Mk6 Golf GTI - Newbie Questions

Mk6 Golf GTI - Newbie Questions

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MTK1919

Original Poster:

739 posts

212 months

Wednesday 19th February 2020
quotequote all
Hi folks

I recently picked up a Mk6 Golf GTI as a run around, thread here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Well as with all so called runarounds, things always escalate quickly and you're seeking more (well in my case anyway).

The car has got a very good service history and has recently had a few more service items completed to ensure she's tip top.

So I'm now looking to do a few things, but nothing drastic in the grand scheme of things.

The car is standard presently but today it's going in for a Stage 1 Revo remap. Seemed rude not to do this given the costs and potential returns. My other car is a C63 507, so clearly this is always going to be on a different level to the GTI, but I thought no harm in doing this (I'll report back later today).
One (newbie) question I have about VW's and is around the different variations of engine and state of tune. So for example, what is different about the GTI and R engines in stock form? I appreciate a stage one on a GTI engine will raise it to R levels, but what does the R have that's different from the off? Obviously an R stage one will raise the level yet again but would that be comparable to a GTI stage 2 (for example).

I appreciate in Mk6 form, the R engine is actually different (from the Mk5 if I read correctly) but it always got me curious. If the engines are essentially very similar then why is can't a stage 1 on both yield similar results? Appreciate that's a newbie question, so go easy.

Next question is in car entertainment. I would really like to upgrade my system to add android auto / apple car play. What are the recommendations here? I'd like to keep things standard ish looking, retaining all the steering wheel functions, reverse camera etc. I believe there is a newer VW model (RCD 330+) which may tick the box and be plug and play, but it would be useful to get other people's thoughts. I also came across this which looks pretty smart, but it doesn't seem to be perfectly plug and play and requires some modifications to get it to fit.

https://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/SingleView/i90...

Anyway, appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

Thanks

MTK1919

Original Poster:

739 posts

212 months

Wednesday 19th February 2020
quotequote all
Well had the stage 1 fitted today. I kind of expected some positive change after reading numerous opinions, but didn't quite expect as much as what I've come home with.

At low speeds it feels largely the same. Provoke it a bit more and it's very apparent that it's working much harder. Stick in it, and it appears to rev out much much better. All to be expected to be honest but well worth the small outlay.

I don't thing the box (albeit dsg) is as smart as it should be. I think sport mode is too rev happy but normal mode seems dimwitted on the down shift after heavy acceleration. I'm definitely seeking something in the middle and may investigate the stage 1 dsg map too.

Belle427

8,858 posts

232 months

Friday 21st February 2020
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There is lots of info here about the head units, im sure the Alpine would fit ok but you would need harness and fascia adapters the latter of which can sometimes look a bit tacky.
Mk 5 generally but Mk 6 stuff there too.
https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?PHPSE...

Anything next to a C63 is going to feel lethargic!
Maybe think abut going stage 2 but that would involve other hardware and maybe not worth the hassle on a front wheel drive car.
Impressive gains on stage 2 though.

Edited by Belle427 on Friday 21st February 10:55

manracer

1,544 posts

96 months

Friday 21st February 2020
quotequote all
MTK1919 said:
Well had the stage 1 fitted today. I kind of expected some positive change after reading numerous opinions, but didn't quite expect as much as what I've come home with.

At low speeds it feels largely the same. Provoke it a bit more and it's very apparent that it's working much harder. Stick in it, and it appears to rev out much much better. All to be expected to be honest but well worth the small outlay.

I don't thing the box (albeit dsg) is as smart as it should be. I think sport mode is too rev happy but normal mode seems dimwitted on the down shift after heavy acceleration. I'm definitely seeking something in the middle and may investigate the stage 1 dsg map too.
i had a mk5 edition 30 gti with stage 1 (300bhp) and a dsg remap - the box remap helps a lot - higher torque clamping loads for gears, less eagerness to change down too many cogs, quicker shifts, higher rev limit, higher launch control limit - well worth it when mapped.

the-photographer

3,479 posts

175 months

Friday 21st February 2020
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If money is no object get a proper OEM unit

https://www.advanced-incar.co.uk/products/volkswag...

JHeardy

33 posts

121 months

Saturday 22nd February 2020
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MTK1919 said:
Well had the stage 1 fitted today. I kind of expected some positive change after reading numerous opinions, but didn't quite expect as much as what I've come home with.

At low speeds it feels largely the same. Provoke it a bit more and it's very apparent that it's working much harder. Stick in it, and it appears to rev out much much better. All to be expected to be honest but well worth the small outlay.

I don't thing the box (albeit dsg) is as smart as it should be. I think sport mode is too rev happy but normal mode seems dimwitted on the down shift after heavy acceleration. I'm definitely seeking something in the middle and may investigate the stage 1 dsg map too.
Who did the remap? Was it Revo ? I’ve had a stage one done on a previous mk5 gti and was happy enough, it was manual though.
I’ve recently bought a 2012 edition 35 and with this i took it to R-Tech performance went from 246-302
Price wise it was £695 all in but that was for inlet manifold removal and walnut blast injectors out bench test and service engine & dsg box map
It’s so much better to drive now as the power band was way to high up which meant you had to drive it hard constantly. Not an issue anymore

MTK1919

Original Poster:

739 posts

212 months

Saturday 22nd February 2020
quotequote all
Thanks all, appreciate the comments.

With regards to the head unit, I'm going to try and track down a RCD330+. Seems perfect for my needs and keeps it almost OEM.

The garage I used for the revo remap said I can trail it for 30 days with a full refund. It's around £250 to have it done

I drove a tatty MK6 golf R today as a potential project to sit along side the GTI. It's probably a bit risky, but I've stuck in a really cheeky offer, and will see how it goes. It didn't feel quite as peppy as mine though, but I did enjoy not having crazy torque steer and wheel spin!

JHeardy

33 posts

121 months

Sunday 23rd February 2020
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I have a OE headunit in mine (not sure of model) but its terrible!! Unbelievably slow to start up and respond also Dab reception is poor too.
It has nav bluetooth & Dyn audio but it doesn’t make up for how antiquated it is

MTK1919

Original Poster:

739 posts

212 months

Sunday 23rd February 2020
quotequote all
I came across a barely used set of Mk7 Clubsport Belvedere wheels with nearly new oem Bridgestones on them. They'd done just 5000km since new from the previous owner before he swapped them.

Bit of a risk looks wise but at 7.6kg a corner they're a handy 3.2kg a wheel lighter than the previous wheels.

Fitted tonight and I like the way they look. Thougts? Appreciate some might prefer the before, being more period and all!

Before


After