Upgrade path for a stock MY08 Golf GTi

[nik]

Hi there

Well, I was considering getting a 135 or 335 at the end of this year but then I realised that I could re-lease my '08 GTi for not very much money really. For what it's going to cost me, and the fun I do get out of the car, I figure I'll hold off on the BMW purchase for at least another year or so. My car is good, it's comfortable, it's only lacking in a few comfort areas due to it's age. So, over the next few months I'm going to do the following:

- Upgrade to an RNS510 (advice on where to purchase and get installed in Canberra or NSW would be handy )
- Get a reverse camera (I like gimmicks, even in a hatch )
- Get a bluetooth unit (VW or Kufatec? Not sure)

But, there is one thing that's been nagging me for the past year or so about the car, and that's that the power doesn't really shock me much, at all. I've gotten used to it, I want something quicker. So I'm wondering what path to take in improving the speed of the car, and handling.

1. The first thing I'll be doing is purchasing a brake upgrade, simply because my brakes are getting worn out now and I figure it's better to be safe. Recommendations for this would be nice.
2. I have no idea on where to start for performance, or in what order I should upgrade the car to get better performance out of it. I don't want to push the DSG too hard, but I would like an extra kick over stock, thats for sure

Any advice, suggestions etc would be handy. The only thing I don't particularly like is a loud/showy exhaust, I'd much rather have a sleeper, or something that you wouldn't look twice at at the lights, I'm not afraid of a sports exhaust, but I only want to hear it like it's revving when it is actually revving . So I'm not looking for anything too extreme, just something that can be reliable and packs a bit of punch.

Thanks for any advice

[Deadpool]

Best bang for your back is an ECU Reflash. I'm sure the Canberra guys can help you out there. After that, a Downpipe will give you the next best gains for money and will give you a nice throaty noise.

If you want to go further, you have the option of a Cold Air Intake, High Pressure Fuel Pump, and an Intercooler to keep it all running smoothly. If you wish to play it safe, just stick with the ECU Reflash and it'll feel like a brand new car.

For handling a Front and Rear Swaybars plus Lower Control arm upgrades are always good. Can't go wrong with some decent rubber either.

[Tim]

Hi Nik

The best performance upgrade you can do is en ECU tune. This coupled with a downpipe and high flow cat really wake the car up a lot.

Factory cat back is a reasonably good design so its fine to keep it stock. The DP will generally add a little bit of rasp to the note when you get right up it but nothing too offensive.

If after that you feel you want more an upgraded high pressure fuel pump adds a nice whack of mid range torque which turns the car into a bit of a tyre shredder.

[jessv3]

One thing to keep in mind is that mods generally don't help with resale, because of the stigma that if its modded its been thrashed.. Things like exhausts are particularly an acquired taste and would make selling it even harder, however a flash can easily be reversed so I would stick with just that, its also going to give you the most gains per $.

In terms of the RNS510, you could down that path but your car is right on the cusp of possibly having an older canbus which means for an RNS to work you will need a new canbus + programming which adds expense, the ANS units which DKN sells are about half the price of the RNS and will have bluetooth, nav, reverse, usb, sd, etc all in one, certainly not as polished as an RNS but the saving is substantial by the time you factor in BT and reverse.

[Tom87]

2008 vehicles should be safe. I've got a late 2007 build MY2008 GTI with an L revision can module with no power draw using a 3rd gen radio. I think you're on the right path with adding tech goodies in the cabin, the stock MkV is quite outdated inside. It reflects its 2005 heritage anyway. I was going to add blueteeth but i can't decide what's the best solution....

You say you have no issues with how fun the car is to drive, so I don't think you should pursue fitting aftermarket swaybars, control arms etc. perhaps just address worn components, like shocks and bushings.

something like an APR stage 1 tune does sound very good...but not alot of point tuning a worn out car?

new performance tyres are a top idea too if you haven't already got some or the existing rubber is more than 3 yrs old.

[jessv3]

Re: Upgrade path for a stock MY08 Golf GTi

2008 vehicles should be safe.

He has an 07 model, at least thats what his sig says anyway...

Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2

[nik]

Yep, it's an MY08, december 2007 model.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll have some more questions tonight but I'm at work just now

Cheers!

[poyta]

With regards to who can help with your RNS510 - see this thread for a list

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f78/rns510-upgrades-repairs-incl-coding-who-can-help-75300.html

With regards to brake upgrade - depends on what sort of money you want to spend and how much extra stopping power you really want and need. Cheapest would be to just change the rotors to something flashy ( ie slotted or cross drilled ) and get some decent pads. Next step and its something I did was go for a set of R or R32 front calipers, changed to slotted rotors and added some ceramic pads - they look fantastic and because of the ceramic pads they don't dust and don't squeal but if I'm honest not exactly much of an improvement in braking. Next step after that would to get some decent 4 pot calipers from a reputable company like Brembo but we're talking serious cash here and you have to ask yourself...do you really need that extra braking power?

With regards to performance upgrades - yes I hear good things about the re-flash in the GTi but I would try and get one with a money back satisfaction guarantee and get one that can be reverted back to original just in case.