is the go, But APR make an Aluminium Arm replacement with the bushes. So shave 2Kg's per corner and get the better handling, coupled with Swaybar. I believe they are working on an adjustable ball joint solutions too.

For the Swaybar? that really up to you. I do have the APR rear swaybar, It was more expensive then a few options, But all options meant importing for me. (including APR Swaybar)

Next would be either some H&R Springs, for a little lowering, or adjustable suspension for overall adjustment
This is really dependent on how deep your pockets are or what you would actually like to accomplish

Power - Well you can go as little as a Downpipe (not a great deal gained full turbo back on MK5 anyway - on stock turbo) It will sound amazing on the go but no different than stock. Again Dependent on requiring a CAT for your State, choose your Poison. I have help install many APR down pipes and a fwe other brands. No eurojet thou. Fitting was super easy and quick, everything required comes with them too.

Fuelpump is a great add on. It makes a HUGE difference to the way the car reacts. It's amazing. I opted for a new APR pump myself. That way I could revert quickly enough. I chose the APR pump, for two reason's.
1. Lifetime Warranty - sweet don't have to worry other than making sure I change Camshaft bucket Regularly. It's a nice piece of kit will all new sensors
2. Of searching for almost 2 years on multiple forums, APR Pump, Autotech, HPFPupgrade. I only managed to find one person in the world thats APR pump seized after almost 50000 miles. APR ended up replacing the part for the customer. Due to the Postal service not providing well "their" service. An APR rep installed the pump for free at the owners house too.

Intakes - VW Racing, ITG, Forge TwinTake seem to produce the most beneficial gains on Tuned cars anyway.
To me the carbonio allows more air straight in. But still using factory Box, I'm not soo sure more HP Gain would truly be seen, other than throttle response. From Logs I have seen.

I know many people seem to have issue's with APR's "expensive products". The fact that I have been able to talk to APR in NZ, US and AUS. when I had small issue's which turned out to be the car. Mean's I know I will have support no matter where I am.
Again just basing all this on my experiences and research. Everyone is fully entitled to their options and opinions.

Speed - The new version V3.1 software for K04'd cars. It's amazing to say the least. Had the pleasure of testing this on a friends ED30. WOW is what comes to mind.

[aplayboy2nv]

Did not really read all the other posts. I would however pop into your APR dealer and get the New software for your car, Should be no cost to you.
Should notice a massive difference.

As for as performance mods go, are you after better handling, Power, Speed?

Handling - WhiteLine Anti Lift Kit is the go, But APR make an Aluminium Arm replacement with the bushes. So shave 2Kg's per corner and get the better handling, coupled with Swaybar. I believe they are working on an adjustable ball joint solutions too.

For the Swaybar? that really up to you. I do have the APR rear swaybar, It was more expensive then a few options, But all options meant importing for me. (including APR Swaybar)

Next would be either some H&R Springs, for a little lowering, or adjustable suspension for overall adjustment
This is really dependent on how deep your pockets are or what you would actually like to accomplish

Power - Well you can go as little as a Downpipe (not a great deal gained full turbo back on MK5 anyway - on stock turbo) It will sound amazing on the go but no different than stock. Again Dependent on requiring a CAT for your State, choose your Poison. I have help install many APR down pipes and a fwe other brands. No eurojet thou. Fitting was super easy and quick, everything required comes with them too.

Fuelpump is a great add on. It makes a HUGE difference to the way the car reacts. It's amazing. I opted for a new APR pump myself. That way I could revert quickly enough. I chose the APR pump, for two reason's.
1. Lifetime Warranty - sweet don't have to worry other than making sure I change Camshaft bucket Regularly. It's a nice piece of kit will all new sensors
2. Of searching for almost 2 years on multiple forums, APR Pump, Autotech, HPFPupgrade. I only managed to find one person in the world thats APR pump seized after almost 50000 miles. APR ended up replacing the part for the customer. Due to the Postal service not providing well "their" service. An APR rep installed the pump for free at the owners house too.

Intakes - VW Racing, ITG, Forge TwinTake seem to produce the most beneficial gains on Tuned cars anyway.
To me the carbonio allows more air straight in. But still using factory Box, I'm not soo sure more HP Gain would truly be seen, other than throttle response. From Logs I have seen.

I know many people seem to have issue's with APR's "expensive products". The fact that I have been able to talk to APR in NZ, US and AUS. when I had small issue's which turned out to be the car. Mean's I know I will have support no matter where I am.
Again just basing all this on my experiences and research. Everyone is fully entitled to their options and opinions.

Speed - The new version V3.1 software for K04'd cars. It's amazing to say the least. Had the pleasure of testing this on a friends ED30. WOW is what comes to mind.

Umm I'm not really looking to improve handling... as I live in Sydney and 95% of my driving are city roads (stop start) not much of the twisty stuff and actually don't feel the need.

I guess i'm looking for a bit more power... BUT I don't intend to do alot of modification, most likely just one item now, and maybe another item next year when I get my car serviced (that's if I don't sell the car), so no massive plans ahead.

So it's either a downpipe, VWR intake or fuel pump... all from APR... as I get my car serviced at an APR dealer.

Still deciding which one is best for me (or actually which one is best as a single add on). I've heard that fuel pump is good, but doesn't add as much if I only have stage 1 tune. So it's either VWR intake or downpipe... I have to book it in soon, my plan at the moment is if I ring Derek@european Autotech, if they have VWR intake in stock, i'll just get that, if not I'll just get the downpipe lol

out of those two... which one is better as a single add on?

[bwen]

Umm I'm not really looking to improve handling... as I live in Sydney and 95% of my driving are city roads (stop start) not much of the twisty stuff and actually don't feel the need.

I guess i'm looking for a bit more power... BUT I don't intend to do alot of modification, most likely just one item now, and maybe another item next year when I get my car serviced (that's if I don't sell the car), so no massive plans ahead.

So it's either a downpipe, VWR intake or fuel pump... all from APR... as I get my car serviced at an APR dealer.

Still deciding which one is best for me (or actually which one is best as a single add on). I've heard that fuel pump is good, but doesn't add as much if I only have stage 1 tune. So it's either VWR intake or downpipe... I have to book it in soon, my plan at the moment is if I ring Derek@european Autotech, if they have VWR intake in stock, i'll just get that, if not I'll just get the downpipe lol

out of those two... which one is better as a single add on?

Downpipe without a doubt

[AP]

Full exhaust, FMIC and intake..

[aplayboy2nv]

Thanks for all the info guys, I've finally made a decision... booked in a time to get my service done next tuesday at European Autotech, and after long deliberation I have decided to go with the APR RSC downpipe and the APR HPFP!! I'm regretting it at the moment because I'm tight on the budget... hopefully I won't be after driving the car... :|

[Tinto]

Haha ahhhh buyers remorse... Nah you won't regret it

Hope you have a well stocked licence though.