Stage 1 minimum. Then go stage 2 once that fun wears off.
You're not going to hit 300 on a stage 1/2. It's still a good upgrade, consider skipping those all together and just buy a k04/downpipe and intercooler
Yes, for sure needs K04 minimum for the 300 HP mark, but the fun that can be had for less than $500 is a great start.You're not going to hit 300 on a stage 1/2. It's still a good upgrade, consider skipping those all together and just buy a k04/downpipe and intercooler
I have a Manual, would I still be better to get an APR?Welcome!
A Stage 1 tune from APR or Unitronic will put a smile on your face. There are other tuning companies you can look into, but APR and Unitronic have been providing solid flash tunes for many years. Depending on if you have a manual or DSG, you may eventually want to look into a clutch upgrade or a DSG flash, respectively. I had my 2010 tuned at 600 miles by APR and was super happy with it.
It's a slippery slope as you can see in my signature.
Would you recommend any engine mounts?Yup, which it definitely will. lol
I started in a '12 GTI, Stg 1 just to wake it up, that's all I'll need......not long after.....well, Stg 2 is just a DP that's easy enough and get some more power, that'll be good........when I ended up trading it in for an S3 to get AWD I was looking at K04 for it lol
Now I have a Stg3 R......and I am hoping I can get it built out to 500HP+ down the road a few years. lol
This is very sound advice if OP is already looking for a goal of 300HP.
Plus I recommend planning for engine mounts, no reason to go that far and then give power away to engine flex.
You’d be happy with either APR or Unitronic. If you have an APR dealer near you, then that’s the route I’d go.I have a Manual, would I still be better to get an APR?
I am going the APR route do I need to change anything I do differently to keep my car running smoothly? Also should I invest in engine mounts before the tune?You’d be happy with either APR or Unitronic. If you have an APR dealer near you, then that’s the route I’d go.
With the exception of having extra coil packs on hand, just in case. Just keep up with your regular maintenance as usual. I wouldn’t do mounts until you feel you need them. I didn’t do anything with mounts until I had a K04 installed.I am going the APR route do I need to change anything I do differently to keep my car running smoothly? Also should I invest in engine mounts before the tune?
Engine mounts aren't really necessary - I'm still on stock ones and they work just fine.
If you're on a golf R, don't you already have K04?