The 30% Challenge?

[jp_lcr]

Hi,

Only my second post but I'm hopefully going to be a GTI owner by the end of March.

I remember reading something in the press releases for the MK6 that the requirements set to the engineers was called something like the 10% challenge. To improve 10% over the MK5 in all aspects without compromise to the all-rounder GTI capabilities. I've been reading this forum for a while and have seen many of you have done much more than that!

So what about a 30% challenge, to improve the characteristics in order, handling, braking, engine, cosmetics but critically without compromising as an all-rounder?

From my reading so far what about this to start the ball rolling?

- Bilstein B12 with Eibach Springs (or am I better with alternative AP coilovers)
- WALK and polybushes on rear of front wishbones to compliment
- Vibratechnics lower engine mount, replace left and right upper mounts with new OEM only

- S3/Cupra/R32 front setup, OEM rear setup
- Ferodo DS2500 pads front only
- Braided lines
- Decent fluid

- Revo Stage 1
- Panel Filter
- OEM rev-D dv

- BBS VZ or TD Pro race 1.2 (like both looks one OEM+ one race car)
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics
- Black VW bages

I know a lot is down to taste (30% better to me might be 100% worse to someone else) but appreciate any thoughts on list above and your experience from your own cars please?

Especially grateful if there are any no no's in my list or one that don't really gain you anything significant for the money?

[Top Cat]

All looks a good start to me.   The panel filter is not going to improve anything apart from making your wallet lighter.

Oh! and welcome to the forum.   

[tony_danza]

B12s will be perfect.
Don't bother replacing upper mounts that aren't broken.
Uprated rear ARB will compliment WALK

Get decent fast-road geo, stock settings are garbage. 

[tony_danza]

Yup, you don't need coils - Bilstein will have spent more time optimising the B12 kit than AP the coils. One is developed on the Ring, the other (it seems to me, like most cheap kits) is based on axle weights and a best guess.

Do the suspension and WALK/SuperPro inserts first, then see how it feels with better geo, you might not want the ARBs.

Just keep it simple and get the set up right, it'll be a great handling car 

[rich83]

Just the WALK and rear ARB on medium makes a massive difference to the balance of the car.

[GrayMK5GTI]

All looks a good start to me.   The panel filter is not going to improve anything apart from making your wallet lighter.

Oh! and welcome to the forum.   

Panel filter gave me a nice dyno proven 7bhp 

[Kregiel]

alloys are only really for looks! majority of 18 inch alloys will almost always be heavier then 17 inch monzas and those that aren't are pricey.... If you're looking for good handling vs price ratio look for gti on 17 inch monzas

[Mk5 GTian]

All looks a good start to me.   The panel filter is not going to improve anything apart from making your wallet lighter.

Oh! and welcome to the forum.   

Panel filter gave me a nice dyno proven 7bhp 

I noticed the difference with my Pipercross panel filter fitted. This is a dry filter, the K&N is lubricated, which has been known to interfere with MAF meter. It's the one JKM install as part of Stage 1.

[mvb12]

welcome and very interesting thread for a newbie 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

You won't see many better 2nd posts than that  

I'd say the following is a good setup on the GTI. Certainly 30% better in terms of performance.

Handling:

Bilstein B12 Kit
Uprated ARB's (H&R, KW etc)
WALK
Widened track whether that be spacers on OEM wheels or new wheels

Power:

ITG Maxogen CAI
Rev D or Forge DV
Milltek downpipe
Shark stage 3  
Autotech HPFPI

Stopping:

Hose technik braided lines
R32/S3 front brakes
OEM rears
Decent fluid