'06 Gti Understeer, Stopping Power, Paint, Battery

[tp#12]

Hi All,

I've had my GTi for a while now, it's APR stage 1 and I'm about to treat her to some RS4 style 18in wheels and new tyres, of some description as yet undecided ...

In fact there's a few things I'd like to do to her ... she has enough go, for now, but she doesn't have enough stop and I'm reasonably conservative with her because of that reason and the fact that she understeers. It feels like there's not enough weight on the front to dig the tyres in...

So, hoping to keep the costs down as much as possible but I'd really like to have a bit of bite in the brakes and get rid of the understeer - what are my options?

She also needs a new battery and a paint detail (swirls and car park love etc)

Ideally I'd like to go to one place and get it all done at once so a recommendation of good people to take her to would be AWESOME - I live in Rozelle

I'm also happy to be recommended great threads that cover a lot of this. Thanks guys and gals.

[tom89]

How many KM's? The OEM suspension could be a bit tired. A good inspection could find some sloppy bushes in need of replacement.

Ensure you get some decent tyres when you renew yours, if it means passing up the wheels then do so. Tyres are probably the best thing you can do for handling.

For brakes, a pad and rotor upgrade will do wonders for stopping efficiency, the OEM setup does not dissipate heat very well.
For rotors, DBA T2 or T3 are a good upgrade.
Pads, you have a huge choice. Check out ECS tuning as a guide, a few of their pads can be sourced in Aus. 403 Forbidden (ECS can be a good place to source all you parts in one go).

A rear sway bar (or both front and rear) from H&R will help curb your understeer issues, along with good tyres. You could also look into some lowering springs from H&R too.

I'm not sure of a place you can get everything done at once but I know Exoticars (Nth Parramatta) can sort the mechanical things for you and right next door is Reflect Effect that can sort the paint.

[tp#12]

You're a superstar, thank you .. Helga has 74k kms on her, just about to tick over 75k.

I haven't driven her with decent tyres so I'll be keen to chuck decent ones on ... my standard wheels have curb rash so need to go...happy to spend money on tyres as well though.

[tp#12]

I'm thinking of getting RS4 type wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 3s for $1700 .... sound good?

Audi